By Erika Arreola
Staff Writer
The new DACA center opened Jan. 25. Though focused on helping undocumented students, the center provides an informative and welcoming community for all students.
It is located at LSU 110A in the Multi-Cultural Affairs on the first floor of the Loker Student Union and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Founded in 2014, the Undocumented Student Ally Coalition (USAC) at Dominguez Hills consists of, at most, 40 students, staff, faculty and administrators. It provides training and development to raise awareness of undocumented student issues.
USAC members consider the creation of DREAMERS Success Center their greatest accomplishment.
Prior to the Toro DREAMERS Success Center, a group of students and staff members gathered to make the center possible. The process, launched in 2015, took two years.
Information sessions and workshops at the center assist those in need. Otherwise, students may have study time or lunch in the center as well.
It’s also considered a space where DACA students don’t need to hesitate to get their questions answered.
The coordinator, Daniel Caballero, provides events and services.
Known for a warm and welcoming personality, he shows strong support for all students and is there to help anyone in need. He looks to assist all DACA students and any student on their success.
Having that type of support from any coordinator is important because it provides a safe and welcoming environment.
“Dominguez is unique because it is small and has the feeling that you can reach people,” Caballero said.
He provides open doors for any students who reach out for support.
A recent event occurred on Feb. 22.
The “Know Your Rights Workshop,” which addressed areas of concern, such as helping with financial tuition and state policies.
This specific workshop also featured a Q&A session with two attorneys providing answers regarding the DACA status updates.
