The Quixote Center empowers vulnerable families and communities to become the artisans of their own destiny through transforming oppressive systems and structures. Inspired by liberation theology and Catholic Social Teaching, we do this through sustainable development, advocacy, economic justice, environmental, and educational initiatives. Our current focus is on Nicaragua and Haiti, where we support programs to empower impoverished families and communities, and support for migrants in Mexico and Central America, where we work to mitigate the damage of US immigration policies. Together with our partners, we dream of a world more justly loving.
History
The Quixote Center was founded in 1976 with the general purpose of advocating for justice within the Catholic Church and in society. Through the years many programs have grown at the Quixote Center, some to depart as independent organizations.
Organizations that spun off from these efforts include the Christic Institute, New Ways Ministry, Prison Radio, Equal Justice USA, the Nicaragua Cultural Alliance and Interfaith Voices.
Our current work is focused on providing community development assistance through partners in Nicaragua (Quest for Peace) and Haiti (Haiti Reborn), as well as advocating for changes in U.S. immigration policy.
Quest for Peace’s work was launched in 1985 in solidarity with the people of Nicaragua, seeking to challenge the Reagan administration’s Contra War, while also providing humanitarian aid to the war zone in northern Nicaragua. We have continued to work on both fronts, providing development assistance (now focused on housing) and advocating for non-interventionist U.S. policy.
Haiti Reborn was launched in 1991 in solidarity with the people of Haiti following the election of Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Following the coup in September of 1991, the work quickly transformed into advocacy for democracy in Haiti and challenging the U.S. role in the coup. In 1999, we launched a reforestation and sustainable agriculture program in Gros Morne, Haiti with the Jean Marie Vincent Formation Center.
We continue to engage in advocacy on US policy toward Haiti and to report on the human rights situation in the country. The work with the JMV Formation Center remains the cornerstone of our work in Haiti.
We launched a new program to advance changes in immigration policy (InAlienable) in 2018. This work is focused on building connections with grassroots organizations around the country, and doing specific research and advocacy concerning the for-profit enterprises involved in immigrant detention.
In 2019 we partnered with the Franciscan Network on Migration - a network of shelters that serve migrant grounds traveling through Central America and Mexico. The Quixote Center serves as the Franciscan Network’s fiscal sponsor, and we also collaborate on advocacy projects.
Staff
Kim Lamberty
Executive Director
Dr. Kim Lamberty is the Quixote Center’s Executive Director. She has been developing and managing faith-based justice, peace, cross-cultural, and community service programs for over 25 years.
Alexandra Gulden
Programs and Outreach Coordinator
Alexandra is the Program and Outreach Coordinator at the Quixote Center. A New Orleans native, she has interned for Our Voice Nuestra Voz, Latinas Represent, and Catholic Charities Refugee & Immigration Services.
Marianne Baldwin
Administrative and Financial Coordinator
Marianne is the Administrative and Financial Coordinator at the Quixote Center. Originally from Pennsylvania, she moved to Washington, DC in 2001 to pursue her graduate studies, completing an M.A. in International Peace and Conflict Resolution and an M.A. in Teaching at American University.
Board
Nancy Sulfridge
President
Nancy Sulfridge has been a member of the board of directors of the Quixote Center since 2012 and was a supporter of the Center for many years before joining the board. She brings a generalist’s approach to the center.
Dolly Pomerleau
Vice President
Dolly (Dolores) Pomerleau was a co-founder of the Quixote Center with Bill Callahan in 1976. When she moved to Washington from her native state of Maine, she worked for the Catholic bishops' Conference for nine months.
Debby Manley
Secretary
Debby Manley is the Human Resources and Administrative Manager at The World Justice Project. WJP is an independent, multidisciplinary organization working to create knowledge, build awareness, and stimulate action to advance the rule of law worldwide.
Serge Hyacinthe
Treasurer
Serge Hyacinthe is a proud dad, husband, attorney and fiscal executive. He has approximately 20 years of financial management experience working with nonprofits, small to mid-sized businesses and local governments.
Frank Debernardo
Member
Francis DeBernardo has served since 1996 as Executive Director of New Ways Ministry, a 45-year old national Catholic ministry of justice and reconciliation for LGBTQ Catholics and the wider Church community.
Employment
Currently, the Quixote Center is not hiring.
