By Johanna Torres
Program Coordinator, Adult Basic Education Programs

After being forced to close our doors in March, our English as a Second Language (ESL) and Citizenship Preparation programs were challenged with transitioning into virtual learning . Not only were they forced to learn quickly and use their creativity to keep their students engaged and learning, they also encountered technological barriers given that most of students come from low income communities where access to technology and strong wifi is limited. Regardless, our instructors never hesitated to work diligently to guide our students every step of the way. They have proven to be vital to the success of our programs during this unprecedented time.

Since March, La Casa has enrolled more than ten remote ESL and Citizenship Preparation classes, with more scheduled for 2021. Despite the challenges, the majority of our ESL students have advanced one or even two levels in the English language. We have celebrated with our participants their gains and continuously encourage them to continue with higher education as they advance in their knowledge of English.

Over the last nine months, seven  Citizenship program participants passed their INS citizenship interview and obtained US citizenship. All have registered to vote and are more prepared than ever to take full advantage of the opportunity afforded to them and their families.

As we end 2020, I would like to acknowledge our ESL and Citizenship instructors who have worked diligently during this pandemic to share their expertise and commitment as educators to enhance the lives of their students.

Creating opportunities for residents to lead community driven change has always been essential to La Casa's mission.  We are now seeking Lower Broadway residents to participate in the 2021 Newark Resident Leadership Academy. Participants will gain leadership skills and help develop community projects that will further improve the quality of life in Lower Broadway.

La Casa partner, Greater Newark LISC, launched the six month long Newark Resident Leadership Academy in 2016.  Since then, nearly 150 Newark residents have engaged in the program and have made positive changes in their communities, including over 30 Lower Broadway residents. The program consists of monthly Saturday sessions from January through June covering topics such as organizational change, communication and presentation skills, leadership development, and engagement with local government.

Upon completion of the program, trainees come together as "neighborhood teams" with a goal to develop and implement a project while receiving technical assistance and a small grant to fund their program.

The application deadline is January 8, 2021. For more information on how to apply, please contact Rommie Cardenas at rcardenas@lacasanwk.org.