The Harlem YMCA in New York received the American Dreamer Award for excellence in serving Harlem's growing immigrant communities through innovative programs and services from the New York City Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs.
In response to increasing numbers of immigrants settling in the area, the Harlem Y established a New Americans Welcome Center (NAWC) in 2008 to support newcomers in achieving English literacy, cultural competence and self-sufficiency as they establish themselves in the United States, according to a press release.
The NAWC, one of six centers owned and operated by the Y across New York City, has expanded programming to serve 1,000 new Americans each year and now offers additional instruction in advanced English, citizenship preparation, computer literacy and job readiness.
"Here at the Y, strengthening communities is what we do best, and we look forward to meeting the unique needs of Harlem and its many immigrant communities through a rich array of programs and services," Harlem Y Executive Director Tiffeny Forrest said in the release.