What's New at Neighbors Link


A Word From Our Executive Director - Carola Otero Bracco
Here at Neighbors Link we've come to believe our mission is the most important work any of us can imagine for the future of our whole community. Why? Because our constituents have become a major engine in the economic and cultural drive of Northern Westchester.

In a real way the success of Neighbors Link is inextricably tied to the stability and success of our community. If our constituents fail to develop and assimilate, our community will be the lesser for it.

The importance (and challenge) of our Economic and Educational Development programs can be found in the interviews and surveys we conduct at Neighbors Link: Most of our clients are from the rural areas of Guatemala where schools are not readily accessible. Many went to work in the fields by 8 years of age. While some have more formal education than others, on average they attended school for about 3 years, and at least 35% are illiterate in their native language.

All of us know that education, and especially language, helps people become more independent and responsible members of society. This fact was underscored for me when I received a heart-felt letter recently about the importance of all our programs at Neighbors Link. The author wrote:

"We (my spouse and I) are sending a check in the amount of $25 for Neighbors Link. It has been more than 40 years since we came to the United States. Our first goal then was to learn English, to learn about the ways and laws of our new home. We think education is the first objective - so we try to learn something every day. We would like to be kept informed so we can help in any way we can. Please let us know about your progress, difficulties, and accomplishments."

This donor will be pleased to know that our clients have had lots of accomplishments this last year. Many of our students graduated from the beginning English program and have enrolled in our more advanced classes. With the help of more than 60 tutors in all our programs, we now provide Computer Training, Sewing and Tailoring for personal and professional use, a legal clinic for immigration issues, health screenings and medical referrals, and so many other exciting programs.

We've barely begun, yet already we're forging an important path through the forest. Recently we received a letter from an organization in another town where the integration and assimilation of new immigrants has become a major challenge. The volunteer writes,

"As we contemplate the problems and opportunities ahead of us, we need a model for the solutions we envision for our town. Therefore, our representatives would like to tour your facility and spend time interviewing you. We understand that Neighbors Link has set the standard in Westchester County, and beyond."

The letter confirmed our dream of building a solid organizational model for others to follow. Some want to pattern after the total concept of Neighbors Link, while others select those programs most appropriate to their town's needs and abilities, such as the Hiring Site, or our educational department, or our social and community building program which fosters personal and community empowerment.

We could not accomplish any of this work without the many people who quietly volunteer their time, talents and personal resources. We are only as strong as our volunteer tutors and workers who make Neighbors Link such an exciting and special place to be. We hope you'll come to volunteer in ways that are meaningful to you, or just come to tour and visit so we can know you're part of our family.

As well, we owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude to the foundations, friends and local residents who've joined our team through every small and large contribution to our daily operations

Carola Otero Bracco, Executive Director
Neighbors Link