Page 3 - CNA Annual Report for 2017 FINAL.pdf

FROM THE DIRECTOR
I n 2017, Center for New Americans marked our 25th year welcoming and serving immigrants

in Western Massachusetts.

• ™‹–Š ƒ› ‹Ž‡•–‘‡ǡ –Š‡ ›‡ƒ” ’”‡•‡–‡† ƒ ‘’’‘”–—‹–› –‘ ”‡ϐŽ‡ – ‘ ’ƒ•– •— ‡••‡•ǡ –‘
consider current challenges, and to draft future plans. We engaged in a strategic planning
process that began with staff members’ identifying key priorities, continued through a dialogue
between staff members and the board of Directors, and culminated in board members’ outlining
a plan to support and advance those key priorities.

Thus, even as we celebrate a year in which we supported the naturalization of over 66 immigrants,
taught English to many more immigrants, piloted a personal care attendant training class, and
dramatically enhanced our innovative use of technology in both the classroom and in our data
management, we are looking forward to the next 25 years.

We were fortunate, during this milestone year, to be able to shine a spotlight on the inspiring
stories of the immigrants we serve, as well as on our own story.

Our students wrote poems in class during our celebration of 30 Poems in November! They
performed songs and dances representing their respective cultural traditions for Immigrant
Voices, our artistic celebration at the Shea Theater. They shared their journeys with reporters at
our ninth annual July 4th naturalization ceremony.

All of this takes many hands. It takes staff members who donate more time than they are paid
to work. It takes the board of directors who meet monthly to review details, while also stepping
back to consider the big picture. It takes volunteers who tutor students, study with students,
photograph students, coach performers, and organize 30 Poems in
November! It takes foundations and businesses and individuals who
believe in the work enough to support it. It takes political leaders
who advocate on our behalf and welcome our constituents and
our proposals.

One illustration of how we collaborate to tell our story is the
mural which now graces our Northampton program site.
ƒ‹–‡† „› ‘—” ”‡‡ϐ‹‡Ž† ƒŽ—ƒǡ ƒ”‹ ‡ŽŽƒǡ ’Š‘–‘‰”ƒ’Š‡†
by our tutor/volunteer, Mary Ellen, supported by The
Awesome Foundation, welcomed by the Mayor and City of
Northampton into their city-owned building, the mural tells
the story of Center for New Americans and our students:
learning English; training to follow career dreams; embarking
on the citizenship journey.

We offer this annual report with appreciation to the many
partners who have helped to make our work possible this
past year.

Gratefully,

Laurie Millman

CENTER FOR NEW AMERICANS 2017 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 1