Center for New Americans
A Community-Based Education and Resource Center for Immigrants and Refugees in Western Massachusetts
Students say...
""Before College for a Day, I didn't know if I really wanted to go to college. Now I am convinced that I do. I am very excited about it."
- Fikriye
New at CNA:
Center for New Americans fully endorses the Census 2010 initiative.
Through this effort, the U.S. Census Bureau, with support from community groups, will provide a full and accurate count of those living in each community in the United States and collect key information. CNA will work closely with the U.S. Census Bureau locally. We have confidence in the U.S. Census Bureau and trust its ability to maintain the confidentiality of information collected.
We recognize the importance of an accurate local count in determining the true demographics of our communities and the importance of this information for determining services and funding to support the needs or our local populations.
For more information about Census 2010, please go to the Census 2010 website: www.census.gov/2010census.
A July 4th to Remember!
Center for New Americans celebrated July 4th with two activities that made the heart beat quickly: The fourth annual Four on the Fourth Road Race organized by Northampton Running Company and sponsored by River Valley Market. Over 200 people, including CNA students ran and walked the four-mile course through downtown Northampton. After the race, they regrouped with fresh-squeezed orange juice from River Valley Market; pancakes cooked by Northampton Running Company volunteers; and music from the Ekonting Peace Band.
a citizenship swearing-in ceremony on the grounds of the Old Courthouse. The Honorable Judge Michael Ponsor presided; Mirella Tiberi, herself a naturalized citizen, represented U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; Evelyn Harris sang; and VFW 8006 presented the colors. Twelve new Americans were sworn in in the presence of cheering community members.
A 4th they'll never forget
Daily Hampshire Gazette
StoryCorps Interview with CNA Student
On the occasion of "Immigrants Day" at the State House in Boston, WFCR featured a StoryCorps interview between teenager Nisha Malik -- born in India -- and her mother, CNA student Suman Malik. They now live in Greenfield. They talked about life in their adopted country. Listen Now
CNA Students Step Up to Contribute to the Governor's New Americans Agenda
Center for New Americans students traveled to Springfield to join over 300 other immigrants and refugees in a discussion of how government can better facilitate their integration into the civic and economic life of the Commonwealth.
Spearheaded by Governor Patrick and organized by Center for New Americans and Alliance to Develop Power, the hearing provided a unique opportunity for immigrants to help shape state government related to higher education, securing driver's licenses, and recognition of professional training from home countries.
Several CNA students expressed an interest in remaining active in this exciting civic dialogue as it progresses throughout the year.
The Governor's New Americans Agenda is a year-long initiative designed to solicit input from immigrants, refugees, and their supporters for government policies that welcome them more fully into the community.
CNA College-Bound Students Participated Enthusiastically in College-for-a-Day at Holyoke Community College CNA teachers accompanied about 20 students to Holyoke Community College's sixth annual College for a Day.
Organized by the System for Adult Basic Education Support (SABES), College-for-a-Day provides students who are preparing for college with an opportunity to spend time on a college campus, attend brief college classes, and learn about the services that are available to them.
CNA students embraced the opportunity to participate actively in the mini-classes. They didn't mind lunch in the cafeteria either!
CNA gratefully acknowledges Andrea Burns for her generous donation of in-kind photography.