The Maura Clarke-Ita Ford Center is a grass roots organization founded in 1993, serving the immigrant population In Bushwick. it is a dynamic center that provides educational services, job training an... more
The Maura Clarke-Ita Ford (MCIF) Center
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I have been a member of the board since 2006 and chair since 2008. The Maura Clarke-Ita Ford Center is an "under the radar" organization that accomplishes a great deal with limited resources. The center provides vital services to the Bushwick community - English as a Second Language Classes, Pre-GED and GED classes, Citizen classes, job training and empowerment seminars. I am very proud to be a part of the organization.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
The Maura Clarke-Ita Ford Center is a grass roots organization founded in 1993, serving the immigrant population In Bushwick. it is a dynamic center that provides educational services, job training and life skills , enabling its participants to become economically independent and active in their community. It has been lots of hard work as chair of the board but very rewarding.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I attend the graduation ceremony each year and am quite proud of our participants success.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Establish greater financial support.
MCIF is a wonderful organization that helps its students not only learn English, but how to function in everyday life in New York. Teaching life skills beyond English comprehension gives their students a better chance to find employment during these tough economic times. MCIF integrated excellent traditional classroom environments with modern computer classes that teach practical real world skills. It is a great nonprofit with a wonderful history of helping the local Brooklyn Community.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I sat in on a class and school presentation.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
make it more financially stable, so that the students could have access to better facilities.
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Was your donation impactful?
Likely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
What specific problem, purpose, priority, or project prompted your gift?
Need for new computer lab
Why did you make your donation at this time?
It gave the students a great method for learning more English
What would you tell others about this organization?
It is a great way to contribute to your local community while helping others.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
New York City needs more places like The Maura Clarke-Ita Ford (MCIF) Center!!!
As women come to the US and begin their news lives they sometimes need new skills to help make them successful - that is what this country is all about. Education is the tool all humans need to succeed and a center like this one is the best part of humanity.
Teaching English, learning new revenue sources to provide for their families, and participating in their communities are the backbone of the United States and The Maura Clarke-Ita Ford (MCIF) Center is an incredible example for us all.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
... as a supporter of the organization I have experienced their reach, impact, and importance in their community.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
... hope that they received the attention they deserve to allow them to reach more women in need.
As Program Manager of People & Stories / Gente y Cuentos, it is a great pleasure to write a review in support of the Maura Clarke-Ita Ford Center. Our program, a grassroots project based on literature directed to adults who have not had the opportunity to access formal education, has greatly benefited from our partnership with the MCIF in several ways. We have witnessed the breath and quality of their programs through our contact with their clients, as well as their great work on behalf of the community. We have worked with groups of adults in their ESL classes for many years. Because our program is based on the reading aloud and discussion of literary short stories—including Gabriel García Márquez and James Joyce among others—we have been able to evaluate the importance of MCIF´s efforts in teaching and promoting reading, the acquisition of the English language, as well as other cultural, linguistic and educational tools with programs that help immigrants succeed in this country. The MCIF provides us with great support, and the participants in turn are able to benefit from the contact with classic writers where they could express their inner wisdom, knowledge and understanding of the texts through their own life experiences. It has enabled us to value MCIF´s focus on the fact that people will learn more readily and enthusiastically if the learning process brings about greater self-confidence. The programs at the MCIF have contributed to their clients’ successful outcome in their classes and in life, motivating them and improving their communication skills. The Center and their staff have a shortage of basic needs that are important to maintain their status of excellence. We believe the MCIF should be granted all the possible means to continue their good work and their contribution to a more just society. People & Stories / Gente y Cuentos support them fully.
Alma Concepción
Project Manager
People and Stories-Gente y Cuentos
(609) 213-3039
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
See above
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I cannot think of any changes to be made at this time.
My Name is Alejandra Matos, I came from the
Dominican Republic. I was student at MCIF center. When I finish my classes in the center I went to Boricua College to get an Associate degree and at the same time became a assistant teacher at MCIF and few months later I became a 1st level English teacher and a GED Instructor.
In 1999, I got my citizenship and I start working as a Finance Assistant at Providence House.
One Day Sister Mary Burns came and offered me the opportunity to belong to the Board of Directors of MCIF. For me was incredible; a place where I went to learn English and Where I got my first Job in the United States is giving me the oportnunity to be a Board member.
Today I'm a Proud Board Member of this magnificent organization called MCIF center, a place knowing as community resource to learn English and diferent skills as a GED, and computer.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I'm an Immigrant that went to this school and had the oportunity to learn English, Computer and some skills to set up my life.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I woul to get a place where they don't have to be worry about paying montlhly rent.
The Maura Clarke-Ita Ford center is named after my sister who was murdered in El Salvador in 1980 while she was distributing food and clothing to the poor. The program comtinues her good work by assisting and empowering women of Brooklyn.
The women learn English, a new trade or profession, and in general are helped to find employment and become active participants in the American life. Words cannot describe the wonderful work this program does.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The many women I come in contact with inspire me and and empower me to beleive my sister's good work lives on in Brooklyn.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Expand!
I'm proud to say that my best friend works for the Maura Clarke-Ita Ford Center. The Maura Clarke-Ita Ford Center is a very important resource for Brooklyn women who are immigrants to the United States. It not only helps them learn proper English, it helps them assimilate to our culture. The women that work at MCIFC are extremely dedicated to their work, often working on weekends and after hours to make sure they do the best job they can. They empower non-native women to get out and explore their new environments and become part of their communities. The center therefore not only benefits these women, but also their neighborhoods and communities. Many women are single mothers and would be unable to support their families without the help of MCIFC. The service they provide is invaluable to the community of Brooklyn.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The experiences related to me by my friend, Christina. She tells me of all the lives she has personally touched, and how her students have affected her outlook on life. It's very moving to hear her experiences working directly with women who have the courage to reach out to MCIFC for help. I know the experiences are rewarding for not only her students but the dedicated instructors as well.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would find them more volunteers and more money to support their important mission!
I visited this center and went to a fund raiser. I saw the people that were served in the community and how proud they were about their accomplishments. They were learning English and helping their families learn English too.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I was there for the graduation in both June of '09 and '10. I saw the positive effects that MCIF Center created in their lives.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would like MCIF to be more accessible and more active in the community. The way to do this is to house them in a prime location.
The Mira Clarke-Ita Ford Center is an inspiration for anyone involved in development work. I found it while working to improve our local women's community center. The staff was very helpful in answering my questions and the center is a model for work we would like to do in our own community.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Working to improve my own community center.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Give them more money.
The staff of the center is extremely supportive of the community. Through the language and GED classes that are needed so much with such a diverse and changing population, the Center enables its students to change their lives. Over and over, I've seen education change the direction of a students life, allowing them new opportunities. It would be great if the center was able to do more - they need a building, frankly. The volunteers they have are excellent, but it would be great if they could do more outreach to bring in more volunteers.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have seen the results of education in the community.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
They need a larger staff and their own building.
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