By Florida Catholic staff - Florida Catholic
MIAMI | La Salle Educational Center has received a $10,000 donation from The Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation at The Miami Foundation, as part of the program’s latest round of grants totaling $1.6 million.
Set to be released through 2021, the multiyear initiative will support a total of 15 South Florida-based nonprofits, including both new and existing grantees. The funds will directly benefit low-income agricultural families in Homestead.
“Despite being among the hardest hit groups, local nonprofits have stepped up through every stage of this devastating crisis,” said Jorge M. Pérez, founder of the Pérez Family Foundation, CEO of The Related Group and nationally recognized philanthropist. "These organizations are truly the backbone of our region and ensuring they have the vital support they need is our utmost priority. We look forward to working with each of these teams to help our community recover and thrive.”
The La Salle Educational Center serves low income and agricultural families in South Dade, following the traditions of the Lasallian Brothers of the Christian Schools. In a safe and nurturing environment, the center offers an opportunity for an integral formation through education, faith formation, vocational skills and sports.
“We strive to strengthen academic ability and leadership skills that will enable them to grow and raise themselves out of poverty,” said Monica Santos Lauzurique, executive director of the center.
These latest contributions from the Pérez Family Foundation follow a $500,000 grant distributed in early 2020 to support organizations in the early days of COVID-19.
