A lawyer from Cuba. A schoolteacher from Nicaragua. A chef from Ethiopia. An HR specialist from Mexico. All of them now here in the United States. All of them wanting to practice their profession. All of them needing to learn English to do so.
God brought all four of these courageous, resilient women to Roosevelt Park Ministries. Here they enrolled in English and computer literacy classes so they could gain the skills necessary to not only better their own circumstances, but give back to others. As Niana* the lawyer from Cuba told me, “I want to learn English because I want to be able to practice law here in the United States. I want to be able to help others like me who need help navigating the immigration system.”
The path from asylum to citizenship can take a minimum of 5 years and thousands of dollars in fees. For many the process takes much longer. Learning English is a key ingredient both to that process and making the cultural, social, and emotional transition to life in a new place.
Every year we serve hundreds of families, many with deep needs and serious financial challenges. They bravely sacrifice, save, and work hard to survive and eventually thrive.
Their commitment to their families and the United States as their new home inspires me.
Their gratefulness touches me deeply.
We couldn’t do it without the financial support and volunteer service of people from Classis GR South. So, I want to share with you some of the repeated, heartfelt expressions of relief and gratitude for the work of RPM. Because, when they thank us, they thank you, and everyone who contributes to make our ministry work possible. Here’s a small sampling, all translated from Spanish:
* Everything has been a big help to us – may God bless you for your efforts and for the services you are providing to us and to our community.
* Thank you to the teachers, for your patience with us, for teaching with creativity and making the classes fun.
* We are so grateful for this event because without it we’d never have been able to get coats. Thank you so much to everyone who has worked on this.
So again, thank you. Together, we at RPM are transforming lives using literacy and the love of Jesus.
Joel B Groat
Executive Director
Office: 616.475-5881
Email: Joel@rpmins.org
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* We don’t share real names to honor the privacy of our students and clients.
