About Us
💙 Freedom to Belong
At Freedom to Belong, we believe that immigrants who choose the legal path deserve more than just permission to stay — they deserve the chance to belong.
That’s why we offer a complete, free program that helps legal immigrants in the U.S. become citizens — and guide Diversity Visa applicants worldwide through the process with honesty and compassion.
🌟 Mission
To empower legal immigrants and Diversity Visa applicants through free education, mentorship, and financial support — so they can achieve U.S. citizenship and, with it, gain rights, protection, stability, and a true sense of belonging.
🔭 Vision
A world where every person who follows the legal path to immigration — especially women and the underserved — can access the support they need to learn, grow, and become proud, protected U.S. citizens.
Who We Help
- ✅ Low-income immigrants and refugees integrate into American society.
- ✅ Aspiring U.S. citizens navigate the naturalization process with structured support.
- ✅ Women facing systemic discrimination gain the resources they need for a fresh start.
- ✅ Non-native speakers learn English for work, education, and daily life.
What We Offer
- ✅ Free English and Civics classes
- ✅ Mentorship with experienced volunteers
- ✅ Citizenship test practice exams (Freedom to Belong Test)
- ✅ Financial assistance for those who cannot afford USCIS fees
- ✅ Emotional and practical support for women facing social barriers
- ✅ Life coaching for women, business guidance and cultural adaptation
Our Core Values
Empowerment
🔹 We equip immigrants with the knowledge and tools to succeed.
Integrity
🔹 We uphold transparency, honesty, and ethical standards.
Inclusivity
🔹 We embrace and support people from all backgrounds.
Compassion
🔹 We believe in kindness and advocacy for meaningful change.
Commitment
🔹 We stand by every immigrant on their citizenship journey.
Community
🔹 We foster strong relationships so no one walks this path alone.
Our Team
Leadership and mission partners across Freedom to Belong and our professional network. Each profile opens a dedicated hub with full background.
Ana Piumbini
Founder & President, Freedom to Belong
Ana is the founder and president of Freedom to Belong. She built the nonprofit after her own path as a Brazilian immigrant who legally came to the U.S. in 2006 and became a citizen. She has more than thirty years of leadership experience across education-related services, community programs, and enterprise operations, and she focuses here on free English and civics education, mentorship, and practical support for families.
She founded Freedom to Belong after seeing deportations in the family, visa denials without clear cause, and people living in the U.S. for decades without finishing citizenship. The nonprofit delivers free English and civics education, mentorship, and practical support — so more people can complete the path with clarity and dignity.
Full profile · hub ↗ LinkedIn ↗Steve Walters
Co-Founder · Vice-President · Founder & Owner, American Photonics
Steve is the founder and owner of American Photonics, a U.S. manufacturer of precision infrared and laser optics, and represents the Walters manufacturing family lineage connected to American Torch Tip Company (founded 1940). He brings process discipline, Made-in-USA product integrity, and decades of industrial leadership to the board table.
As co-founder and volunteer with Freedom to Belong — and a volunteer supporter of the sister professional-services mission — Steve is committed to education and pathways that help immigrants become American citizens with clarity and respect.
Full profile · hub ↗ LinkedIn ↗Daniel A. Hoffman
Florida licensed attorney
Florida licensed attorney (Florida Bar No. 431648). Daniel collaborates with US Legal Now and Freedom to Belong on matters requiring legal advice, strategy, or representation under separate attorney engagement agreements — bringing licensed counsel alongside the nonprofit mission.
His path also includes Florida law practice and general-counsel / executive-office experience, supporting risk culture and strategic clarity for organizations that serve families in transition.
Full profile · hub ↗ LinkedIn ↗Emanuelle Oliveira
Accounting & Tax Specialist · Freedom to Belong
Emanuelle (Manu) is an accounting and tax specialist with Freedom to Belong. She brings entrepreneurial discipline and international mission focus to nonprofit finance, tax preparation, and compliance — including collaboration with the professional network when appropriate.
Her path also includes humanitarian and development work abroad (including contexts connected to Haiti), informing ethical, human-centered financial leadership so the organization can operate efficiently and grow impact with integrity.
Full profile · hub ↗Filipe dos Santos Piumbini
Team Leader · Volunteer · Freedom to Belong (and volunteer with US Legal Now network)
Filipe is a business executive who unites communication leadership, international sales, and hands-on entrepreneurship. As a volunteer team leader at Freedom to Belong, he helps the 501(c)(3) mission reach immigrants, donors, and partners with clarity and dignity.
His path includes commercial affiliation with the American Photonics network, prior granite industry leadership (including Granite Forever USA), and design entrepreneurship in Florida — bilingual, bicultural bridge-building across markets and communities.
Full profile · hub ↗ LinkedIn ↗Hevelano Oliveira
Partner, US Legal Now · Volunteer, Freedom to Belong
Hevelano is a partner (sócio) of US Legal Now, focused on keeping clients informed, organized, and supported throughout immigration journeys — with practical assistance, attention to detail, and respectful communication with families.
As a volunteer with Freedom to Belong, he extends that same care into the nonprofit mission of education, community, and pathways toward belonging. He also brings leadership experience from Option One Insurance and related professional services.
Full profile · hub ↗ LinkedIn ↗🤝 We look for volunteers to help all cases
★ Freedom to Belong
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Free education, interview simulator, Zoom classes, and mentorship. We look for volunteers to help all cases — including pro bono. Contact us to volunteer.
⚖️ US Legal Now (optional, separate company)
US Legal Now is a separate company for paid professional services if someone chooses them. Freedom to Belong free programs never require hiring any firm. Volunteers and pro bono help are part of our community mission.
At Freedom to Belong we look for volunteers to help all cases, including pro bono. Want to volunteer? Contact us. Education and community support are the center of the mission — not selling legal services. Freedom to Belong is not a law firm; no attorney-client relationship is created through this website. I want to volunteer →
Free · PT · EN · ES
Get free class alerts & study tips
Zoom class reminders, citizenship study tips, and community updates. No spam — unsubscribe anytime.
- Free Zoom class alerts
- Citizenship 128 study tips
- Community & volunteer opportunities