On July 23rd, a group of 50 Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC members and staff attended the Immigrants are Essential Rally in New York City. CIS-NYC and over 1,000 New Yorkers marched through Chinatown and shut down the Manhattan Bridge as part of a nationwide day of action to demand a pathway to citizenship be included in the next federal infrastructure package.
Recently, Congressional Democrats announced that their infrastructure package would include a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, TPS holders and Essential Workers. This rally was part of ongoing efforts to pressure Congress to show leadership and take action to ensure that a pathway to citizenship becomes reality now, after decades of empty promises. 
Donna Marie Lasco, a NYS certified teacher, created this workshop to help some of our CIS Moms. Each week, the Moms would come to CIS to pick up the needed supplies for each workshop. The first week, everyone received the book, Mango, Abuela, and Me by Meg Medina. Mrs. Lasco showed them how to ask questions of their children while reading the book. This skill would help them improve their reading skills as well as help them in their schoolwork. They also received crayons, beans, sidewalk chalk, play dough, etc. All these items were used to show how learning can be fun. It also allowed the children to not be on a computer but rather learning by doing. For example, the beans help the children learn to count, the play-dough helps them to create a letter or a number.
On May 8th and 15th the Justice for Immigrants (JFI) Program at Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC held a popular education leadership training for our community members. Ten members graduated from the program, where they learned and engaged in dialogue about a range of topics, including: the history of immigration in the U.S.; systemic oppression; the historical context of white supremacy and xenophobia; how immigration intersects with other social movements; tactics for community organizing; how to tell your story; methods of self-care; and more.
o open.
At the head of the line stood Sr. Yolanda Flores attentively checking IDs, patiently answering questions and making sure that things ran smoothly. They nearly always do, even with an increased demand for food in the midst of a difficult time in the neighborhood.
One Mom said, “It is nice to have a place to just breathe.” Kimberly Lara, a social work intern from Mercy College, leads the group. They talk about what is happening with their children, the concerns about COVID, school, etc.
This spring, Justice for Immigrants (JFI) is offering an exciting opportunity to young adult immigrants who are interested in developing their leadership skills and joining a team of change-makers. JFI’s Leadership Development Program will create a space for young adults (ages 18-35) to learn about community organizing strategies and tactics, explore how to use storytelling as a tool for change, study the history of social movements, and much more. During this 6 week period, participants will also have opportunities to apply what they’re learning to real world contexts through field trips and advocacy activities. Metrocards and snacks will be provided at each
En la lucha,
