LASOS

Programs: Network - lasos works diligently to build a network of service providers to meet the needs of our constituency. By serving as a cultural liaison between the constituent and the service provider, our constituents are able to access services needed with little to no anxiety and frustration. We partner with local nonprofits, government agencies and school system to be able to serve the most at risk population in our community. We provided 3700 service referrals in 2013-2014.

youth mentoring our youth mentoring program is designed for students prek-12th grade, with service sites in the bel air, edgewood, and aberdeen communities. The bel air site is located at our office and serves about 40 prek- 12th grade children per week. The aberdeen location is at aberdeen high school and serves about 30 6th12th grade children per week. The edgewood location is at edgewood high school and serves about 30 6th12th grade children per week. The program invites students to come to one-on-one tutoring sessions where they receive support from a certified teacher as well as an english-speaking peer mentor. The students are encouraged to work on homework, study for upcoming tests, and access the school-based reporting system edline. The students work on social skills that help them build relationships of compassion and caring. During the summer, lasos offers a four week summer camp that serves 153 students. The camp provides remediation and instruction for students during the summer so that there is no loss in learning. The sessions focus on ways the children can be active and contributing members of society. Over the past four years lasos has served over 800 school aged children and have seen 15 at risk of dropping out to graduation and beyond.

adult literacy - the esol program is composed of 4 levels of english language proficiency, typically 12 courses per semester, that are focused on citizenship and work/life skills. Participants are placed in courses based on their english level and ability. Lasos offers literacy classes for technology and finances that are developed to level the playing field between those who have had structured experiences and those who havent. With a partnership through the maryland office of new americans and casa de maryland we offer citizenship support. The program serves as a resource for members in the community to receive help with filling out applications and for passing the naturalization test.

family literacy this is an interactive program for parents/caretakers and children to learn basic english through songs, finger plays, and story time. The parents/caregivers also learn appropriate activities, diet, and care for their children that allow for social and developmental growth. A facilitator mentors the parent/caregiver on how to be their childs first teacher. The family literacy program has service sites in the bel air, edgewood, and aberdeen communities. The bel air site is located at our office and serves about 15 children per week ranging in age from six months to five years. The aberdeen site is located in the catholic charities office and the edgewood site is located at the harford county public library in edgewood.