| ParentJobNet.Org A 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization - Connecting parents with opportunities |
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
ESL Program Click here for Document (In Spanish) Dear Friends and Colleagues: A program of ParentJobNet, AccessEnglish, has been developed specifically to serve the needs of the numerous non-English- speaking or limited-English-speaking parents in the New York City public school community. In addition to enabling this sizeable population to utilize the on-line job resources of ParentJobNet, it would provide them with the counseling and referrals necessary to take full advantage of said services. In doing so, it seeks to equalize the abilities of all members of the community, regardless of social, economic and cultural backgrounds, in order to achieve their potential in both their work and educational endeavors, thereby unifying the tremendous human resources which currently exist on both the personal and professional level in our community. As an adjunct to the services already provided by ParentJobNet, AccessEnglish will provide individual needs-based language assessment/evaluation and classes, free of charge, to those seeking employment and/or those in need of further training and education in order to seek employment. By identifying and reaching out to a population which might have been uncomfortable, uncertain and/or afraid of speaking up and seeking help from traditional bureaucratic channels, such as employment agencies, social workers and other public facilities, it would, in essence, provide a “safe harbor” for parents and caregivers in need of improving their ability to navigate the work and social stratospheres of life in New York City. In doing so, we hope to unite the already rich and diverse social and cultural sectors currently represented in the New York City public schools. Having taught English as a Second Language for eighteen years, in settings ranging from free adult education classes in the barrios of Los Angeles, to test-prep courses in the University of the City of New York, Chelsea Roberts, director and co-founder of AccessEnglish, has encountered a wide variety of students, ranging from those who escaped poverty and hardship on foot, who are coming to school for the very first time, to immigrants sponsored by non-profit agencies who, despite adequate education and training, are unable to find work in their countries due to religious or social discrimination, to those who were trained as doctors, lawyers and teachers, yet, lacking the necessary language and social skills to become re-certified in their fields in the United States, find themselves in reduced circumstances, cleaning houses, bussing tables and delivering pizza, at wages which affect not only their economic standard, but also their ability to help their children, at home, in school and in the community at large. Moreover, along with this lack of economic stability and social involvement comes a lack of self-esteem, which can often lead to a feeling of powerlessness which, particularly when combined with the factors of pride and/or fear, may prevent them from seeking the help necessary to improve their situation. Founded or not, be it due to lack of language skills, hearsay, news features, legal status, or to their own experiences with local and/or foreign government agencies, this hesitancy to step out of their established realm of existence prevents many immigrants from helping themselves and their children from achieving their potential, and contributing fully to the community. ParentJobNet is not affiliated with any city, state, governmental or legal agency. It is an entirely private 501(c)3 non-profit organization, which seeks to serve members of the public school community, on a cost-free and anonymous, as requested, basis. We at ParentJobNet welcome your comments, suggestions and any questions which you might have, and we look forward to working with you and your school community in the upcoming academic year. Best regards, Pat Craddick Chelsea Roberts President & Founder Director and Director of AccessEnglish ParentJobNet, Inc. |