Community Partner Services & Programs
Business/Organization: Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE)
Project/Service: Immigration Legal Assistance Program
Address: 333 W. First Street, Suite 500B, Dayton, OH 45402
Website: www.ablelaw.org
Contact: Jessica A. Ramos, 1-800-837-0814
ABLE’s Immigration Legal Assistance Program provides high quality legal assistance and representation to low-income individuals with or without immigration documentation. Our efforts focus on stabilizing an individual’s immigration status, as well as assistance in filing the appropriate paperwork either to remain in the United States with their families or to bring their families to the United States. In addition, our advocates provide representation in court to those facing possible removal or deportation. Services are provided in both English and Spanish. Other languages can be accommodated as needed. The Immigration Legal Assistance Program staff provide services specifically to those who live within ABLE’s 32-county service area and who earn less than 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Business/Organization: Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE)
Project/Service: Migrant Farmworker and Immigration Program
Address: 333 W. First Street, Suite 500B, Dayton, OH 45402
Website: www.ablelaw.org; www.legalaidline.org
Contact: Jessica A. Ramos, 1-800-837-0814; Legal Aid Line: 1-888-534-1432
Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE) is a non-profit regional law firm that provides high quality legal assistance in civil matters to help eligible low-income individuals and groups in western Ohio achieve self reliance, and equal justice and economic opportunity. ABLE serves 32 northwest and west central Ohio counties. ABLE’s Migrant Farmworker Program serves all 88 Ohio counties. ABLE offices are located in Dayton and Toledo.
Business/Organization: Ahiska Turkish American Community Center
Project/Service: ESL Classes/Nutrition Classes
Address: 2324 Stanley Ave, Dayton OH 45404
Website: www.ataccdayton.org
Contact: Rustam Aziz, r.aziz@ataccdayton.org, info@ataccdayton.org
The Ahiska Turkish American Community Center offers English as Second Language (ESL) classes for the general public. Also, in Partnership with Ohio State University’s Extension Office, they offer a free series of nutrition classes that instruct residents on how to eat healthier. Classes are informal and provide students with tools to take home at the end of each meeting. Students receive a graduation certificate from Ohio State University Extension upon completion of the eight week program.
Business/Organization: Altick & Corwin Co., L.P.A.
Project/Service: Legal Assistance
Address: 1590 Fifth Third Center, 1 S. Main St., Dayton, OH
Website: www.altickcorwin.com
Contact: David E. Larson or Aida Montes, 937-223-1201
Legal assisant includes family-based and employment-based “green cards”; H-1B employment visas; Deportation/Removal defense; R-1 religious workers; F-1 student visas; EB-5 investor visas; L-1/L-2 treaty traders and investors; Naturalization/Citizenship applications.
Business/Organization: American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)
Project/Service: Dayton Project Voice
Address: 915 Salem Avenue, Dayton, OH. 45406
Website: www.afsc.org; www.facebook.com/afscdayton
Contact: Dr. Migwe Kimemia, mkimemia@afsc.org, 937-279-9668 (ext. 106)
The main goal of the Dayton Project Voice is to create a culture of friendship and hospitality for immigrants in Greater Dayton. The program has three strategic objectives: 1) Building capacity for transformational leadership among African immigrants in Greater Dayton; 2) Empowering African immigrants to lift up their voices for peaceful change in their communities and countries of origin; and 3) Creating awareness about African immigrants’ socio-cultural and economic contributions to the Greater Dayton community. The program activities include: transformational leadership development workshops; Community issues forums; Dayton African Youth Soccer Tournament; African Diaspora Dialogue; and Public policy advocacy.
Business/Organization: Burundian Cultural and Educational Association
Website: www.bceaus.org; www.facebook.com/bcea.burundi
Contact: Dieudonne Nsabimana, bceassociation@yahoo.com, (937) 251-6765
Our vision is to strengthen our community through education, collaboration, and cultural exchange. We are promoting self sufficiency and advocacy within the African immigrant communities. We also seek to forge postive relationships with the larger Dayton community. Please visit our website or email us for more information.
Business/Organization: Christ the King Anglican Church
Project/Service: English as Second Language (ESL) Classes
Address: 925 N. Main St., Dayton, OH 45405
Website: www.ckrec.org/
Contact: Barbara Harvey, bharvey@ckrec.org or info@ckrec.org, 937-224-8555;
English as Second Language classes are offered two evenings a week: Monday and Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.). Childcare provided. All levels welcome. Christ the King Anglican Church offers Christian friendship to the immigrant/refugee community. To assist immigrant/refugee communities in the resettlement process, Christ the King Anglican Church also provides assistance in practical everyday matters.
Business/Organization: Dayton International Festival, Inc.
Project/Service: A World A’Fair @ Dayton Convention Center
Address: 22 E. Fifth Street Dayton, OH 45402
Website: www.aworldafair.org
Contact: Marillyn Knight, 1329 Stanley Ave, Dayton 45404
DIFI presents the annual A World A’Fair festival held in May at the Dayton Convention Center. The festival currently showcases the culture, food, music and dance of 27 different ethnic groups. Free health screenings and education are provided as part of the A World A’Fair, sponsored by the Asian American Council of Dayton.
Business/Organization: Dayton Metro Library
Project/Service: Library Services to Immigrants
Address: 215 E. Third Street, Dayton, OH 45402
Website: www.daytonmetrolibrary.org
Contact: Mimi Morris or Rachel Gut, contactweb@daytonmetrolibrary.org, (937) 463-2665
The Dayton Metro Library (DML) helps inform, inspire and enrich all segments of the community by linking individuals to information needed for personal success and providing access to valuable community resources. Library cards can be obtained from any branch with a photo ID, including the Matricula Consular, and a current Ohio address. DML offers computer and internet access at all locations, including access to a number of databases, all free of charge. Mango, a computer database for language learning, is also available at all locations, and includes an ESOL program. Currently, we provide a monthly bilingual English/Spanish story time at the East Branch, library materials in multiple languages, interpretation service at library programs, volunteer opportunities for new residents, and information about library policies in Spanish. We are seeking additional ways to promote library services to new Americans; please contact us with your suggestions and ideas. (Read about expanded service for immigrants.)
Business/Organization: Dayton Ohio Habitat for Humanity
Project/Service: Affordable home ownership
Address: 3534 Linden Avenue, Dayton, OH 45410
Website: www.daytonhabitat.org
Contact: Gail Basine, gbasine@daytonhabitat.org, 937-586-0860 (ext. 21)
Dayton Ohio Habitat for Humanity serves as a hand up, not a handout, to provide decent, affordable housing through direct homeownership for families in need. Families apply to us to earn a house of their own. Families are considered for a Habitat home if present housing is not adequate, and adequate housing cannot be obtained through conventional means. Families must demonstrate an ability to make a monthly payment toward a mortgage, property taxes and insurance. Family income must fall within 30% – 60% of median income. Families must be willing to partner by each adult in the family contributing at least 275 hours of “sweat equity,” as well as completing 40 hours of homeowner education classes before earning their home. The family then makes a down payment, and purchases the home with an affordable, interest free mortgage held by Dayton Habitat.
Dayton Ohio Habitat for Humanity has a strong partnership with the African immigrant community, having already partnered with six families since 2002 and adding an additional five families in 2012. Our first family from the Latino community will also join us in 2012.
Additional details about our direct homeownership program for low income families are available on our website, which is compatible with translation software to better serve all cultures.
Business/Organization: Diabetes Dayton
Project/Service: DESAP- Diabetes Emergency Supply Assistance Program
Address: 2555 S Dixie Drive, Suite 112, Dayton, OH 45409
Website: www.diabetesdayton.org
Contact: 937-220-6611
DESAP is able to offer free diabetes testing supplies (monitors, test strips, lancets, syringes, pen needles, alcohol wipes and sharps containers). We are NOT able to assist with insulin or oral meds, but clients may be eligible for assistance with insulin &/or meds at one of the following organizations: Reach Out Clinic — 258-2000 or Unified Health Care Solutions — 220-6600.
DESAP is NOT a walk-in program. Clients must call ahead in order to be served. DESAP hours are 9:00 a.m. – noon and 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Client referral help and resource information is also provided.
Business/Organization: East End Community Services
Project/Service: Latino Family Advocacy
Address: 624 Xenia Ave Dayton, OH 45410
Website: www.east-end.org/latino.htm
Contact: Alejandra Espino, aespino@east-end.org, 937-259-1898
Case management, advocacy and other supportive services are provided by East End Community Services to help Latino citizens who are living in Dayton and Montgomery County. Latino Family Advocacy assists individuals with accessing needed community resources and agencies as well as explaining how various process work. Help is provided in Spanish. Assistance offered might include: how to access public health insurance for children, how to register for school, or resources to secure housing, food or clothing as needed. Persons who are eligible to work in the United States are also referred to employment services within our agency or other programs. Individuals are also connected to resources to help with specific immigration issues. The assistance provided includes help with accessing visual aids for those populations through Prevent Blindness. The services are free and open to anyone, although our targeted population is persons who are at, or below, 200% of the federal poverty level. Persons who need services may call at the main number to set up an appointment.
Business/Organization: East End Community Services
Project/Service: Family and Job Connections
Address: 624 Xenia Ave Dayton, OH 45410
Website: www.east-end.org/njc.htm
Contact: Najah Melhem, nmelhem@east-end.org, 937-259-1898
The Family and Job Connection program of East End Community Services provides career planning, resume development, job leads, connection to specific educational or occupational skills training and connection to needed community resources for many immigrant populations, including populations from the Middle East, Russian Turks and other refugee populations. Also available is advocacy and help with issues involving benefits and application through Ohio Benefit Bank, including assistance with tax returns. Information and referrals are also offered to persons who are starting their own business. We have a staff member available who speaks Arabic and Spanish. Although all persons are eligible and the services are free, the program is targeted to persons who are at, or below, 200% of poverty. Persons must be Montgomery County residents. This program works closely with other agencies serving immigrant populations and also makes connections for persons who need English as a Second Language classes. Referrals are also made for persons who have specific immigration issues. Persons can call the main number to schedule an appointment.
Business/Organization: East End Community Services
Project/Service: Taking Off to Success (TOTS)
Address: 624 Xenia Ave Dayton, OH 45410
Website: www.east-end.org/tots.htm
Contact: Diane Brogan Adams, dbadams@east-end.org, 937-259-1898
The Taking Off to Success (TOTS) of East End Community Services provides education to parents whose children are in the age range from birth up to kindergarten. The classes are on Saturday mornings and serve many immigrant populations, including Latinos, Russian Turks and Iraqis. Some of the classes are conducted and/or interpreted in Spanish and we also have an Arabic speaker available if needed. Classes address child development, discipline, family issues, pediatric care, immunizations and other issues that are pertinent to healthy children ready for kindergarten. The sessions are in 12-week cycles through the year on Saturdays. Classes are free, anyone with children or grandchildren of that age who live in the neighborhoods surrounding Ruskin PreK-8 School on Ambrose Court are welcome. The program also includes learning activities for children on Saturdays, during the parent education classes, and during the week parents and their children engage in activities to stimulate learning. Persons also receive home visits and are connected to community resources to meet their needs.
Business/Organization: East End Community Services
Project/Service: Youth Afterschool and Support Services
Address: 624 Xenia Ave Dayton, OH 45410
Website: www.east-end.org/children.htm
Contact: Diane Brogan Adams, dbroganadams@east-end.org, 937-259-1898
East End Community Services provides a variety of services to support children from immigrant families, including after-school services between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. We also provide support services to the children and families at Ruskin PreK-8 School during the school year. A summer program for children also operates in July, Monday through Friday, usually 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The program serves a variety of children who are immigrants, including Latinos, Russian Turks, and children from Middle Eastern. Family Wellness Nights are offered on a monthly basis to parents and include interpretation, particularly in Spanish, to help parents who are not fluent English speakers. Interpretation is also provided at parent-teacher school conferences as needed to supplement resources of Dayton Public Schools. The after-school programs for the children in Kindergarten through 5th grade focus on helping immigrant children, including those who are learning English, to improve their academic skills through tutoring, academic enrichment and use of online educational software. The 6th, 7th and 8th graders attend an after-school program that in addition to focusing on academic enrichment, arts and physical activities also emphasizes service learning and youth development. The youth are focused on changing their community for the better through a variety of projects, including neighborhood beautification, volunteering in the community with the elderly and other populations, and speaking out at issues of non-violence. The Youth Center also provides services to teens in the evenings and during the summer and provides academic enrichment, youth development and fun activities. The after-school programs are open to anyone at Ruskin, and the Youth Center serves children from east Dayton. The services are free and open to anyone, although our targeted population is persons who are at, or below, 200% of the federal poverty level.
Business/Organization: East End Community Services
Project/Service: Diabetes Education
Address: 624 Xenia Ave Dayton, OH 45410
Website: www.east-end.org/health.htm
Contact: Tracy Sturgis, tsturgis@east-end.org, 937-259-1898
East End Community Services provides a Type 2 Diabetes prevention program that targets new immigrant populations as well as other populations. The sessions are available in Spanish and other languages, such as Arabic. The programs focus on helping persons realize that risk factors for the disease and the changes individuals can make in terms of nutrition and exercise to help lower the risk or delay the onset of Type 2 Diabetes. The program includes educational sessions as well as fitness sessions for individuals who are living in the Ruskin PreK-8 School Attendance Zone or Montgomery County. Topics include information about diabetes, symptoms, healthy eating, ways to increase your exercise and fitness and individuals also can participate in screenings provided by partners. Reach Out of Montgomery County is a partner in this grant. The sessions are free and open to various populations. Individuals must call the main number above to inquire about classes and dates. This program is specifically funded by the Ohio Commission on Minority Health.
Business/Organization: East End Community Services
Project/Service: Community Building
Address: 624 Xenia Ave Dayton, OH 45410
Website: www.east-end.org/community.htm
Contact: Amanda Arrington, aarrington@east-end.org, 937-259-1898
East End Community Services provides a variety of services to encourage community belonging and integration for families in the Twin Towers and Ruskin PreK-School Attendance zone, including activities to engage new immigrant families. These include meetings to discuss neighborhood issues like child safety, or fun events like folk dancing, making puppets or quilting that are part of a collaborative with Cityfolk. These events are free and available to persons living in these areas and promote understanding between cultures. Events include interpretation and create appreciate for diverse cultures that are living in Dayton. The Community Building effort also offers classes on topics of interest to neighbors, including financial literacy. Interpreters are provided. Fun events, like National Night Out and a Holiday Sing Along, are also provided to encourage positive ties and relationships between all cultures, including our newest Americans.
Business/Organization: El Puente Tutoring Center
Project/Service: El Puente After School Program
Address: St. Mary’s Center, Third Floor, 310 Allen St., OH 45410
Website: www.east-end.org/njc.htm
Contact: Alyssa Wagner, alyssa.m.wagner@gmail.com, 260-403-2109; or tony.ortiz@wright.edu
At El Puente, our goal is to help students from Latino families in grades K-6 succeed in their schoolwork. We focus heavily on reading and writing in English, since many of the students we serve are bilingual in a spoken sense, but come from families where English is not read or written very often. We also serve as liaisons between the parents and the schools, advocating for the unique needs of each student.
Business/Organization: Grace Vineyard Church
Project/Service: Food Pantry
Address: 1100 Watervliet Avenue, Dayton Ohio 45420
Website: www.gracevineyard.org
Contact: Pastor Kathleen Johnson, kate9108@gmail.com, (937) 252-0555
Grace Vineyard Church operates Food Pantry for area residents. People in the area shouldcall (937) 252-0555 and indicate their need. A time/date will be scheduled to pick up items.
Business/Organization: Life Resource Centre
Project/Service: Crianza con Carino
Address: Life Enrichment Center, 425 N. Findlay Street, 3rd Floor Classroom, Dayton, OH 45404
Website: www.daytonlife.org
Contact: Elaine Bonner, ebonner@daytonlife.org or marthyjeanette@yahoo.com, 937-223-9227
The Life Resource Center offers a 15-week parenting program for Hispanic mothers with children 5 years old and younger. Limited free transportation via our 22-seat mini-bus. Bilingual educational books given as class incentives. There is no cost to attend this program taught by certified bilingual instructors.
Business/Organization: Miami Valley Career Technology Center
Project/Service: English for Speakers of Other Languages
Address: Sulphur Grove United Methodist Church, 7505 Taylorsville Rd., Huber Heights, OH 45424
Website: www.mvctc.com/home
Contact: Jacqueline Bunke – 235-5783/ 236-1549;
English language classes for adults are held Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Sulphur Grove United Methodist Church, 7505 Taylorsville Rd. in the fall, winter, and spring.
Business/Organization: Miami Valley Career Technology Center
Project/Service: English for Speakers of Other Languages
Address: St. John UCC , 515 E. Third St., Dayton, OH 45402
Website: www.mvctc.com/home
Contact: Judy Scheidt, scheidtjudy@yahoo.com, 937-461-3332
Free ESL classes are held year-round except for August at St. John UCC, 515 E. Third St., from 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Monday through Friday. Five or six different levels are available. Call for more information.
Business/Organization: Miami Valley Career Technology Center
Project/Service: English for Speakers of Other Languages
Address: American Red Cross, 370 W. Third St. Dayton, OH 45402
Website: www.mvctc.com/home
Contact: Mary Ann Oatney, maryann515@sbcglobal.net, 937-271-5095
English as Second Language classes for adults are conducted at the American Red Cross, 370 W. First Street, Dayton, OH. Fall, winter and spring classes are from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Business/Organization: The National Conference for Community and Justice of Greater Dayton
Project/Service: The Ethnic and Cultural Diversity Caucus
Address: 14 W. First Street, Suite 401, Dayton, OH 45402
Website: www.nccjgreaterdayton.org
Contact: Jeannette Taylor, info@nccjgreaterdayton.org, 937-222-6225
The Ethnic and Cultural Diversity Caucus is part of NCCJ’s Community Summit on Eliminating Racism. This Caucus, which meets regularly at the University of Dayton, has focused much of its recent work on the concerns of, and services available to, refugees who are living in the Dayton area. The Caucus has been interviewing refugee groups, identifying concerns of those groups and services available and/or needed for them. As a part of NCCJ’s mission to eliminate bias, bigotry, racism and all forms of discrimination, the Caucus is also concerned with understanding how differences among and within refugee groups shape their lives in Dayton and what the Dayton community can do to be of service. A forum on this subject is being planned for November, 2012.
Business/Organization: St. Paul United Methodist Church
Project/Service: English classes; women support program; bible study
Address: 101 Huffman Ave., Dayton, OH 45403
Website: www.stpauldayton.org
Contact: Tawnya Lambert, office@stpauldayton.org, 937-252-4467
- English classes are offered on Monday & Thursday 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Friday & Saturday 10:00 a.m. – noon. These classes are free and available for anyone with a desire to learn or improve their English skills. (Childcare provided Mon., Wed. & Thurs.)
- Las Amigas is a support group for Hispanic/Latino women. This is offered in Spanish only. This group meets each Wednesday, 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. There is a meal & childcare provided.
- Bible Study in Spanish. Wednesday 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Business/Organization: United Way of Greater Dayton
Project/Service: HELPLINK – Free Telephone Referral Service
Website: www.dayton-unitedway.org
Contact: Sandy Williams
HELPLINK is a free telephone referral service providing information about social services and other sources of assistance for individuals and families. Translation available in more than 200 languages. Call 211 for assistance.