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Who We Are

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In pursuit of a just, equitable and inclusive society, Identity’s mission is to create opportunities for Latino and other historically underserved youth to realize their highest potential and thrive. 

 

We aim to build a better Montgomery Country by empowering and nurturing the futures of youth as they transition to adulthood. Since 1998, we have served as a resource, community and safe place for tens of thousands of young people and their families living in high-poverty areas.  

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Like an extended family, Identity helps young people and their families develop the social-emotional, educational, workforce and life skills they need to succeed. And like family, Identity celebrates their victories and offers support when something extra is required.

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Our Programs

Our Programs

Identity offers a range of no-cost programs and services at schools, in communities and on playing fields focused on academic support, social and emotional learning, job readiness and workforce development. These programs are complemented by family case management, non-clinical emotional support, mental health and substance use counseling, and recreation.

 

Central to our work is empowering parents to engage in their children’s education and be champions for their success and the success of the community. As such, our youth and parents are full partners in planning and implementing our services and community engagement. And like family, Identity celebrates their victories and offers help when something extra is needed.

  • High School Wellness Centers 

  • Bridge to Wellness High Schools 

  • Líderes de Mañana Middle School 

  • Jóvenes de Mañana Elementary School 

  • Recreation 

  • Youth Opportunity Centers 

  • Workforce Development/Job Readiness 

  • Case Management 

  • Behavioral Health 

  • Newcomer Services  

  • Community Engagement 

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Making a Difference 

Identity youth report real improvements in their ability to resolve conflict; manage difficult emotions; speak up for themselves; connect to school, the workforce and the community; and avoid substance use and other harmful behaviors. Identity youth show improved school attendance and achievement, and their families report greater stability, improved trust, communication and more involvement in their children’s lives and in civic life after participating in our programs.  
 
Lifesaving safety-net support and caring human connections stave off hunger, homelessness and despair in families during times of extreme crisis. The personal perseverance of youth and families and their ability to push beyond obstacles related to trauma, poverty, language isolation and fear inspires us every day.  

Mission & Values
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Mission & Values

Mission

In pursuit of a just, equitable and inclusive society, Identity creates opportunities for Latino and other historically underserved youth to realize their highest potential and thrive.

Vision

We envision a just and equitable society that nurtures all youth and is enriched by their contributions. 

Core Values

  • Young people come first. 

  • Every child has potential. 

  • Youth deserve more than one chance. 

  • Society is enhanced by cultural diversity. 

  • Community members and families are full and direct partners. 

  • To serve others is a privilege and requires excellence. 

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History
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History

Identity was cofounded in 1998 by Diego Uriburu and Candace Kattar, beginning in an oversized closet just large enough for two desks at an immigration law firm in Washington, DC. They were inspired to help immigrants who were fleeing violence, natural disasters and grinding poverty in Latin America and seeking a better life in the DC area. Moved to action after seeing this vibrant community struggle in isolation, they focused on helping Latino young people and their families navigate their new home with a founding vision of a just and equitable society that nurtures all youth and is enriched by their contributions.


 

​In 2001, Identity engaged Latino residents in the first-ever assessment of the needs of Latino youth in Montgomery County, which laid the foundation for the core programs that we offer today, including social and emotional skill building and wellness, academic support, workforce development and case management. It also established Identity’s commitment to research-based programs and services and rigorous evaluation.

In 2003, Identity moved its headquarters to Gaithersburg, MD and has since assisted more than 100,000 clients directly plus their families with life-changing programs and services.

In 2020, we updated our mission statement to reassert our focus on the Latino community while asserting our broader inclusiveness and welcoming approach with all youth and families from communities disadvantaged by inequities.

Over the years, we have increased our community education and engagement activities to address disparities that leave Latino and other historically underserved youth and their families dangerously vulnerable.

Awards & Recognitions

2024

City of Gaithersburg Distinguished Friend Award to Identity Program Director Carolyn Camacho

2022

Community Partner Award from the Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health (Gamma Zeta Chapter at UMD) to Identity

2022

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Montgomery County's Outstanding Leadership Award to Executive Director Diego Uriburu

2022

North American Society of Adlerian Psychology Social Interest Award from NASA President Timothy Hartshorne to Identity for holistic work with families

2022

University of Maryland School of Public Health Distinguished Terrapin Award to Executive Director Diego Uriburu 

2021

Roscoe R. Nix Distinguished Community Leadership Award from Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich to Executive Director Diego Uriburu

2021

Congressman Jamie Raskin's Montgomery County Local Hero Award to Executive Director Diego Uriburu and Black and Brown Coalition for Education Equity and Excellence Byron Johns

2021

President Joe Biden's Recognition to Identity for Lifesaving Efforts During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2019

Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) Award for excellent service on behalf of unaccompanied immigrant children to Identity Case Manager Tanya Sanchez

2019

Telemundo Washington Héroes Entre Nosotros to Identity Co-founder Candace Kattar

2017

Nonprofit Village's Making A Difference Large Nonprofit Award to Identity

2017

Maryland Governor's Volunteer Service Certificate given by Governor Lawrence Hogan to Identity

2016

Maryland Out-of-School-Time Network's Family Leadership Hero Award

2016

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett's Advocate of the Year Award to Executive Director Diego Uriburu

2014

President Barack Obama's César E. Chávez Champion of Change Award to Executive Director Diego Uriburu

2014

Maryland English Language Learning Family Involvement Network ELL Family Engagement Award for Empowering Latino Youth through Identity's Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program

2012

Director's Award, Montgomery County Department of Correction and Rehabilitation to Identity

2011

City of Gaithersburg's Identity, Inc. Day presented by Mayor Sidney Katz

2010

Adventist HealthCare Community Partnership Award to Identity

2005

Maryland State Department of Education Vanguard Award for Achievement for Maryland's Minority Students to Executive Director Candace Kattar

2004

Maryland Hispanic Heritage Award from Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. to Identity 

2004

Montgomery County Board of Education Award for Distinguished Service to Public Education to Identity

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