Like 99% of you, my ancestors were immigrants - mine from Germany in the 19th century, and from Ireland in the 17th, and the U.S. government opened its doors to them. Our ancestors came to the United States leaving behind everything that was familiar, and most everyone they held dear. When they stepped foot on American soil, most neither spoke nor understood the English language. Who among us would be brave enough to do that today? And yet, there are those who do. Those who, for a multitude of reasons, leave behind all that they know and loved, and make their way to our shores. The people who come today, and in particular those who arrive in the Pioneer Valley, have the advantage of services such as those provided by the Center for New Americans. The services do not come without a cost. You and I can help defray that cost so that the Center is able to continue with its critical work.
