December 1, 2022
Hello SHC Friend,
Many students walk to SHC classes accompanied by one or more of their small children. It’s why on rainy, snowy, or particularly cold days, we anticipate lower attendance. One wet and cold day in February last year, despite the weather, a small but determined group of students still came to class ready to learn. They walked, pushing strollers, through slushy streets and cold wind. After they arrived, I noticed that one student was dressed up for class; she was wearing a delicate pair of beaded sandals that matched the beadwork on her lovely long dress. All I could think about during class was how she walked through the snow and slush to get to reach us.
This memory has stayed with me. I am still in awe of her determination and dedication to learning English. I remember her enthusiasm and excitement to join our class that day, and the effort she made to ensure she did not miss the opportunity to see her teacher, and to visit with friends and classmates.
SHC programs are designed to remove barriers, increase accessibility and welcome everyone. This results in reducing the isolation that many newcomer family members face. SHC programs also connect members of the community, forge friendships, and allow an opportunity for social interaction that does not exist in other spaces.
It's why our classes are child-welcoming, multigenerational learning spaces that promote family engagement. To achieve this we partner with organizations like The Gilcrest Center and Prince George’s County Memorial Library System so that we can bring programs to our families, instead of waiting for families to overcome barriers to come to us.
I’m proud to say that since 2017, 2,000+ students have enrolled in SHC English Language Programs. This year, SHC awarded 200 newcomer families micro-grants for housing assistance in partnership with Montgomery County and Prince George's County. In August, the Annual Back to School Drive distributed more than 400 complete uniforms and school supplies to families. Our new and growing Community Resource Connection Program reaches 200+ individuals with information about food banks, employment, and critical county programs multiple times per week.
Life in the United States can be very different from the cultures and backgrounds SHC families are from, but together we can promote community and reduce isolation by welcoming everyone in our community as neighbors.
I am writing today to ask for your support to power SHC programs that light a path to successful futures for newcomers in our communities. Please take a moment to make a donation today. Thank you!