Page 4 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, February 18, 2022 Founder of Immigrant Learning Center honored O n February 8, surrounded by his family, Everett resident Jeantilus Gedeus presented the founder and CEO of Malden-based The Immigrant Learning Center (The ILC), Diane Portnoy, with a plaque recognizing her support of the Haitian community. The plaque reads: “We hereby present Diane Portnoy with this award in recognition for the free education program you provide for the public. On behalf of the Haitian community, my family and I gratefully off er you this plaque. Thank you, Jeantilus Gedeus.” Since its inception in 1992, The ILC has helped more than 11,000 immigrants from 122 countries gain the essential skills to create new lives in the United States. The ILC started keeping electronic student records in 2000 and has recorded 2,049 students from Haiti since then. The makeup of its students often refl ects world events, and the displacement of Haitians caused by the 2010 earthquake led to an increase in students from Haiti. Gedeus was a teacher in his ANGELO’S FULL SERVICE Regular Unleaded $3.399 Mid Unleaded $3.479 Super $3.579 Diesel Fuel $3.959 "43 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2021 KERO $5.99 DEF $3.49 9 Diesel $3.699 9 HEATING OIL 24-Hour Burner Service Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available by Pump! Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN AVE • SAUGUS • OPEN 7 DAYS Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 ers for communities like Malden, who have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.” “The grant for Malden Care Center as part of the state’s vaccine equity initiative comes at a critical time as we continuously work towards ending the pandemic and making sure our community is stronger and safer than ever before,” said Donato. “As I continually encourage those who are medically eligible to get vaccinated, I recognize that there are disproportionate barriers to access for certain communities,” said Lipper-Garabedian. “Given this, I am pleased to see that these grant funds will aid the residents of Malden in overcoming barriers and keep them as healthy as possible.” “We are thrilled to partner native Haiti. In 2010 he first came to The ILC as a student seeking help with English. He later became a classroom volunteer and in 2011 joined the staff as a teacher, helping many other Haitians, as well as immigrants from across the globe, learn English. When Portnoy was a child, she came to Malden as a refugee with her parents, who were Polish Holocaust survivors. Living in a neighborhood of refugees where no one spoke English instilled in her the importance of language. She has received many accolades over the years, including the key to the city from Malden Mayor Gary Christenson, but Portnoy said none has meant so much to her personally. In accepting the plaque, she credited the hardworking staff of The ILC. VACCINE | FROM PAGE 1 Shown from left to right are Beudenly Monelus, Diane Portnoy, Cassandra Sophie Gedeus, Janica Esther Gedeus and Jeantilus Gedeus. (Photo Courtesy of The Immigrant Learning Center) Jason Lewis State Senator with the Mass. Department of Public Health and the city of Malden to continue ongoing eff orts to improve community health and wellbeing by helping to address the immediate and long-term health equity needs in communities hit hardest by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic," said Cambridge Health Alliance’s CEO, Dr. Assaad Sayah. According to Mass.gov, “The Kate Lipper-Garabedian State Representative Vaccine Equity Initiative works with the populations and communities hardest hit by COVID-19 to increase awareness and acceptance of the vaccine, access to vaccination locations, and vaccine administration rates. This approach is driven by community needs and is centered on equity, a core pillar of the state’s vaccine distribution plan…” A trusted family name combined with exceptional craftsmanship & professionalism. Call for a consultation & quote. 63 Years! • Vinyl Siding • Carpentry Work • Decks • Roofing • Replacement Windows • Free Estimates • Fully Licensed • Fully Insured Prices subject to change Ask about our Conditioner! FLEET
5 Publizr Home