Be a YWCAngel!
The TEAM program operates everyday at the YWCA to assist over 30 children in reaching for their highest potential. With your support, we could help even more children in our community.
You can make a difference in the lives of children at a time when they need it the most. Please consider a gift of $50, $100 or even $500.
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Please make your tax deductable check or money order payable to YWCA Chester County and mail to:
YWCA Chester County
123 N. Church Street
West Chester, PA 19380
YWCAngels Campaign
Please take a moment to consider the story of siblings, Jose and Maria. In September 2008, the children arrived at Fern Hill elementary school with extremely poor reading ability. They lacked sufficient understanding of the English language even to complete the simplest homework. Their non-English speaking parents were unable to help with assignments or reading practice.
For immigrants arriving in the United States, gaining language skills is crucial for success in their new American community. English language proficiency is a needed skill to communicate with doctors, teachers, neighbors and colleagues. The ability to speak English is necessary to pass the U.S. citizenship test as well. Children in families that are linguistically disadvantaged may face many educational disadvantages now and in the future and higher education is often a farfetched dream.
For Jose and Maria, their ESL teacher was a huge help but it was not enough. Their grades and reading levels were not improving. It was a familiar story: Immigrant children struggling to perform in school. Often, these children slip so far behind that performance at grade level becomes impossible. Add to that the fact that the majority of the families are struggling to make ends meet. Some live in shelters or low income housing. Many face additional challenges such as domestic abuse, family substance abuse or gang activity.
We are asking you to join us in helping children like Jose and Maria with a gift to the YWCAngels Campaign.
Recognizing a potential crisis for Jose and Maria, the children were referred by school social workers to the YWCA TEAM after school tutoring and academic enrichment program. They arrived at the YWCA a little shy on the first day, but the children soon warmed to the staff and volunteer tutors who helped them focus on their school work.
Each day, the children were individually assisted with understanding homework directions, completing homework assignments, studying for tests and learning to manage homework due dates. They read aloud to their tutor for the required 20 minutes every day.
Fern Hill School ESL Teacher Christine Miller comments confidently, “children who are referred to the YWCA TEAM program benefit from individual instruction, reinforcing the English language and assistance with homework in academic subjects.” She adds, “The YWCA provides an excellent homework and reading program in a very stimulating and structured environment for the students.”
Jose and Maria’s reading skills improved. Their grades began to go from D’s to C’s. They were learning English. They were moving in the right direction. TEAM was making a difference in their young lives and the lives of their families.
You can make a difference in the lives of children at a time when they need it the most. Please consider a gift of $50, $100 or even $500.
Soon something else happened. Both children started requesting additional reading time. They joined in enthusiastically when groups of West Chester University students came to present programs in Physics, Music and Nutrition. They looked forward to the extra work their teachers had provided the YWCA for practicing their new skills.
The once complacent and unenthusiastic attitude toward school was fading, replaced by a newfound joy in learning. Teachers reported increased class participation. Not only had TEAM tutors helped Jose and Maria with their academic skills but they began to understand the fun in learning. They were enjoying the world that is opened up to them when as they learned to read.
The TEAM program operates everyday at the YWCA to assist over 30 children in reaching for their highest potential. With your support, we could help even more children in our community.
The experience of Jose and Maria is not uncommon for children in the TEAM program. Teachers often remark that they are able to identify the children who have attended TEAM. Tutor Jenny describes her experience with another child, Al, struggled with phonics though he very much wanted to read like his classmates. One day, when his homework was done, he asked me to help him read his first chapter book.”
Remarking on the misconception that children who struggle with a second language are unintelligent, Jenny continues, “We spent a lot of time sounding out each word. It took days but when we finished the book, I have never seen such confidence and pride in a young boy, struggling over every syllable, only to overcome this challenge, ending with a beaming triumphant grin.”
The statistics are astounding. In affluent Chester County, there are over 24,000 adults are considered illiterate. They are unable to read and understand any written information. The YWCA TEAM program provides an opportunity for children to overcome their language difficulties and perform well in school so they do not become one of the 24,000.
Please become a YWCAngel for Jose, Maria, Al and many other children like them in Chester County with your gift today.
Judy Shaw
Chair, YWCAngels