Margarita's Box of Love
Our food box program. It reaches local families with groceries and with the care of the people who pack it.
Led by: Lázaro Lezcano
Learn more: Margarita's Box of LoveNonprofit · Western North Carolina
We help individuals and families overcome language barriers and gain access to education, jobs, food and community resources. Our doors are open to everyone who needs support.

Burke, Catawba, Caldwell & McDowell Counties
I need support
Pick an option. We will take you straight to the right place.
We serve you in English or Spanish and explain every step.
Our forms never ask for immigration status or Social Security numbers.
Our programs are free for families.
Our initiatives
Each initiative answers a real need in our families' lives.
Our food box program. It reaches local families with groceries and with the care of the people who pack it.
Led by: Lázaro Lezcano
Learn more: Margarita's Box of LoveHome of our education programs: English, computer skills and homework help for adults, youth and kids.
Led by: Drew McMahon
Learn more: Janice McMahon AcademyOur women's group. A space to support one another, grow together and leave a legacy in our families.
Led by: Jacqueline Monges
Learn more: Reina LegadoOur veterans department. A place to gather, build friendships and find the resources already available to veterans and their families.
Led by: Tommy Lynn Paulette
Learn more: March TogetherOur team
Yanira Shaul PauletteFounder and Executive Director
Jorge MineraDigital & Communications Director
Margarita YanesBoard Chair and Mentor
Georgina Cisneros-RiveraBoard Vice Chair
Yamilet Batz LunaCo-founder and Treasurer
Ruth MartinezSecretary
Mateo FranciscoAssistant Treasurer
Irma SepezBoard Member
Daniela ZulickExecutive Director Assistant
Tommy Lynn PauletteDirector, March Together
Joseph HildebranBoard Member
Drew McMahonDirector, Janice McMahon Academy
Jacqueline MongesDirector, Reina Legado
Lázaro LezcanoDirector, Margarita's Box of LoveWe meet today's need, then work with you to remove tomorrow's barriers.
We provide food assistance and essential resources to those who need them most.
We foster education, personal growth and opportunities for a better future.
We connect the community with resources, support and hope.
We strengthen our roots to build a fairer, more caring tomorrow.
Our impact
Every number is a family with more tools to move forward.





During Hurricane Helene, getting basic supplies for my baby became extremely difficult. Stores had no formula or diapers, and as a mother it was a time of deep worry.
Raíces Center was there when we needed it most. They helped me get formula and diapers for my baby in the middle of the emergency. For my family, that help meant much more than receiving essentials; it meant knowing we were not alone during such a hard time.
I am deeply grateful to Raíces Center for their support and for being there for the families in our community when they need it most.
I want to express my gratitude to Raíces Center for the support I received while buying my home.
It was very important to me to understand every step of the process, and Raíces Center walked with me and helped with translation and interpretation, so I could communicate and better understand the information and documents for the purchase of my home.
I especially want to thank Yanira Paulette, who accompanied me throughout the process with great kindness, patience and willingness to help.
Having someone who could help me overcome the language barrier gave me more confidence and peace of mind during such an important moment for me and my family.
I am very grateful to Raíces Center for the service it provides to our Hispanic community. If anyone needs support to understand and communicate during important processes, I encourage them to reach out to Raíces Center. Thank you very much, and blessings.
Food distributions, classes, workshops and celebrations open to the whole community.
Join us Friday at 6 p.m. More details coming soon.
The Janice McMahon Academy opens its doors with its first activity. Join us!
The first gathering of Reina Legado, our women's group. A chance to meet one another and build friendship.
There are many ways to help. Every one counts.
Our mission
To strengthen individuals and families facing language barriers and limited access to education, services and community resources.
Western North Carolina. If you live nearby and need support, reach out anyway.
Western North Carolina