All families need help when life gets tough, and migrant families new to Chicago (New Vecinos) constantly face additional challenges that make them a more vulnerable group. At New Life Centers we are aware that this process of social and cultural adaptation in families can only be achieved with the proper guidance.

Faced with this need, we recently submitted an Educational Strategic Plan proposal to the Illinois Department of Human Services, intended to be implemented in shelters where our new neighbors live. This plan was desi gned to help families adapt to a new social and cultural system, learn the laws, and prepare them for a successful life in the U.S. The proposal plan includes an educational curriculum in art, music, language and other subjects.

This Educational Strategic Plan was designed by a team of staff that currently work for New Life Centers and has extensive experience in education. Most of them are people who have arrived from Venezuela and are now giving back by using their expertise to support and set these families up for success.

“The methodological resources with which this Educational Plan was designed will have a positive impact on the newly arrived families. This tool will guide them on key issues ranging from how to find a job, proper use of technology, problem-solving, guidance on the scheme of laws that they must comply with, as well as strengthening skills in their lives to achieve the goals they have set for themselves,” concluded Américo Marcano, a Venezuelan national and Centers staff who supported the development of this plan.

At New Life Centers, our hope is for our new neighbors to embrace change and overcome current and future challenges while allowing us to continue supporting and loving them.