Adult Leaning Center
OPENING DOORS FOR ADULTS STAND CHILDREN
September 14, 2016
TO: Mayor Jim Donchess
Nashua Board of Alderman
Dear Mayor Donchess and Aldermen,
The Adult Learning Center is proud to support the Resolution affirming the City of Nashua as a Welcoming
City. As the largest ESOL program in the State of New Hampshire we know that immigrants are good for our
community. The United States was founded on principles of freedom and opportunity for all people and it is part
of our rich heritage to welcome newcomers, help them assimilate into our midst and embrace our civic culture
and political institution. America was formed to function as one nation from many people — ¢ pluribus unum.
The immigrants of today are no different than the immigrants of the past, many of whom are our own parents,
grandparents and great grandparents. The immigrants of the past helped to build our community and have
contributed immensely to our economic development. Our new immigrants are looking for the same
opportunities to provide for their families and they, too, are willing to work hard. The Nashua community is
good for immigrants and immigrants are good for our community.
From September of 2015 through June of this year, 1,108 immigrants from 72 countries took classes in English,
reading, writing, and math here at the Adult Learning Center. They also participated in workshops on writing
resumes and interviewing. They took citizenship classes, attended Mayoral forums, took field trips to City Hall,
and participated in mock elections. They did all of this, while working jobs and caring for their families, because
they very much want to assimilate into our culture and become productive members of our community.
Over the years many of our students have gone on to begin their own businesses. They own landscaping
companies, restaurants, and cleaning services, to name a few. Many have worked round the clock to send their
children to college and some have even come back to teach here at the Adult Learning Center.
We invite anyone from the community to come by for a visit while classes are in session. You will see hard
working, grateful, happy, and hopeful people. Most of all, they will welcome you warmly.
Thank you for considering the Welcoming City Resolution.
Very truly yours, .
Chin bl Babburw
Carol Baldwin
Executive Director
4 Lake Street, Nashua, NH 03060
603-882-9080 FAX 603-882-0069 www.adultlearningcenter.org
