It's Thanksgiving time, and I want to thank you for answering the
Gospel’s call to serve others. You are the untiring laborers who work in the
Lord’s vineyard, and Hogar Hispano’s ESL staff is honored to work with you. You,
our wonderful volunteers, know that it is only by giving to others that we can
truly achieve happiness and fulfillment in our lives. Your examples are a great
inspiration to all who witness your work. Together, we are a community in
action!
Quench your thirst for ESL
knowledge: It's not too late! You can still attend a workshop in Hogar
Hispano's Fall 2005 Training Series. Jodi Nemser-Abrahams, Citizenship
Now! manager extraordinaire, will host Civics in the ESL Classroom on
Wednesday, December 14th from 7-9 pm at the Hogar. For many of today’s
immigrants, citizenship seems like an unobtainable dream. For others, living in
the United States without a basic understanding of government and individual
rights can impede their ability to succeed. Learn how to integrate these
important topics into your ESL classroom and receive information about available
resources. (RIGHT: Trainer Christine Roach gets volunteers pumped up at a
workshop.)
Fun in the
sun: ESL staff members Sally O'Dwyer and Belle Peñaranda travelled to sunny
Jacksonville, Florida this month to participate in the 2005 International Conference on Volunteer
Administration. Sally and Belle attended classes ranging in topics from
producing fabulous fundraising events to creating a value-driven volunteer
program. Aside from learning wonderful new ways to enhance our volunteers'
experiences at Hogar Hispano, the two staff members met and networked with many
other volunteer managers from around the world. Now they're happy to be back to
implement those new ideas! (RIGHT: Belle and Sally say cheese during the
opening ceremony.)
- Over 40% of more than 300
students met or exceeded steep achievement goals set by the state. Hogar Hispano
students outdid many of their peers in similar programs throughout the
state.
WHAT? Observe another
teacher and get to know others on your team and the teachers of other classes
and levels at your site! Observing another teacher is a two-way street to
success for both teachers involved because it opens a dialogue about best
practices in the classroom.
Things students wished for:
At the beginning of our
Citizenship Now! late summer session, Albert Tsung (name has been changed
to protect the student's privacy) registered for citizenship and English class.
Albert was incredibly disheartened after failing his citizenship exam because
because of a lack of English skills. He was coming to Hogar Hispano hoping that
English class could help him pass. Albert was a devoted, dedicated student. He
came to class every day and pushed himself to learn as much as possible. A week
after class ended, Albert went back for his second citizenship exam. After his
test, he called Jodi Nemser-Abrahams, the project manager, and told her that he
had passed! Later that afternoon he took the Oath of Allegiance to the United
States and officially became a United States citizen. Jodi asked him if the
class had helped him in his preparation, and he told her that it had helped
immensely. Albert is now one of many Citizenship Now! students to pass
the test since the course began last April.
Please help a child in need
this holiday season: Hogar Hispano's Social Services department is gearing
up for the annual Holiday Gift Drive! Thanks to the generosity of donors like
you, nearly 300 children last year received presents. We're currently seeking
donations for this year's program. This is not a large financial commitment--
recommended donations are $15-$25 per child --but your donation of a toy or gift
card can make a big difference for a family in need this holiday season. The
last day to adopt a child is December 2nd. We also accept monetary donations.
For more information, contact Tim Gibbon at 703-534-9805 x226 or tgibbon@ccda.net. (RIGHT: Volunteer Ana
Maria Mercado helps sort toys in last year's gift drive.)
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6201 Leesburg Pike, Suite 307 Falls Church, VA 22044 703-534-9805 Fax: 703-534-9809 http://www.ccda.net/ |
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