Programs at Neighbors Link

With a clear mission to help Educate, Employ and Empower new immigrants, the following formal programs are offered at Neighbors Link for Economic Development and Adult Education.

These programs are in addition to the WestCOP Head Start Preschool at Neighbors Link and Case Management for issues impacting personal and family development. These include medical and mental health, housing and homelessness, domestic violence, alcohol and drug dependency, and other issues critical to the stabilization and development of healthy individuals and families.

Economic Development and Adult Education:
Since our constituents at Neighbors Link are typically from rural areas of Guatemala, schooling was not always an option. Most male children are expected to work in the fields by 8 years of age. That's why education is key to the future of our whole community. Once exposed to classroom learning, students at Neighbors Link are eager to learn more.

Job English
Morning classes for Day Laborers are offered Monday through Friday 9 AM - 12 Noon and are taught by BOCES instructors and Volunteer Tutors. By learning "Job English," students increase employment opportunities and often graduate to regular ESL classes at Neighbors Link. Morning teachers are happy to interrupt the class when homeowners and contractors come to offer jobs. This gives workers the chance to get jobs when they come to school.

ESL Classes
English as a Second Language classes are given Monday through Thursday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  ESL students are typically employed and possess 3-6 years prior schooling, with varying levels of English proficiency. Evening classes are taught by BOCES instructors and Volunteer Tutors.
Note: Children's Program is offered during ESL classes from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Worker Center
Day Workers assemble at 7:00 a.m. for jobs, using a lottery system created by the Day Workers themselves for fairness. Homeowners and contractors may also choose workers without using the lottery system, based on need for specific skills and/or English abilities, etc. Over 6,000 jobs are negotiated annually.
Note: Workers not employed by 9:00 a.m. begin Morning English class.

Job Bank
A referral service typically conducted by telephone, connects homeowners and business owners to housekeepers, restaurant employees, masons, carpenters, etc.

Management Apprenticeships
A participatory training program teaches business management procedures applicable to local establishments such as restaurants, warehouse distributors, landscape nurseries, etc. Training includes Cash Receipts and Disbursements, Inventory Management, and Bank Deposit Preparation. Participants in this program enhance their current job status and/or increase their marketability in private retail sector.

Computer Classes
Afternoon/Evening classes in small group sessions offer personalized instruction in basic computer skills.
Note: Children's Program is offered during classes, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Sewing and Tailoring Program
Evening classes are taught two and three nights weekly by a professional instructor. Single mothers and couples learn repair and alterations as well as new clothes-making for home business or commercial use.
Note: Children's Program is offered during classes, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Latin Sol Workshop
A Sewing and Craft Workshop is offered twice weekly for students wanting practical experience under professional supervision. Workshop participants make Latin style tote bags and accessories to sell. Training also is provided to help students track inventory and analyze home business costs.
Community members and friends: You may bring basic alteration jobs to Neighbors Link where Workshop members give them personal attention.
Note: Children's Program is offered during classes, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Family Night
A Friday night program will open soon for Family Learning and Socialization. Family Night will feature pot-luck meals and educational seminars on healthy marriage dynamics, child development, household budgeting, school support, job networking and community building. The focus of this program will be marriage and family life.
Note: Children's Program is offered from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for participants.

Neighbors Link Café
Open 16 hours daily, 365 days a year, the supervised Café provides alcohol-free socialization and community building with table games and recreation. Clients gain empowerment and leadership skills through committee assignments, events planning and group dynamics. With refreshments sold below market prices, the Café produces significant income to help offset the annual operating expenses of Neighbors Link.

Legal Clinic
Neighbors Link, in collaboration with Pace University's Law School, offers a weekly free Legal Clinic on-site for people needing advice with unpaid wages and general legal issues.