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Transparency & accountability

How Freedom to Belong is organized, how donations are used, and how we protect the mission.

IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity
Legal name: Freedom to Belong, Inc.
EIN 33-3807359
Verify: IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search

What we do

Freedom to Belong provides free or low-barrier education, community, and responsible access to immigration resources — English and civics preparation, study tools (including an AI interview simulator), live Zoom classes, mentorship, and, when funds allow, help toward USCIS filing fees.

We are not a law firm. No attorney-client relationship is created through this website or our educational programs.

Leadership (nonprofit roles)

Ana PiumbiniFounder & President
Hub →
Steve WaltersCo-Founder · Vice-President
Hub →
Daniel A. HoffmanFlorida licensed attorney (matters under separate engagement)
Hub →
Marcella ConstâncioVolunteer
Hub →
Filipe PiumbiniTeam Leader · Volunteer
Hub →
Emanuelle OliveiraAccounting & Tax Specialist
Hub →
Hevelano OliveiraVolunteer (US Legal Now partner — separate entity)
Hub →

Full bios: About Us · Individual hubs: ana/steve/daniel/… .freedomtobelong.org

How donations are used

  • Education tools — website, study app, AI simulator, class materials
  • Live classes & mentorship — Zoom instruction and volunteer coordination
  • Fee assistance — when budget allows, help toward USCIS Form N-400 fees ($710 online / $760 paper as published by USCIS; amounts can change)
  • Operations — essential admin required to run a 501(c)(3) safely and legally

Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Memberships that include program benefits may have different tax treatment for the donor — keep your receipt.

Fee-help criteria (summary)

  • Active engagement with free education tools and/or live classes when possible
  • Clear financial need (self-attested; documents may be requested)
  • Funds available in the fee-assistance budget
  • Priority may be given to Advocate/Champion members when capacity is limited — membership is never required to use free tools
  • Decisions are made by designated officers; appeals can be sent to help@freedomtobelong.org

Separate entities — no forced referrals

US Legal Now and other businesses connected to board members are legally separate from Freedom to Belong.

  • No one must hire US Legal Now (or any private firm) to receive nonprofit benefits
  • Freedom to Belong does not receive commissions for referrals
  • Legal advice or representation, if any, requires a separate contract and consent with licensed professionals

Conflict of interest & complaints

Leaders must put the nonprofit mission first. Private business interests must not override beneficiary needs. Report concerns or inappropriate behavior to help@freedomtobelong.org or by phone (941) 286-0960.

Documents & future reports

  • IRS determination letter — available on request (personal info may be redacted)
  • Form 990 PDF — not on this page yet. We will post the IRS copy when it exists.
  • No Candid, GuideStar, FDACS, or Google for Nonprofits seals until they are issued.
  • Board list and conflict-of-interest policy summary — on this page and About
Public checklist (updated regularly):
✅ EIN 33-3807359 · IRS-recognized 501(c)(3)
✅ Free education tools live (app, simulator, quizzes, Zoom class Mondays 3:00 PM ET)
✅ Student portal + need-help intake (EN/PT/ES)
✅ Volunteer recruitment for all cases / pro bono — volunteer page
⏳ Form 990 PDF when the IRS filing is public. No third-party seals until issued.

Donate · Membership · Student portal · Volunteer · Contact

Freedom to Belong, Inc. · EIN 33-3807359 · 6621 19th Street East, Sarasota, FL 34243 · help@freedomtobelong.org

Free · PT · EN · ES

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