Clarkston Community Center Kicks Off Fundraising Campaign For Adult English Classes

The Clarkston Community Center (CCC) is expanding its English classes for adults, and invites the community to support the students and the program. The Center serves over 40,000 individuals annually, many of whom are refugees who have fled their war-torn homelands. They have the skills and desire to work, but are often thwarted in their efforts to find employment until they master basic English skills. Students have language education within the school system, but there are fewer options for adults. The CCC is working to meet this strong need in DeKalb County and has initiated a fundraising campaign to grow the English language program.

“Many doors are closed here to people who cannot speak our language,” said Cindy Bowden, executive director of the Clarkston Community Center. “Until they learn at least some English, it’s nearly impossible for refugees to figure out a bus schedule, get medical assistance, or find employment. Our language classes are geared towards helping adults learning to navigate life in metro Atlanta. We offer a supportive, safe and welcoming environment where these adults can learn and practice English. However, in order to more fully meet the need, we are asking the community for financial support.”

A tax-deductible donation of $400 will sponsor one adult through four months of English classes. $200 will sponsor an adult through two months of classes. Donations of any amount will be utilized for supplies, teacher salaries and other program needs. For more information or to donate online, visit www.clarkstoncommunitycenter.org and click on the English class photo at the top of the page.

“Over the past two decades, Clarkston, Georgia has become a refugee haven for people from over 57 countries. Many of these immigrants have suffered unimaginable trauma and hardships. At the Clarkston Community Center, we want to offer a helping hand so they can get back on their feet and rebuild their lives in the U.S. Supporting the English language classes is an easy, but vitally important way for individuals and families to help these new neighbors. At the end of the class, we plan to host a ‘meet and greet’ where the financial supporters can meet the adult students they have helped,” said Bowden.

About Clarkston Community Center

Established in 1994 and headquartered in the beautifully renovated former Clarkston High School building at 3701 College Ave., Clarkston, Ga., 30021, the Clarkston Community Center offers programs for children, teens, adults and seniors, centered around art, recreation and community building. The Center serves over 40,000 individuals annually, primarily from Clarkston and greater DeKalb County, Ga., many of whom have immigrated to the United States or are newly-arrived refugees. In addition to the headquarters building, the Clarkston Community Center includes an activity field for sports and recreation, acreage for a planned community garden and an additional structure for future development. Angora Hall, the Center’s renovated auditorium and stage, is available for public rental for parties, weddings and other special events. A new fundraising program, Friends of Clarkston Community Center, offers individuals the opportunity to financially support the work of the Center. www.clarkstoncommunitycenter.org