Somos Sunnyside: Episode 80 featuring Federal Programs Department

Behind every student’s success is a team working to ensure they have the resources and support they need to thrive. In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, we sit down with members of Sunnyside Unified School District’s Federal Programs Department to highlight the many ways they support students and families throughout our community. Joining us are Andrea Leon, Director of Federal Programs, who has dedicated 27 years to the district; Araceli Mendoza, who oversees the McKinney-Vento Program as the district’s homeless liaison and serves as the Foster Care point of contact; and Community Liaison Monique Aguirre, who oversees the district’s food pantry and clothing closet. Together, they share how their team works behind the scenes to connect families with essential resources, from food and clothing to support for students experiencing homelessness or navigating foster care. With a shared commitment to removing barriers to education, the department helps ensure students have the resources they need to attend school consistently and focus on learning. The conversation also highlights how our community can make a difference. Families in need can access the district’s food pantry and clothing closet, while community members can support these efforts year-round through donations of food and clothing. With the holiday season approaching, the team also shares information about the Be An Elf program, which invites community members to help sponsor students experiencing homelessness during the holidays. Whether through sponsoring a family, donating toys or gift cards, or contributing in other ways, every act of generosity helps make the season brighter for Sunnyside families. Tune in to learn more about the people, programs, and partnerships that help Sunnyside Unified School District care for our community beyond the classroom.