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ACLAMO Family Centers Newsletter
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Providing our community with the services and skills for success
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September 20121
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From The Executive Director:
My Epiphany 
A wise saint once said, "Live each day as if it were your last, and one day ... YOU'LL BE RIGHT!" I came face-to-face with that possibility this week in our local emergency room when the doctor grimly told me he recommended immediate surgery on my ruptured colon.
One week after my operation I am glad to say I'm still here and recovering nicely. Such unexpected turns in life give us pause, when we realize how little is actually in our control, and how precious life and love are to us all.
This month's newsletter is about the September start of ACLAMO's educational programs; it's about patriotism; and it's about a huge need.
When I realized that I would be out of commission for the next five weeks, my first thought was: How are we going to launch this new financial appeal for ACLAMO?
You see, September marks the end of a grant that largely supported our educational funding. Like everyone else, we've tightened our belts. (After a week's diet of ice chips, I suspect my belt will be a few notches smaller!) We are operating as efficiently as possible, having just gone through another series of staff and expense cuts. Even with those efforts, we are running short.
Upon reflection I have realized the simple fact: ACLAMO has always made it, but never made it alone. It has always survived through the support of friends like you. So this month I am putting my cares away, because I believe caring people will come through when we really need them. Please consider giving to us at this critical time by responding to Our Appeal, described next in this newsletter.
Especially this month, I have enormous gratitude for all our blessings, and for your generous support.
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Our Appeal:
Wonderful news! A generous donor has come forward offering to match any gift up to a total of $5,000 in the month of October. So that means any gift you give will be doubled if you give now. It's easy:
Another option is to become an Amigo de ACLAMO. You can join this special group of friends simply by signing up to give a monthly pledge, as little as $20. It's easy, too: just click here.
Regular donations that we can count on each month, no matter the amount, can make an enormous difference for our families. Thank you!
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 | | Preschoolers in our garden play area. |
Preschoolers and Their Mothers Study English, Vital Skills
With 30 preschoolers and their 30 mothers, ACLAMO's education program has the highest enrollment in its long history, and there is a waiting list.
Ironically, funding is at its lowest point ever, because the grants that for years largely supported the programs have ended. As a result, while the number of students is at a record high, the resources are more limited than ever. Even so, our experienced staff is working hard to make it work.
"The need is so great," said Linda Maldonado, lead teacher of ACLAMO's early childhood education classes. "If not now, then when? They need us now."
Every available space of our Norristown center is in use during the morning education programs. Two areas now accommodate the children: the 4 and 5 year olds, who are learning the essentials to ready to enter kindergarten next year, are in the second-floor classroom. The 3-4 year olds are in a first-floor room that the teachers set up for them in the morning, and then change for the after-school children who come later in the day.
The preschoolers are very engaged as they get used to their school routine, learning English colors, numbers, letters, as well as how to behave properly in a classroom setting. They also can go outside in a little area in the back where they play with balls, toys and in a sandbox. Put simply, they are learning the skills to help them be successful in kindergarten.
"Our graduates consistently perform at a higher level in every area than their peers once they get to school," Maldonado said.
Meanwhile, their mothers are learning to speak and understand English, and how to manage when trying to deal with schools, doctors, government agencies. These skills empower them to take control of the day-to-day of their lives.
"The moms work very hard. They are very pro-education," said lead adult teacher Marla Benssy. "The attendance is very high, 95 percent-plus, which is unheard of in non-profit education programs." The moms work primarily in the first-floor computer lab, using online programs to improve their English. They also have regular seminars on parenting, health topics and how to communicate with their children's schools.
"My goal is for them to have the savvy to make it possible that the English language is never a problem for them," Benssy said. "The idea is to get them independent, and find a means for them to work their way around the language barrier."
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Our new early childhood students and their mothers, who are our students too!
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The moms and children use the computers daily to study English.
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AFTER SCHOOL LEARNING:  | |
Eastern University freshman Joshua Velez tutors a fifth grader.
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Students K-8 Benefit from College Volunteer Tutors
More than 65 children in kindergarten through eighth grade come to ACLAMO after school from four Norristown elementary schools and three middle schools. They enjoy a healthy snack and an afternoon of homework help and encouragement from volunteer university students.
Like in our early childhood education program, enrollment in the after school program is at an all-time high, with a waiting list. Our students and parents are very low-income with very limited resources, so they are extremely motivated by this opportunity, and attendance is nearly perfect.
"The tutors are so important for our kids," said Marly Benssy, coordinator and lead teacher of the After School Program. "The program couldn't run without the tutors. They definitely are role models, for the kids to know someone who is going to college."
The tutors bring their enthusiasm and their youthful perspective to the children at ACLAMO. They are able to work one-on-one with the students, or in very small groups, which is rare during the regular school day. "They get a whole different style of teaching and learning from the tutors," Benssy said. "It's amazing how a small difference in presentation can make a huge impact on a child's understanding."
Students from Ursinus College, Bryn Mawr College and Eastern University are continuing the strong commitment to ACLAMO they have created over the years. The tutoring program is expanding as the number of children we serve continues to grow. This year Villanova University, Chestnut Hill College and Westchester University are bringing tutors to ACLAMO for the first time.
"The college students earn academic credit and fulfill their social-service requirements, and our children get to know successful, educated young people who encourage them to work hard in school," said Juan Guerra, ACLAMO Executive Director. "The experience for all of the students is so special and so valuable."
High school students also volunteer, many through the language clubs at their schools. Students from Radnor High School, Jenkintown High School, Norristown High School, Upper Merion High School and Wissahickon High School regularly tutor, and also provide special treats and parties.
"I think it is also an amazing experience for the tutors. It brings out the compassion in them," Benssy said, noting that some tutors and students look for each other to work together. "It's amazing to see the change as they form a bond."
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Priscilla Garcia, a senior at Ursinus College, tutors a fourth-grader in math.
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Ursinus College senior Christian Poslock tutors a second grader in reading.
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Chestnut Hill College freshman Jessica Hubbard teaches this kindergartener the letter "T."
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Personal Profile: Olivia Medrano
A New American Citizen, with the Help of ACLAMO
 | | Olivia and her son, Juan Diego, at the citizenship ceremony. |
A letter from Olivia Medrano:
I came to the United States from the State of Zacatecas, Mexico. I obtained a permanent residency visa from the US and came to join my grandparents, who are American citizens. However, I did not speak English, and so when my son Juan Diego was 3 years old, we both joined ACLAMO´s Even Start Program.
When we started at ACLAMO, my son had speech problems and could not speak English or Spanish. He only could say, "Ma". The Even Start Program had a wonderful effect on both of us. My self confidence and my English improved greatly and when I saw the changes in my son after only one year with ACLAMO, I could only say, "Wow!"
I now speak English and last month I passed the test for US citizenship. Juan Diego, who is now 8 years old, is excelling in public school and has even received awards for his ability to play chess. This summer, Juan Diego was a student and I was an assistant in ACLAMO´s Summer Bridge Program.
Thank you to ACLAMO and all the people who support our programs.
Olivia Medrano
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ACLAMO celebrates its 35th year of providing economic, educational, health and cultural opportunities for low-income residents of Norristown and Pottstown, especially those of Spanish-language heritage. ACLAMO stands for Accíon Comunal Latinoamericana de Montgomery County, or the Latin American Action Committee of Montgomery County. ACLAMO is derived from the Spanish word "aclamar," which means "to acclaim." ACLAMO Family Centers ACLAMO Family Centers 512 W. Marshall Street 515 Walnut Street Norristown, PA 19401 Pottstown, PA 19464 610-277-2570 610-970-2134 
aclamo.org |
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