Events across the world have led to tragedies that are nearly impossible to bear as hate and violence have touched the lives of so many families.
Many people are fleeing from lives that pose relentless challenges for raising a family safely, as political turmoil and economic stresses weigh on parents. I was particularly touched by a recent Washington Post story that highlighted the graft, corruption and impossibly low wages faced by workers in Venezuela—around $7 per month—and how immigrants to American were simply seeking to give their children “a better life, education, and food.”
Amid the fear and desperation, you’ve done so much to nurture hope. Today I am asking again for your support and want to take this opportunity to tell you about two of our students, Alina and Angel.
Alina came from Mexico as a child over 20 years ago. She was unable to finish high school because she needed to work. She now has two children of her own. Alina suffers from kidney disease requiring dialysis three times a week, works every night, and mothers her two children, all of which prevented her from studying for her GED exam until she discovered our program. Now enrolled in our flexible GED program, the technology resources we provide are enabling Alina to study during her dialysis treatments. After completing her GED, Alina’s hope is to work in healthcare as an interpreter after completing her GED, to help other immigrants.
“This is someone who is able to use our program and change her life,” says Jillian Gierke, our program director.
Angel arrived from Mexico just before COVID-19 began. He had started English classes but the pandemic halted them. Angel sees learning English as essential for opportunities here. “I can’t do anything if I can’t speak or understand the language. If I want to be server, I have to know English. The chef stops talking with you if you don’t understand him. Everything stops,” Angel explains.
He wants to earn his GED to access professional training in electrical and plumbing work. Angel currently works as a food runner, but his hope is one day to start a company to help immigrants get jobs utilizing their existing skills and knowledge.
Alina and Angel represent the immigrant community we serve. Hardworking, resilient people overcoming barriers through education. Despite challenging pasts, they look to the future with hope and dreams. They need your support today. Please consider making a generous year-end gift.
Your gift will help educate and empower Philadelphia’s immigrant families.
Your compassion has supported nearly 2,000 immigrants this year. More than 75% have annual incomes below $25,000 yet still find time for English classes to create better lives.
Your gift also provides medical and dental programs and a food pantry. Education. Healthcare. Food. Your gift ensures that vulnerable families have these most essential needs met so that they can do more than survive—they can thrive.
That's why I'm asking you to increase your gift this year. To motivate your generosity, thanks to a matching donor, gifts will be doubled!
Please partner with us again to provide critical services to immigrants building stable lives. Consider a monthly gift or increased one-time donation. With the match, your support will make double the difference!
Thank you for your compassion and generosity this past year. I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season.