Blog
![Eric making desks for UP! students](https://www.canalalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Desks-photo-2-newsletter-600x400.jpg)
Former educator builds and donates handmade desks to UP! students
Posted: January 20, 2021
As the digital divide added to the crisis that was disproportionately impacting students and families of color, Eric creatively and generously put his talents and passion to work supporting students. In total, Eric crafted 17 desks by hand for UP! students, and Lisa complemented the donation by providing school supplies.
![Canal Alliance volunteer, Nancy Curran](https://www.canalalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/20210108_124059-600x400.jpg)
Volunteer spotlight – Nancy Curran
Posted: January 20, 2021
For over 20 years, Nancy Curran has demonstrated her dedication to Marin’s immigrant community by serving as the Canal Alliance Citizenship Class instructor. Through her volunteer service, she has helped, hundreds (if not thousands) of clients become U.S. citizens!
![Canal Alliance Logo](https://www.canalalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/CA_Logo_RGB-600x400.png)
December 10th: See the impact of your support
Posted: December 10, 2020
Read our Crisis Response & Impact Report to learn how we have pivoted our services to ensure that our core programs continue to serve the community while also launching new services to address the most pressing health, educational and economic impacts that this crisis is having in the Latino immigrant community.
![Pellie Anderson](https://www.canalalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/image-1-600x400.png)
Volunteer spotlight – Pellie Anderson
Posted: December 9, 2020
Pellie Anderson began volunteering with UP! (University Prep) in 2018. Since then, Pellie has provided students with homework support, study skills, and organizational skills for two hours every week.
![Cat Melgar](https://www.canalalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/CatMelgar-600x400.png)
UP! alumni turned staff member
Posted: December 9, 2020
Cat Melgar currently works part-time as a Youth Program Assistant with our college access and success program, UP! (University Prep). Although she has been working at Canal Alliance since July 2020, she has been involved with us for over 10 years as an UP! Student and graduate.
![Canal Alliance Logo](https://www.canalalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/CA_Logo_RGB-600x400.png)
The Latest on DACA (As of December 4, 2020)
Posted: December 4, 2020
On Friday, December 4, a district judge in New York ruled that the government must start accepting new applications for DACA. This ruling also restored the 2-year duration of DACA and its accompanying work permits.
![Canal Alliance Logo](https://www.canalalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/CA_Logo_RGB-600x400.png)
November 19th: Celebrating our advocacy & community engagement successes
Posted: November 19, 2020
In our latest newsletter, we thank Canal Alliance staff and volunteers who helped to get out the vote and also read about our Giving Tuesday goal and how you can support us!
![Canal Alliance Logo](https://www.canalalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/CA_Logo_RGB-600x400.png)
November 6th: Let us be patient and count every vote
Posted: November 6, 2020
In our latest newsletter, we thank all of the volunteers who helped to get out the vote and also read about how our Workforce Development Program is making an impact.
![Gelvin Hernandez](https://www.canalalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/gelvin-595x400.png)
Gelvin’s Story: Learning a New Trade
Posted: November 6, 2020
When Gelvin learned about the Workforce Development program, he connected with Regina Vindel, Workforce Development Career Navigator. Regina helped him enroll in our Construction Certification course.