Bishop's Fund Grants $5,000 to English for New Americans

The Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund is supporting English language instruction for immigrants and refugees in the Manchester area with a $5,000 donation to the English for New Americans program coordinated by Saint Anselm College.

Since 2003, the program has been managed by the college’s Meelia Center for Community Service, with the help of faculty, staff and student volunteers. It has familiarized 1,200 immigrants and refugees in the Manchester area with the language and culture of their new home. In the last academic year, a record 446 people attended classes, which are divided into four levels of instruction and are held at the First Congregational Church.

“Bishop McCormack and the directors of the Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund are deeply concerned about helping new people become active members of their new communities,” said Patrick F. McGee, director of planning and development for the diocese. “The English for New Americans program not only offers language classes, but it also helps new Americans understand our culture and how to adapt to life in New Hampshire.”

Dan Forbes, director of the Meelia Center, said the donation comes at a critical time for the program. Federal funding has been cut dramatically, but the need for assistance is strong and growing.

A profile completed by the Casey Institute in the spring of 2008 found that more than 4,000 refugees resettled in New Hampshire between 1997 and 2006, with about three-fourths settling in Manchester. Statistics indicate that half the 10,000 immigrants living in Manchester today have arrived since 1980. Refugees in the Granite State represent more than 30 different countries of origin.

“This is a critical need, a key to the refugee’s future,” said Forbes. “We have a clear need, a basic need to provide this service, and this generous donation will help us continue to do so.”

The Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund makes grants to tax-exempt organizations without regard to religious affiliation for projects that help people in New Hampshire meet their basic needs.  The fund is operated by volunteer lay men and women who serve as directors and who make recommendations to the Bishop of Manchester for grants to any organization in New Hampshire whose mission is consistent with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.  The fund raises money through solicitation of individuals, businesses and philanthropic organizations.  An annual accounting of funds raised and disbursements is available by request.