Grant Project: Families Forward
When Helen and I sat down on a sunny afternoon at a small coffee shop to discuss our grant project and to brainstorm issues we care about, we saw a common thread between us two. Whether our ideas were about poverty, education, free trade, sex trafficking, free speech, or public health, we always opted to put a spin on the topic and discuss how they intersect with immigration.
Our exposure to a plethora of takes on immigration has brought us to examine different sides of the issue. I know for me personally, the GIP event with an ICE worker and a legal professional who represents immigrants in court really struck a chord. I, too, have established a relationship with the Pasadena Community Job Center through my various Outreach Council opportunities and with the LA County clinic serving the impoverished where my mother works. Given even our own city's status as a "sanctuary," there are endless possibilities to approach issues that relate to the broken system.
Helen mentioned an organization that uniquely tackles the affiliated issues with the system: Families Forward Family Learning Center. The organization, which I had briefly volunteered at in middle school and Helen has extensive work with, has a strong sense of vision for the community and the world. Taken from their website, "Families Forward envisions a world where: All Children are nurtured and educated during their first five years so they enter kindergarten ready and able to learn. Parents are prepared for their role as their child's most influential teacher and encouraged to become lifelong learners. Families work together to improve their education, the quality of their lives, and their community."
67% of Families Forward's served families were English language learners, and 83% lived at or below the Federal Poverty Line. The organization helps combat education-related issues and disparities where it is most needed. It also takes our interest in Spanish and Latin American immigration into action. I am excited about the possibilities of this grant project!
Our exposure to a plethora of takes on immigration has brought us to examine different sides of the issue. I know for me personally, the GIP event with an ICE worker and a legal professional who represents immigrants in court really struck a chord. I, too, have established a relationship with the Pasadena Community Job Center through my various Outreach Council opportunities and with the LA County clinic serving the impoverished where my mother works. Given even our own city's status as a "sanctuary," there are endless possibilities to approach issues that relate to the broken system.
Helen mentioned an organization that uniquely tackles the affiliated issues with the system: Families Forward Family Learning Center. The organization, which I had briefly volunteered at in middle school and Helen has extensive work with, has a strong sense of vision for the community and the world. Taken from their website, "Families Forward envisions a world where: All Children are nurtured and educated during their first five years so they enter kindergarten ready and able to learn. Parents are prepared for their role as their child's most influential teacher and encouraged to become lifelong learners. Families work together to improve their education, the quality of their lives, and their community."
67% of Families Forward's served families were English language learners, and 83% lived at or below the Federal Poverty Line. The organization helps combat education-related issues and disparities where it is most needed. It also takes our interest in Spanish and Latin American immigration into action. I am excited about the possibilities of this grant project!
I really enjoyed reading about your passion and keen interest in immigration issues. I hope that can tie in directly with your grant proposal.
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