December 2023 Newsletter

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Dear Reader,

As 2023 draws to a close and the final days of our fall program semester unfold, it's a great opportunity to reflect on our work that has led to so many meaningful experiences for our youth. From captivating field trips to colleges and museums, to insightful discussions with local elected officials and community leaders, each session has helped our youth engage with their new community here in the Baltimore and D.C. Metro areas.


I am so proud of my staff, who, day in and day out, have engaged with newcomer youth, acting as a mentor, a trusted confidant, and a friend. They have done so much to help young immigrants feel at home and like they can succeed in this country, just like anyone else. I am grateful for the support of my Board of Directors, who have worked hard to make meaningful connections for us and grow our support in the community. I think, however, I am most proud of our program participants, who demonstrate over and over again their resilience and their desire to make a positive contribution to our communities. It is so gratifying for me to see them join the Liberty’s Promise program all quiet and shy and end up as confident leaders at school and frequently beyond. It’s really why we do what we do.


To give you a better idea of what we do, here are just a few examples of our recent activities at Alexandria City High School: we went on a visit to George Washington University, which proved to be an eye-opener for our students. It not only offered insights into admission requirements but also provided an invaluable opportunity for our youth to visualize themselves as college students. This experience allowed them to ask pertinent questions about the application process, igniting their aspirations for higher education.


Additionally, our special guests this month played a significant role in furthering our students' growth. Laura Durham from Alexandria Parks and Recreation, for example, highlighted the importance community engagement and giving back. At Wakefield High School, guest speaker Ken Mathews Jaramillo from Care-Free Diet met with our youth. His visit gave our youth insights into the Arlington Transportation System and access to various transportation resources, enhancing their understanding of community connectivity.

At Wakefield High School, guest speaker Ken Mathews Jaramillo from Care-Free Diet met with our youth. His visit gave our youth insights into the Arlington Transportation System and access to various transportation resources, enhancing their understanding of community connectivity.


Our youth at Wakefield High School also engaged in different leadership activities within the school. These activities exposed them to various leadership styles, allowing them to learn and develop essential leadership skills.

We do all this to help our youth understand the civic life of their new communities, with the goal of helping our youth feel like they, too, can make their new homes stronger and better. Sometimes, I feel like we could use all the help we can get. On the other hand, when I observe the desire and talents of our program participants, I have the feeling we’re in good hands for the future.  

Speaking of which, looking ahead to 2024, we hope to have the capacity to expand our Civics & Citizenship Junior program for middle schools to Northern Virginia, and perhaps even extend our reach to other nearby jurisdictions. However, we can’t do this without your support! Keep an eye out for our End-of-Year Fundraising Campaign this month, as we work to ensure our mission can continue to grow in 2024.


Robert M. Ponichtera, Ph.D.

Executive Director

 

What's New

 
 
 
 
01 | See Our Services

01 | Scholarships

Montgomery College is providing free Beginning to Intermediate Adult ESOL level classes in Spring 2024. Learn more here.

Montgomery College Community Engagement is offering scholarships for the Spring 2024 semester. The Community Engagement Scholarship covers workforce development and continuing education classes, and the Certified Nursing Assistant Scholarship is for any future student who wants to become a Certified Nursing Assistant.

 

02 | Alumni Resources & Jobs


Maryland

  • The Treatment and Learning Center in Rockville, MD is seeking a full-time Community Resource Advocate to assist adults with disabilities in the community.
  • Rockville Housing Enterprises is hiring a Programs Coordinator to support the Voucher/Public Housing Recertification Program.
  • Interfaith Works is looking to fill part-time Program Support Staff positions in Silver Spring and Rockville.

Virginia

  • Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk is seeking an undergraduate or graduate student to serve as a paid intern in their office at the Franconia Governmental Center. Check out the job listing here.
  • The City of Alexandria is looking for a Youth Services Coordinator to support their Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Service Unit.
  • The Alexandria Health Department looking to fill an Administrative Support II position to perform office tasks and serve as the point of contact for the organization.

Washington, DC

  • Program Intern: The National College Attainment Network is seeking an undergraduate or graduate student college with an interest in college access/success, financial aid, and/or higher education policy and advocacy.
  • The American Association for Justice is seeking an entry level Membership Assistant to supports the membership department in recruitment, retention, and servicing members.
  • The Middle East Institute is seeking an Events Coordinator to help plan foreign policy events such as panels, roundtables and conferences, as well as cultural programs and fundraising events.

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Questions?

Contact us at info@libertyspromise.org