METUCHEN — The English as a Second Language (ESL) program at the Metuchen YMCA has garnered a boost from Vernon Library Supplies.
The husband and wife-owned company, which provides library supplies, awarded the YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge and South Amboy (MEWSA) a $3,000 grant award on Dec. 21 that will support the costs of their ESL program at the Metuchen branch.
Vernon Library Supplies decided to donate all of its 2017 profits to non-profit organizations with programs designed to help new immigrants achieve English literacy and proficiency.
“Immigrants and their successful integration into the country have been critical to what has made America into the wonderful country it is,” said Shai Robkin, president of Vernon Library Supplies.
His wife, Judy, added that successful integration of new Americans into the country is a deeply personal matter to them noting that her father, a Jewish immigrant turned American soldier, was able to achieve the American dream by receiving a college education through the GI bill.
Rose Cushing, president and chief executive officer of the YMCA of MEWSA, said welcoming and engaging new Americans has always been a part of the YMCA’s mission.
“The Y feels strongly that now more than ever, we need to provide assistance to this vulnerable population and build bridges between diverse communities, rather than tearing them down,” she said.
The ESL programs offered at the Metuchen Y include English pronunciation classes, conversation, a book club, walk and talk, citizenship preparation classes and device management.
For more information about the ESL program, contact Robin Guensch at 732-548-2044 or email [email protected].