International Women’s Day

I’d like to recognize this courageous woman Lorraine Montenegro on this day of International Women’s Day. Co-Founder of United Bronx Parents a community based organization that helped start bilingual education in NYC public schools. Summer Breakfast and Lunch programs for NYC youths. ESL ( English as a Second Language ) classes. Lorraine Montenegro was a trailblazer in the substance abuse world by creating The First Women with Children substance abuse program where women would get treatment housing and employment while keeping the family together! A single women raising 5 kids by herself she went back to school and obtained her MSW. Obtaining her Article 7 she was able to open up La Casa de Salud her medical clinic to further treat substance abusers and the HIV population. She also identified the rise of substance abuse in the elderly. A staunch advocate for basic human rights for The Black and Latino Community especially the women. Lorraine Montenegro fought for the decolonization of her beloved Island of Puerto Rico where she passed away during Hurricane María. We Salute today and everyday her in The Bronx and across the World. #InternationalWomanDay #Mother #Activist #Trailblazer #Heroine #Pioneer #MyMother