JVS has been providing English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and workforce preparation skills to members of the local Haitian community for many years.  However, following the earthquake in February, the agency stepped up its services to respond to more immediate and pressing needs.  Work readiness assistance and training is being offered both in the classroom and through vocational counselors to those who are under pressure to send money back to homeless friends and relatives-children, brothers, sisters, parents.  Counseling is available for those who need a helpful ear.  And JVS has been obtaining pro-bono legal assistance for those who need help applying for Temporary Protected Status, the federal statute that enables individuals to remain in the county despite an expired visa, and provides permission to work for up to 18 months. 

JVS is currently serving almost 100 Haitian immigrants, and more are coming every day.  Students are in our ESL classes 16-20 hours a week.  They go on appointments to see lawyers for fee waivers and status completion.  They go on job interviews, and some have already secured employment.  Unfortunately, JVS is maintaining a waiting list of more than 25 students, as we cannot accommodate the ever growing numbers that are seeking our services.

Below are two of the many personal stories our students shared with their ESL teacher, Susan Craig, on how they have been affected by the earthquake.

Jacques was an engineering student in Port au Prince.  His school was damaged in the earthquake.  He said had he been there at the time of the earthquake, he would not have survived.  He works when he can, usually at night, and juggles school and family responsibilities.  He wants to learn English so he can get a better job, help his family, and afford to resume college studies.

Marie was a nurse in Haiti and wants to find a nursing job here.  She understands English but struggles with conversations.  She hopes to pass the Certified Nursing Assistant exam and find a job as a healthcare worker.  She's very worried about her family in Haiti.  They need her help to buy the basics - food, water, medicine - and she can't respond to their pleadings for help, which clearly upsets her.  She travels to JVS from Union by bus and is very grateful for the help she receives from the agency.

Service to Haitians is one more example of the JVS mission in action-giving people the tools and the skills they need to secure employment and become independent members of society.  With your support, we will continue to deliver critically needed services to Haitians and other émigrés from around the world.