Donate

From what we have seen, our classes have positive effects not only on people’s abilities at work, but also in various other areas of their lives. As one student recounted, after just one semester in our classes she no longer needed to spend hours waiting for an interpreter at the clinic. Another reported that she now knows more about her own community and the resources available to her, and a third, that she is less nervous about speaking English. A new student told us that, now when someone asks if her if she speaks English, instead of saying no, she says, “Yes, I speak a little!” As one of our teachers, an immigrant herself and speaker of five languages, reminds her students when they get discouraged: “Baby steps!” If you have ever attempted to learn another language you surely relate!

Our Adult English as a Second Language program is partially funded through the State’s Community Based English Tutoring program via the Ravenswood City School District and the Hewlett and Peninsula Community Foundations. Yet, these sources do not fully fund our entire English program or all our work in the community.

Nuestra Casa also runs programs for local Latino parents to learn how the school system works and how they can participate more to ensure that their children receive the quality education to which they have a right. Research shows that schools improve when parents are involved. Two community leaders who have participated in our classes have since joined our community board.

We are growing and seeking to represent the immigrant community of East Palo Alto. Our programs, activities, and initiatives serve more than 500 local residents each year.

We ask you to support these neighborhood programs and continue to ensure that they can grow and continue.

Nuestra Casa seeks volunteer classroom assistants and tutors to help our teachers provide attention and instruction to the many students who fill their classrooms, many of whom are learning basic literacy skills.

In addition, may we suggest that you make a tax-deductible donation to Nuestra Casa.

For example,

v A contribution of $500 makes you a Vecino de Nuestra Casa (a Nuestra Casa neighbor) and pays a teacher’s salary for two weeks, serving 30 students

v A contribution of $300 pays the stipend of a class leader so she can take the time to learn about community resources and begin leadership training to benefit her classmates and community

v A contribution of $100 buys educational materials for a semester for the children of our students so they can have a worthwhile experience while their parents are in class

 

If you would like to find out more about our activities or would like to volunteer with our programs, please call Laura Valdez, Executive Director, at 650-330-7437 or email her at lvaldez@nuestracasa.org.