How To Help
Making a difference for immigrants and schools
In honor of MLK day, a quick post about how my Indivisible/Swing Left chapter is helping new immigrants. We are working with a public high school in the Bronx whose students are newly arrived immigrants, ages 16-21. This is what we have done so far:
Held a clothing drive for professional clothing for students going to internships.
Created an Amazon wish list for teachers and staff to ask for much-needed supplies. https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2JJAGD26M7D2?ref_=wl_share
Donated to their college fund for Dreamers who cannot access public funds for scholarships
Made goody bags for students taking their Regent Exams
In the future, we might run a basic informational session about ICE and their rights.
My group is working with one of fifteen “international schools” in New York City, ELLIS Preparatory Academy. The students at NYC’s international schools are newly arrived immigrants, ages 16-21. Their lives are precarious. They face food and housing insecurity. They work. Many are without parents. Some have children of their own. And yet they go to school.
ELLIS Preparatory Academy, like other international schools in New York, prepares students for college and careers. It’s challenging. Students come from 20 countries and speak 10 different languages. English is a second, third or fourth language. The city has cut the school’s budget repeatedly. You probably know of a school in your community whose students could use your help. Or maybe you help in some other way. Please share your experiences in the comments. Thank you in advance.
If you are in New York City, you could work with any of these international schools:
The International High School at LaGuardia Community College
The Manhattan International High School
The Brooklyn International High School
The International High School of Prospect Heights
The Flushing International High School
International Community High School
International High School of Lafayette
Pan American International High School
Pan American International High School of Monroe
International High School of Union Square
Crotona International High School
Claremont International High School
International High School for Health Sciences
ELLIS Prep Academy
South Bronx International Middle School
Thank you for raising my awareness as well as for the work of your group.
I can't think of a better message on MLK Day -- one of hope, action, compassion. Thank you for the important work you and Indivisible/Swing Left are doing.