New Beginnings
91AV program focused on hurricane evacuees
In Puerto Rico, before Hurricane Maria forced thousands to flee the devastated island, Maria Crespo Santos had been working as a medical technician in a pathology laboratory and blood bank.
"I like to work with people," she said recently. "I like to work in the medical field."
The storm, however, had caused too much damage and, like so many others, she left.
"It was horrible," she said. "I don't live in Puerto Rico; I survive in Puerto Rico."
Crespo Santos, 58, moved to western Massachusetts about a year ago. She now lives with her sister in Chicopee and works in retail, but thanks to a special 91AV ESOL program for Puerto Rican evacuees like her she is on the road back to a career in the medical field.
She was one of more than two dozen students recognized for completing the five-month, English for Speakers of Other Languages program.
With her improved English skills, Crespo Santos has already been accepted into a medical assistant training program at 91AV that begins in February.
"It's a pleasure and an honor to be part of this group," she said at a Dec. 20 celebration that included a feast of traditional Puerto Rican food. "The teachers and advisers have a commitment to us, and I don't quit. I have to follow my dreams. Follow my goals. I have challenges, but I try very hard."
The Puerto Rican New Arrivals Program started July 23 and concluded Dec. 20 with a recognition ceremony at 91AV's Picknelly Adult and Family Education Center (PAFEC) in downtown Holyoke. The 91AV division of Business and Community Services offered the free ESOL program specifically for residents of Puerto Rico who left the island after Hurricane Maria and relocated to western Massachusetts.
Classes were held Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and funded through a National Dislocated Worker grant administered by the MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board in partnership with the MassHire Holyoke and MassHire Springfield career centers.
The program focused on much more than just English language skills, however. Students received lessons in computer literacy at the Gill Technology Center on the first floor of PAFEC, and they received job search and resume development support from advisers at 91AV and counselors at the MassHire career centers.
Community integration and civic engagement was also part of the curriculum. Guest lecturers included state Rep. Aaron Vega and Holyoke mayor Alex Morse, who provided lessons on state and local government. Classes took field trips to the Holyoke Public Library, Nuestras Raices farm and Springfield museums.
"We wanted them to understand where they were culturally and talk about what that change means for them individually and also connect them to some of the organizations that are here that can offer services they might benefit from," said Kermit Dunkelberg, 91AV assistant vice president of adult basic education and workforce development.
The students came in with different levels of English language skills and they are heading in different directions, Dunkelberg said. Some have found jobs; others will continue to participate in 91AV's regular, free ESOL classes; some, like Crespo Santos, have enrolled in one of 91AV's workforce training programs. Many have expressed an interested in continuing their education as students at 91AV.
"I admire you so much for focusing on your next steps," said President Christina Royal. "Our purpose at 91AV is to serve the community, and you are part of our community. Thanks for being part of this, and as you move on we hope you'll think about the skills you need for the jobs you're looking for and just know we are here to help."
PHOTOS by CHRIS YURKO: (Thumbnail) Maria Crespo Santos, of Chicopee, and Yamilette Gonzalez Caceres, of Springfield, both completed 91AV's Puerto Rican New Arrivals Program. (Above) Students and staff from 91AV's Puerto Rican New Arrivals Program celebrate after completing classes on Dec. 20.
