Maria del Pilar Quintana Family Center For the past eighteen years, the Maria del Pilar Quintana Family Center (MdPQFC) continues to provide educational services and civic readiness to thousands of immigrants from the city of Lawrence and its surrounding communities. Currently, the Center is assisting well over 500 individuals seeking ESL, Citizenship and Computer Skills classes. Our schedule is designed to accommodate the needs of new and returning students. The Quintana Center offers assistance with the filing of Immigration forms— such as, but not limited to, N-400, N-600, I-912, I-90, AR-11—for individuals seeking Naturalization process, Green Card renewal, Fee Waivers, and Change of Address. The Quintana Center also schedules appointments for United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) using the Info-Pass system for individuals seeking information regarding their filed applications. Other services consist of US Passport and Selective Service applications, translations and referrals to legal counseling. For FY’2013-14 the Quintana Center registered 513 students seeking to improve their literacy skills as well as their social responsibilities and community engagement. All classes are held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and the schedule consists of 18 English as a Second Language (ESL) classes ranging from Level 1 beginner to Level III intermediate. To keep students engaged and motivated, Spelling Bee contests are held twice a year for ESL and citizenship students. Weeks before the event takes place, students gather in clusters practicing their spelling and vocabulary skills with each other. The winners and runner-ups of the contests are given ribbons, medals and certificates for their participation. The MdPQFC offers Basic Computer Skills classes targeting students in need of learning how to use the keyboard, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. The students also explore the internet, and Microsoft Outlook. Citizenship classes are held three times a year, incorporating Reading & Writing vocabulary, Civics & US history. Current registration fees for the Quintana Center services are as follows: $75 for ESL and Computer Skills and $50 for Citizenship classes. Registration fees are per class per term. Charter School parents’ registration remained the same this year which is $50 per term per class. Mr. Roy Davis, USCIS Community Relations Officer, District 1, MA, ME, NH, RI, visits the Quintana Center twice a year and conducts an USCIS training with the students. During his visit, Mr. Davis explains the content of the N-400 and 100 Civic Questions. He also analyzes the USCIS naturalization interview. This visit allows the students to ask questions regarding the “do’s” and “don’ts” of an interview. Also this year, USCIS provided training regarding Supporting Immigrants and Refugees Families and Building and Maintaining a Comprehensive Adult Citizenship Education Program—a free two-day seminar for Adult Educators and Program Administrators. In March 2014, Ms. Sandra Cepeda, Manager of Center Programs and Ms. Cindy Colón, Office Assistant, participated alongside other agencies at the Wetherbee School Community Fair. Quintana Center class schedules, fliers and CNAP information was provided to the general public with information on how to apply for citizenship of the United States. All information and educational materials gathered at trainings and workshops are shared with the ESL and Citizenship teachers to improve the center’s services. During the year, the staff of the Quintana center participated in many mandated trainings, meetings, and workshops regarding adult education and pathways to citizenship. 20
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