The New Neighbors English Language Learner program at the Campagna Center offers English classes and services to immigrants and refugees from around the world who have settled in Alexandria and the Northern Virginia area. The New Neighbors program started offering virtual programming in March 2020. For some learners, virtual learning reduces barriers to participation, such as a lack of access to transportation or childcare. With capacity building support from the Crimsonbridge Foundation, New Neighbors improved the digital learning experience for students and teachers by providing technology troubleshooting, tutorials, and translation services. Providing technology on-boarding services helps students gain digital literacy skills that can help them better support their children’s education and secure employment.
In their grant report, Campagna Center Chief Development Officer Kathryn Duval shared, “despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, New Neighbors was able to pivot offerings to be creative and responsive to the needs of our program participants. Programs like New Neighbors have been lifelines in our community during the pandemic because of the trust that has been established over our many years of operation.”
With a mission of helping families become self-sufficient, the New Neighbors program provides a safe place where people from many cultures can build friendships and participate in the community while learning English.
To learn more about the program, watch this video!
Campagna Center’s New Neighbors Program is a community partner of the Crimsonbridge Foundation’s English Language Initiatives program, which provides strategic support for organizations seeking to expand successful models, seed innovation, or implement new technology.