Introducing the Bella Salazar Cenezero Legacy Fund

We are thrilled to announce the establishment of the Bella Salazar Cenezero Legacy Fund in honor of Bella’s extraordinary contributions to the community. This fund is dedicated to supporting community-based activities and initiatives that engage PSS volunteers and group members, creating spaces for meaningful community conversations, learning, and action.

Bella Salazar Cenezero (right) with her late mother, Lagrimas Salazar (Left)

About the Legacy Fund

The Bella Salazar Cenezero Legacy Fund will empower and enable various projects that reflect Bella’s passion for fostering strong and connected communities. By supporting initiatives that bring people together, the fund will continue Bella’s legacy of compassion, education, and community engagement.

The award is an internal award for PSS volunteers and group members that can apply annually for a funds of up to $1000+. The selection committee includes the Board with representation from one staff member. Donations to this fund can be made here.

Apply for funding

Bella Cenezero, a Registered Social Worker in BC and the Program Manager for Education and Support at Parent Support Services Society of BC (PSS), has dedicated 29 years to transforming the organization into a beacon of inclusivity. Her commitment to social justice has profoundly impacted immigrant and refugee communities, and she has been instrumental in establishing Parenting Support Groups in multiple languages, including Tagalog, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Punjabi, Farsi and Arabic.

Bella’s efforts have also extended to fostering partnerships with Indigenous Community Agencies, ensuring that Indigenous families receive the support they need.

From 1996 to 2001, Bella volunteered as a Parent Support Group Facilitator, and she often spoke about how much of an honor it was to witness the incredible growth of the parents she worked with. She felt privileged to be part of their journeys as they strived to become the best parents they could be. Bella truly believed in the power of volunteerism to create real change in society. She volunteered with several other non-profits in various capacities, from serving on boards and working committees to being directly involved in service delivery.

Among many other achievements, In 2015, Bella received the Bhayana Family Foundation Innovation Award, for her commitment to a community development model, and dedication to bringing diversity to PSS. In 2012, she also received the “Heroes” of our Profession award from the BC Association of Social Workers (BCASW).

We invite you to honor Bella’s legacy by donating to the Bella Salazar Cenezero Legacy Fund, which will be supporting community initiatives that reflect her passion for inclusivity and empowerment. This fund celebrates her remarkable contributions, honoring her unwavering advocacy for marginalized communities and her innovative approach to community development.

Bella’s work has empowered countless individuals and inspired others to champion social justice. This award serves as a tribute to her exceptional service and aims to motivate future generations to continue the pursuit of a more just and inclusive society.