Maria del Pilar Quintana Family Center FY’16 was another busy year at the Maria del Pilar Quintana Center. The Quintana Center was completely wired for WiFi access, allowing students to use their own devices in the classroom and at the Center. Through the generous support of our funders, the LFDEF, Inc. general operating budget and fees paid by program participants, the Quintana Center served over 450 individuals this fiscal year. Board of Immigration Appeals Certification The Quintana Center ‘s Recognition as a Board of Immigration Appeals Approved Agency reflects the quality of the LFDEF, Inc. citizenship services. This year marks the 2nd accreditation cycle for the Center’s Manager, Ms. Sandy Cepeda. BIA certification is approved by the United States Executive Office for Immigration Reviews (EOIR). This organizational recognition and accreditation of Ms. Cepeda allows her to continue counseling and representation of clients only before the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services FY’16 provided an opportunity for LFDEF, Inc. and the Quintana Center to strengthen our relationship with the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In May, the USCIS Community Relations Officer visited the Quintana Center and provided a workshop on the immigration process for ESL and Citizenship students. Also in May, LDFEF, Inc. staff had the pleasure of attending a meeting at the Lawrence Field Office with the new National Director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Leon Rodriguez. Casa Dominicana In FY’16, LFDEF also began a relationship with Casa Dominicana, a community organization dedicated to providing ESL, Citizenship and cultural programming in the local Dominican community. In addition, to LFDEF, Inc. serving as the fiscal agent, the Quintana Center began providing curriculum support and naturalization services for Casa Dominicana students. I was born in Eritrea, Africa, and in 2010, I came to the United States. Since migrating from Eritrea, a small African country located just west of Ethiopia, I was able to obtain medical services at the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center. My dream was to become a U.S. citizen, but my English was not good enough. During my intake with the social worker, I expressed interest in learning English and was referred to the Quintana Center. My test scores placed me in Mr. Clark’s ESL class. He was very dynamic, very energetic and all the students welcomed me. In Mr. Clark’s class, everybody spoke English, which helped me a lot. My teacher always challenged me, and everyone in the class wanted me to accomplish my goal. IN MARCH OF 2016, WITH THE HELP OF MR. CLARK AND MRS. CEPEDA, ESAYAS BECAME A U.S. CITIZEN. HE IS NOW ABLE TO VISIT ERITREA AND HIS FAMILY AND IS WORKING ON BRINGING THEM HERE TO LIVE WITH HIM. LFDEF, INC FY’2015‐2016 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 10
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