My Nonprofit Reviews

I have been involved with The Opening Word Program for the past 7 years; as a volunteer ESL instructor and later as a grant writer and a member of the Board of Directors. The spirit of the wonderful women who attend our program is inspiring. Our students hail from countries all around he world; Central America, Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Many work long hours and walk quite a distance in all kinds of weather to attend class and learn English. Often I will see them assisting each other in order that all understand the lesson being taught. We are not just an ESL program, we see each women as a unique individual with unique needs and concerns. Opening Word treats the whole person not just their language needs. Our students know that it is a welcoming place in a sometimes harsh world.

I have been a volunteer instructor at the Opening Word for the past 4 years, teaching immigrant women on Long Island the English language and job readiness skills. The OW makes a tremendous impact on the lives of these women and their families, helping them integrate into their communities and become productive citizens. The services this small personal not for profit offers are life altering for the women in the disadvantaged communities where its sites are located. Each year I am inspired by the students, their hard work and desire to learn in the face of many hardships.