Hearts & Homes for Refugees is proud to announce that it has been awarded an $8,250 Community Impact Grant from the United Way of Westchester and Putnam. The funding will support the expansion of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programming and the development of new initiatives for refugee children and teens in Westchester County.
The United Way Community Impact Fund supports local nonprofits that serve under-resourced populations, including ALICE households (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). Hearts & Homes for Refugees was selected following a highly competitive process that drew more than 150 applicants.
“We are grateful to UWWP for recognizing the importance of investing in the future of refugee families in our community,” said Kathie O’Callaghan, President and Founder of Hearts & Homes for Refugees. “This grant allows us to expand our specialized ESOL programs for Afghan newcomers and launch new opportunities to support refugee youth as they adjust academically, socially, and emotionally to life in a new country.”
The ESOL initiative includes a virtual evening program designed specifically for Afghan adults, taught by an Afghan educator to foster trust and accelerate learning. The child and teen initiative will provide tutoring, mentorship, summer and afterschool activities, and community-building outings that nurture emotional well-being and promote school success. A key component of the program will include outings and culturally enriching activities, planned in collaboration with volunteers from Students for Refugees.
United Way’s support will enable Hearts & Homes to continue creating pathways for refugees to rebuild their lives with hope, dignity, and belonging.
For more information, please visit www.heartsandhomesforrefugees.org.
