The Maura Clarke-Ita Ford (MCIF) Center

MCIF, The Maura Clarke - Ita Ford Center, is truly changing the lives of immigrants. MCIF is helping individuals to improve their own lives, by giving them the tools for a better life. Those that participate at the Maura Clarke - Ita Ford Center leave with hope and the opportunity for success. I have been impressed that MCIF does so much good, with limited resources. The focus of the agency is helping those that walk through the doors. If there were more Nonprofits like the Maura Clarke - Ita Ford Center, the world would be a better place.

The community that the MCIF Center has built is incredible. It's a veritable one-stop-shop for immigrant families. Siblings, friends, and strangers alike come here to improve themselves, becoming citizens, learning English, and learning other life skills. And the caliber of instruction is unparalleled in such a setting. The instructors are not only passionate about their participants and the subject, but they have experience, most holding Masters degrees. I've worked with a lot of non-profits in Brooklyn and while it may be a small operation, it's as effective as anything out there.

MCIF is an incredible community resource! Through GED, Citizenship and leveled English classes, MCIF provides a wide range of educational opportunities to empower communities members in the greater Bedstuy/Bushwick area. Through personalized attention and a strong sense of community, MCIF creates a space were student thrive. As I English teacher at MCIF I saw my students grow immensely. With the confidence they gained through improving their English and being a part of the community they attained better jobs and were able to better advocate for their children in school.

I taught at the MCIF Center for a year and have continued to volunteer since. The MCIF Center is a wonderful resource for the greater Bushwick community; from the English classes to GED and computer literacy courses, MCIF helps the women and men who attend better engage in their communities. Further, the leaders of MCIF have a deep commitment to helping students find other resources. The students themselves are an inspiration, as they commit not only to juggling classes with parenthood, work, and family obligations, but also work together to fight for community causes, like park improvements. It is such a privilege to be a part of the greater MCIF community!

i would like to give a review of the MCIF center, this non profit is not only helping the latino community become more active in being part of the community learning options but it is changing lives. i have a few friends that are attending classes and they have great feedback about MCIF, such as they feel like they finally have a great place local in brooklyn to further their language education with great teachers. i refer and recommend all my latino friends to be a part of MCIF activities, and i would like to see this place to continue to grow. Thanks to the education program, latinos are being given more chances in jobs thanks to their growing knowledge in the language and helping families become more unified. i can't wait to gather some friends to volunteer at this center in the nearby future and for more years to come!

sincerely,
brooklyn resident

I have worked in close partnership with MCIF to improve the neighborhood for the past two years. In this role I work with many MCIF participants, the vast majority of whom speak very highly of the program. MCIF is a place where participants stay for several years, and go from having minimal English skills, to being able to communicate effectively. In addition, MCIF offers other programs, besides ESL, that students take advantage of, including: nutrition classes, GED preparation, computer classes, and leadership training. Maybe most importantly, at MCIF participants develop strong relationships with one another and their instructors, making the center memorable for everyone involved.

I have been the Head Instructor at MCIF for over a year, and I was drawn to this organization because of its community-centered environment. The Center not only offers a range of classes (ESL, GED, citizenship, computer, and entrepreneurship), but also brings in outside resources and workshops for students such as nutrition classes, legal assistance, and safety presentations. Students participate in regular celebrations, a weekly flea market, and have a daily coffee break during which they mingle with students from the different ESL classes. The Center even has a student council - elected by peers - that works to communicate about issues and events related to the school. We have a dedicated staff who, due to the consistent work hours and paid staff meeting time, really get to operate as a team. It's a fabulous place that deserves all the support it can get.

I joined MCIF as an instructor recently, and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career as an educator so far. Coming from a large organization to a small one was a significant change, but the staff and students at MCIF have made my transition easy. The students have been especially welcoming, and I continue to be inspired by their dedication and passion. MCIF is definitely a leader in the field of ESL education.

MCIF Center uses a holistic model to teach the students they serve. Not only, do they work on the rules of grammar, but also on incorporating the social aspect of the English language. Keep up the great work!

MCIF provides a valuable and timely solution to citizens and new comers in developing their English language skills. The methodologies used by MCIF are time tested and quantifiable. It is important to note that as American citizenship issues of documented and undocumented individuals work their way toward a solution with an English language requirement that MCIF is currently positioned to provide that service. Equally as important is that individuals in the program become more culturally assimilated, have better job opportunities, can help their children with school language arts and gain more confidence in their understanding or our society.

I don't know of any other ESL program in Brooklyn that serves the whole immigrant student by providing not only 5 levels of English instruction but also crucial information and resources to establish a productive life in the U.S. This should be a model for other ESL programs around the country, and it's doing it on a shoestring budget. The dedication of the staff and solidarity of the student body sets this school apart from any other I'm familiar with.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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 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 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.

My experiencia about in this Center is:
I feel more certaindy,more conford because I anderstand and speak
English.In I was loock a job is more better for my.and my life to.
And I feel good in this Center because I have many oportunities.
Thank you.
Mr Aaron Corbin.

I Am Feel happy to know this center ; because the teaching in this
center is very well. They teachers are excelent and has patience
and comunication with the students also to explain the class
very well .

. .

Hello my name is Gabriela Fernandez. I'm a student at the MCIF center in class level 2. My experience at MCIF is very good. My mind is clear and I understand what people say when they speak to me. Honestly I feel fine with the MCIF center it gives me security and I have time to study. The center has different people to come in and talk abaut problems that I may have.

During seasontime in the MCIF Center .I understand more English before I came here. Now I can read,speak more better English.

My personal experience about the center.
I like M.C.I. Because has given me the opportunity, to lear .English
with other people from diferent,nation and religion.

My experience about this center I feel confident because now I can speak
more english and understand and
I have more opportunity to study.

my experience in this to have opportunities meet other culturals and people. also that there are oeople who like to help others without anything in return.

MCIF Center is a beatiful center. The teachers are very nice, and very professioal. I feel very good at the MCIF center.

My expirence is very good because I'm thankful for mcIF bringing me the opportunity the learn English

My Experience about MCIF center is nice . Bicause I`m Learning English ,computacion, manualities,GED. Thankyou for all MCIF center.

The center help me to speak clearly
and understand more enghish in my life.
now I watch more programs in english.
Before I didn' watch programs in english
Now I read the newspaper in english

My personal experience about the center is :
I feel well because I am learning Engles and and computer.

I am happy about this program because you can share with more people and I saw with the center helpful me.

I have alot of experience at this center because I have more opportunities in my life to understand English.
This center has different programs to help people.

I am feel very happy in this Center, because my teacher and my classmates are very helpful to me.

I came to this school because, I want to speak English and help
my children with their homework. Also the class and my teacher is a very good person.

I was very happy for tha opportunity that was given to me to learn English at the maura-klarke ita ford center. My experience is very good.

I came here because one my friends studied here and she said it was very good and is to close may aparment naw I can to ask questions on the s.t so I'm happy in my jop because now I can to make people tolk with cooks, waiter whit everyyone I'm feel will in the school is not too spensive, the class are interesting the teacher is to patient. I think what we need to get out in groups for practice our english.

I like everything at m.c.i.f.
I took english to read and to speak english read and to
Speak better.
I have been in n. y, for a long time and
Did not speak perfect english.
I would change the school by a doing
An elebator and and have at diferent times for
The techer's for ekample fron lunch
To 6.p.m . or 8. p,m, becouse I need to work.

i TOOK ENGLISH TO READ AND TO SPEAK BETTER.
i HAVE BEEN IN N.Y. FOR A LONG TIME AND DID NOT SPEAK
pERFECT ENGLISH.
I WOLD CHANGE THE SCHOOL BY A DOING ON ELEVATOR AND
HAVE AT DIFERENTE TIMES FOR THE TICHER'S FOR EXAMPLE
FOR LUNCHE TO 6 P.M. OR 8.P.M. BECOUSE I NEED TO WORK.

I like the school because it is has very good the teachers. I practice English sentenses and study my book. My friend Jetssia speaks Engish to me.My teacher speaks English and we to practice words and write test. I like the school because it is very good for me. I can help my children with their homework. With his books, write sentenses and when we have a apoiment for the Dentis and Doctors.

I like this school because it is good. The education is important for my personal life. The teacher is a good person. I need to learn English beacause I have children, they a need help for school. I am thankful that this school existed.

I come to this school because I want to speak English and help my children on threir homeworks, Also the class and my teacher is very good person.

I'am at the school, because some people said to me that there was
English class.
I like these school because we speak only English and I have been learnig and writing moreEnglish. I have been here for 2 years in this school is very good.

I came here because my friends studied here , and said
it was a very good .
I'm happy for tha opportunity that was given to me Speak
and learn English at MCI.

I chose this school because a friend recommended and it is near my house. And I want to learn English to communicate with the teacher of my son and why it matters in this country speak English.
Listen

My personal experience at MCIF.
My friend is studing English at MCIF. She told me about the school. For me it is very important to learn English,because it is necesary in the United States to speak English.I like the school the education is very good,and so are the other classes ex:computer class,handicrafts,English computer.
I will recommend this place to my friends.

I choose mcif,because I was at another school and some one suggested this school because the other school was closing.

I arrived here and did a review and passed at level 1B with Niger. The teacher is a good person and very good teacher.

I liked the school because the school has a system very good to learn, the teachers make me feel comfortable and the students are very friendly. I learned much in this school.

This is my opinion about the school thank you.

My personal experience at MCIF center has been beautiful. The school is
big ,confurtable.
My teachers are very nice.Sometimes I don't understand too much English.
My classmates are very good friends. We always try to help ourselfs and share everything

Thank you

I chose this school because a friend recommended it to me,also because it is near to my house,also the schudele of class is very good,and I have time for work. My English has improved sinse i came to MCIF, but I need to improved much more.

One of the biggest highlights of each year is to see 120 students walk across the stage at ESL graduation. As each student passes across the stage, it represents a step in their individual journeys to be more economically successful and independent, providing a better life for themselves and their families.

The Maura Clarke-Ita Ford Center does extremely important work in the community. It can be very difficult to take on a new experience and keep one's personal integrity. MCIF Center Inc. helps people to make those transitions in their lives.

For me, I have had a good experience because I have a lot of friens and better comunication with the other people in the class ,I feel good because the teacher teach very vell.

MY personal experince is now I know little bitmore english than before. It helps me wherever I go.

The MCIF center is important because it helps many immigrants that don"t have sufficient money to pay a private school and this center gives then the opprtunity to study free.

For me ,I have had a good experience because I have a lot of friends and better comunication with the other people, in the class . I feell good because the teacher is very nice she explans very well .

This Center is good for me because i want to learn English.

I hava been at the center for a short time. It helped me a lot knowing more english.

My personal opinion is
The center is good because MCIF helps me a lot. When I came here Iwas afraid because I didn't know anything about English. I didn't understand. I couldn't speak. I couldn't write and read. Now I can to do all of them, not to much, but more than before.

My experience is good.I feel comfortable and happy because I am learning English.

I feel good . The experience is interesting. I think my teacher is patient.Now i understand and speak moro.

My experince at the center has been marvelous , I am learning speak English and share with other people from different countries.
My teachers are excelent people with everybody and they help us.

In my life,I can see many changes I can speak English much better in my job.And I can communicate with my boss and my friends.Ad when I go to the hospital too.

In this center I feel good. I think that I can learn English and I can Speak better.

I'm student of mcif center I am in level 1A. My teacher is verygood she teacher well I'm very happy.

Well, for me i like the center so much , because the classes are very dynamic and i feel motivated. also all of the students are friendly. In short time i was learming a lot of things. My english has improved so much. The teachers are exellent too.

This organization helps people to learn how to speak a language and provides better opportunites for wor.

this is my first year in MCIF center I'm very happy because I want to learn Englis and this center gives me the apportunitie.

To me organizationb is givining me the oportunity to study English. I am very grateful that I'd like to keep learning.

In general i think you do good job helping people that don't have the resources to pay and want to progress in this country. Personality i am very happy of has this oppotuniry to learn the english and with good people.

In addition, this center provides or offer opportuniries as get a employment, training course, and computers. Also the teachers are excellent, willing to offer you help always.

My personal experince is that everyday.I learn a lot of English.
But not only that. Honestly, I don't like to speak in public places, because
I'm afraid to pronounce words wrong. But in the last year something
changed. Now I can speak wherever I go.

Thanks to MCIF Center and all my teachers for helping me a lot. This is my first year in the center and I'm in level 4. I can write, read and speak better. I feel great because now I understand English and this is very important for me and my family. I have a 4 year old child and I am very happy that I can help him do his homework and speak with his teacher and doctor in English better.

i have studied English in this Center for three years.
MCIF has guiven the help that I need.
At this Center they teach GED too, for people want to get a Certificate.
This Center help many people of diferent Nacionalities.

My experience at the Center has been verynice because since I started here. I am learning alot. This Center gives US many oppotunities.They have GED class,computer class and English.I think Center is the best in this Community.

My experience has been marvelous . I have had good teachers and shered a lot of experiences with them, like trips that help us to learn important things.

The MCIF center is great because it helps a lot of people especially immigrants who live in this country. They learn to speak English and write.

The school are very good,I'm want to go but my work schedule is in the same time,if you have time go to school and study English in MCIF Center.

Good Job keep making Life better for people may thé work that your company do go down in history.a

this school is very good teaching , my aunt is going to this school and she's learning very fast English.

I'm Natalia Angel,I'm new student in the school,I feel happy because I have the opportunity to learn English and computer class.I realy apreciate that. MCIF gives me the opportunity to overcame,I feel happy in the school.They're teaching me many things and I'm not nervius any more to speak English.I'm know what I can do now. Thank you so much MCIF center.

I have been looking for good English classe in Brooklyn, when I found the information about MCIF. I had tests in several English centers and Brooklyn Public Library branches, and they recognized my level as "Advanced". But the bad news was that they didn't have a place for me.
So, when I came to MCIF I had an interview with our teacher, Christina, and she accepted me to her 4-th level class. I found a friendly atmosphere and great support here.

I have been at the MCIF Center for 20 days . I feel very good because I am learning English. Thank you MCIF for calling me to start class.

My name is Wendy Chen,My personal experience about the MCIF Center is very good, because all the staff and teachers work very hard. In the future the students at MCIF Center will be able to go to college and get jobs and open businesses.

My personal experience about this center is very good. Because the personnel and teacher's work together. They help to give a better future to the students. I like this center because they teach very well.

I like this center because are people that help you. In this center they bring meetings and respond to yuor question. During the class we organize events like Christmas Show, Thansgiving Day, The Woman' s International Day, etc. These are fun and we learn about it. The teachers are fun, they are teaching very well, the classes are interesting. Everything is at a low cost.

Hello my name 's Guadalupe Palomino.
The MCIF CENTER is good center in my personal experience,
I'm study in the second level the teacher is good,
every time she helps me.

Hello my name is Jose vega i am student in level 2 at MCIF. i feel good about this school because it is great for learning English. The MCIF helps us .We do not pay anything. The classes are free and we can continue to go to school.

My personal experience at MCIF Center has been good.MCIF gives on opportunity to peoples from diferent cuuntries.MICF did the some for me.The center gave me the opportunity to learn and became self-sufficent. Than you MCIF Center

I feel good about I.C.I.F. I have wonderful Teacher. All tlhe staff and students from different Countries are wonderful people. There are young people.I am an older person I feel very good I am very happy.

My name is Mildred Collado. I'm studying English and computer classes at the MCIF center. I feel great about my experience at MCIF. I think the center is very good,because the center gives opportunity to people of different nationalities. The center has very good teacher. They are very punctual and put a lot of you themselves in to their work so that their students learn what they are studying. To me personally, I love studying at MCIF, beause I feel very happy and grateful to my teacher Carol. She is very loving and very concerned that you learn and understand what she explains.

My name is Providencia Castro ,My experience in Mcif Center is very good. I have learned more. Now my English is very good.Iam a English student,Iam happy for the opportunityMclf center has give me.When I am come to school ,I don,nt speake E nglish well.Now, I undestandet the peaple when they speak on the train .I undestandest what the pople speak to me.

Hello my name is Zulma Sanchez, i,m student MCIF,I,m glad to them in this scholl, because it has a good teaches. MCIF has a good programs for teaching English, All staff is great. The environment are confortable.

MCIF Center gives many oportunites.
All the staff is very kind always,they help me when I need it.
My teacher is important,because she teaching very good.

I FEEL HAPPY

Hi!! My name is claribel vasquez,I'm a student at tha MCIF Center in the level 2. My experience at the center is very good, because I'm studing English. the class helpsme with my spelling and writing. Berofe I coud not speak English, but now I speak a little English. Thanks to the Center. I can continue going to school and speak English better in the future.

I am Wanda Vasquez I'm a student at MCIF Center level 2, and I would like to share what I feel a bout the school. I feel proud because now I understand better . the rason is because I have a good teacher at the MCIF Center.

I'am student of MCIF center I'M very happy to to know that are people who can help m, to build a better future in this country.

MCIF provides excellent english classes and other educational programs to Brooklyn residents. The teachers are extremely dedicated and the students are very committed. They also involved in local efforts to improve safety, conditions of the streets and education in the neighborhood.

I had the enormous pleasure of working with Miss Licata last year. I am a high school teacher in West Plam Beach, Florida. My Leadership and Spanish classes exchanged traditional letters with some of the students at the center. At the end of the process, my sudents wrote about their experience, and for most of them, it was a pleasant and fulfilling journey.
Keep up the great and much needed work!

The Maura Clarke-Ita Ford Center can change the lives of the women and men who attend the Center,  and the lives of their families.  Because of the dedication and sacrifice of the participants, they learn English and are able to communicate in every day life.  Many have achieved their high school diploma and gone on to further their education.May the doors of the Center continue to welcome immigrants and open doors of opportunity for themselves and their families.

This organization works hard to educate adults who have a yearning to learn English as a second language. The staff is dedicated to the education of these individuals, and they go to great lengths to ensure every students' success. Being a non-profit agency, dedicated employees have written numerous grants to keep the school in business. I have spent a lot of time with one of the agency's employees, and I find her to be a hard-working advocate for education.

I volunteered for one week at MCIF through my college’s service program. From day one, I was so impressed with the MCIF program; from the enthusiasm of the teachers and the students, to the value placed on fostering a sense of community within the program, to the way the program effectively carried out their mission statement of educating and empowering women. It was always evident that both the students and the teachers wanted to be there. Each day, the students would thank the teacher (and thank me, the volunteer) for being there and teaching them new things. I observed first-hand how dedicated my teacher was to educating her students, and the way she encouraged a classroom atmosphere conducive to open communication. There was never a lack of class participation; the students were very enthusiastic about raising their hands in class to read a passage or volunteer an answer. I thought very highly of the way the classroom emphasized active learning, as it allowed the students to get the most out of lessons by continuously participating and essentially providing feedback about their level of understanding, while simultaneously increasing the students’ self esteem. The lessons taught at MCIF are invaluable in educating otherwise economically disadvantaged women with the essential skills they need to have better relationships with their families and with the community, and grow as self-respecting individuals.
It was also evident that the members of the administrative staff at MCIF were there for the right reasons. Whenever we would discuss the program and its aims, it was clear that the administrators were student and education focused. They made sure to promote entrepreneurial workshops like making cards or jewelry, which are great opportunities for the students to gain other skills to discover how to support their families financially and realize their own potential.
My time spent at MCIF was truly invaluable and impacted my life, and I cherished my time there. I appreciate what MCIF does for its students, and how it works towards breaking the unrelenting cycle of poverty. MCIF changes lives.

There could be no greater service to the Bushwick community than the education that Maura Clarke-Ita Ford center provides. Students not only better themselves by improving their grasp of the English language, but also by developing a sense of community as both a New Yorker and an American. I was struck by the cultural diversity of both the faculty and the students themselves, but their differences served to foster a more dynamic learning environment. Despite their varied backgrounds, they all strived for a common goal to create a better life for themselves and their families. This is most apparent during the graduation ceremony where the year to year progress is most evident. The classes that graduate from the program have a sense of shared accomplishment, knowing that they have helped their fellow classmates obtain a new level of confidence in their language skills. This attitude was exemplified in the end of the year play, written and acted out by the students themselves, who showed no hesitations in expressing their newly developed skills. Truly, the Maura Clarke-Ita Ford center is a jewel of the Bushwick community.

As a public health professional, I undrestand and value the effort that MCIF is doing to prepare and train immigrant women to succeed in the U.S. improving their quality of life. Many of these women that are benefiting from the programs at MCIF are head of household and their progress will certainly affect future generations. I hope MCIF could expand the services to other immigrants populations around NYC.

After my sister, Sr. Maura Clarke, was killed in El Salvador in 1980, I wondered how to keep her memory, and her good work alive. The two sisters who began this Center in Bushwick, Brooklyn, have done so. Maura (and her friend) Ita Ford were committed to impoving living conditions and educational opportunities for women, their children, and their families. In Brooklyn, MCIF conducts English as a second language classes, assists people to get their GED, and also broadens their employment opportunities. MCIF helps new immigrants make the challenging transitision from their home countries to become contributing American citizens. MCIF is a friendly, welcoming place where both men and women can come to help them find their place in this country. I am honored to be part of this grass roots organization.

I, along with a few other students from New York Law School, had the great pleasure to present to the women and men of the Maura Clarke-ITA Ford Center on immigration topics. The level of respect and genuine care that the Bushwick community displayed toward the volunteers at MCIF is a true representation of the wonderful services that the organization offers. One can only wish that more such non-profits existed.

The Maura Clarke - Ita Ford Center has been serving the women of Bushwick for 17 years. We began with 42 women and have reached well over 2,000. The beuaty of MCIF is that it continues to change as the needs of the women who come change. Each woman who comes through the door finds a place. Owning ones gifts and using them is an every day event. I used to think that we all somehow benefitted from the Center. We all are better poeple for having been there.

We have been funding MCIF for 11 years now and are truly impressed with their story. They execute well-rounded programs to help better the lives of the Bushwick community members. Their warmth and deep passion for the work transcends down to the children of the mothers/fathers they help. We look forward to witnessing what other creative programs they have in store for us in the coming years...

MCIF is a wonderful organization - making amazing strides with limited resources. MCIF has made an impact in the lives of many women who have immigrated to the US without means. What is special about MCIF is the unwavering commitment of the staff and the director to the students – ensuring that the MCIF participants not only learn English but truly grow and develop as individuals.

The MCIF Center is an invaluable resource for women (and men) to learn vital skills like English, computer technology, jewelry making and other crafts, and entrepreneurship. It is a place to earn a GED, to prepare for citizenship, and simply to become an integral part of a wonderful, loving, productive community. It is exactly what we need wherever there are people eager to learn and grow and contribute to society.

MCIF gives the community of Bushwick hope. NYC can be an overwhelming place for New Yorkers, for the newly arrived it can be unimaginably difficult to navigate - from riding the subway to going to the doctor. MCIF gives immigrants a chance to improve, create a better life for themselves and their families.

MCIF is a small place with a big heart. The education, job training and friendly, safe environment make it a wonderful place in which to learn. There is a spirit of wanting people to achieve to their highest level. People are treated with dignity and empowered to be all that they can be.

I'm a filmmaker who spent time shooting at the MCIF Center over the course of several days as part of a larger documentary. I attended classes as well as an eye care event offered to clients and interviewed staff members. I was impressed from the moment I walked in to the moment I left - I observed caring, smart teachers that had students very engaged. The eye care event was well organized and a real boon to those who needed help with their vision - providing exams, glasses and other tools to better people's health. This is a truly empowering place and a worthwhile organization to support.

Obtaining a strong educational base is perhaps one of the most important skill sets that can help any individual succeed in this country. Particularly since a strong foundation can ultimately lead to employment and economic independence. MCIF provides the necessary life skills to the diverse immigrant community enabling the group to independently enrich their lives and ultimately enrich their neighborhood too. As a board member of MCIF I am very proud to see the important and meaningful impact/services the center provides to the broader Bushwick community and I am equally proud of the unrelenting hard work the staff puts into making the center a success.

I have been a member of the board since 2006 and Chair of the board since 2008. I have been amazed by the dedication and drive of the staff and the desire and determination of the participants. MCIF supports the Bushwick community and helps to improve the lives of hundreds of immigrants everyday. Providing educational services and job readiness skills enables participants to empower themselves and achieve economic independence for themselves and their families.

I am moved both by the drive of the ESL students and the passion of the MCIF Center staff in helping recent immigrants live the American Dream. Sometimes that dream is as simple as providing an immigrant mother like current MCIF Center student Wendy Chen with the language skills she needs to communicate with her daughter's teacher.