As the Saratoga tourist and racing season approaches in Saratoga, the
backstretch of the Saratoga Race Track is filling up with seasonal
workers, many of Latino origin who know little or no English.
In recent weeks on Mondays and Wednesdays at the United Methodist Church on the corner of Henning Road and Fifth Avenue, one can't help but observe the quantity of bicycles lined up out in front at the church entrance. For many foreign workers seeking employment at the track or in Saratoga, bikes are often the sole mode of transportation. Twice a week, with the help of the Saratoga Economic Opportunity Council, the United Methodist Church hosts a free dinner, for their Latin guests and their families as well as English lessons to help them navigate more readily in everyday life in America as well as to help enable them in their job search and at their place of employment.
"Everything from going to the pharmacy to getting around town can be a challenge with limited language skills," said Mary Fayer, coordinator of the program through the United Methodist Church.
The free program is open to any person who is learning English as a second language, not just backstretch workers. Its aim is to better the language skills of foreigners who come to the area in search of work, a new life or what has been considered the American dream.
The program was launched in 2005 when members of the community, the EOC and specifically local resident and EOC employee Krystle Nowhitney responded to the needs of the non-English speaking community. While teaching students basic English skills is the main focus of the program, Nowhitney quickly found that the students were facing other issues than just learning a new language.
"They needed to learn where to find doctors, what banks to use and schools for their children," Nowhitney said. "We try to help them in any area where they may find a language barrier."
Her mother, Dorothy Nowhitney, teaches Spanish at Saratoga High School was also involved in starting the Latino Advocacy Program through the EOC. She is one of many who teach and volunteer their time for the project.
Currently the United Methodist Church and the EOC are seeking volunteers to help in the kitchen, serve meals, clean up and anyone who has experience teaching English as a second language in invited to tutor.
"Anyone can help out, not just members of the church," Fayer said. "We are seeing more people take advantage of this program and could always use more hands. It's a great experience as well. The Latino community is so appreciative of the help they receive and they s come to the classes, rain or shine."
Fernando Ramirez and Jesus Esquival traveled from Mexico to find work in the Saratoga area as landscapers. Ramirez lives in Porter Corners with his wife and children; Esquival resides with them. Both men hope to find work soon. Right now, Ramirez' wife is the sole wage earner and he watches their two children while she works. Many bring their children to play while they are studying to create opportunities for their families.
"Maybe we will get lucky in Glens Falls next week; I'll do anything. I don't give up easily. "
Ramirez has come for eight seasons to work in Saratoga, but this is the first time he was able to come to learn English. He believes it will help greatly in his search for work.
This is the last week of Monday and Wednesday night meals and classes at the Methodist Church. After this week, snacks and informal English sessions coordinated by Jamie Gargano for the Latino Community Advocacy Program will be held at the Recreation Hall across from the Saratoga Race Track on Union Avenue until the fall.
Many Saratoga residents are under the impression that Latinos visiting the area are all coming from Mexico. Volunteers like Jane Vollmer have taught conversational English to Spanish speaking visitors or immigrants that come from Ecuador, Chile, Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala. and many Spanish speaking lands. Volunteer Joanne Mueller became involved through her Spanish instructor at Adirondack Community College and started to instruct Spanish-speaking students on practical things like telling time in English.
For more information on the Latino Community Advocacy Program through the EOC, call Jamie Gargano at 518-339-4609.
"Everything from going to the pharmacy to getting around town can be a challenge with limited language skills," said Mary Fayer, coordinator of the program through the United Methodist Church.
The free program is open to any person who is learning English as a second language, not just backstretch workers. Its aim is to better the language skills of foreigners who come to the area in search of work, a new life or what has been considered the American dream.
The program was launched in 2005 when members of the community, the EOC and specifically local resident and EOC employee Krystle Nowhitney responded to the needs of the non-English speaking community. While teaching students basic English skills is the main focus of the program, Nowhitney quickly found that the students were facing other issues than just learning a new language.
"They needed to learn where to find doctors, what banks to use and schools for their children," Nowhitney said. "We try to help them in any area where they may find a language barrier."
Her mother, Dorothy Nowhitney, teaches Spanish at Saratoga High School was also involved in starting the Latino Advocacy Program through the EOC. She is one of many who teach and volunteer their time for the project.
Currently the United Methodist Church and the EOC are seeking volunteers to help in the kitchen, serve meals, clean up and anyone who has experience teaching English as a second language in invited to tutor.
"Anyone can help out, not just members of the church," Fayer said. "We are seeing more people take advantage of this program and could always use more hands. It's a great experience as well. The Latino community is so appreciative of the help they receive and they s come to the classes, rain or shine."
Fernando Ramirez and Jesus Esquival traveled from Mexico to find work in the Saratoga area as landscapers. Ramirez lives in Porter Corners with his wife and children; Esquival resides with them. Both men hope to find work soon. Right now, Ramirez' wife is the sole wage earner and he watches their two children while she works. Many bring their children to play while they are studying to create opportunities for their families.
"Maybe we will get lucky in Glens Falls next week; I'll do anything. I don't give up easily. "
Ramirez has come for eight seasons to work in Saratoga, but this is the first time he was able to come to learn English. He believes it will help greatly in his search for work.
This is the last week of Monday and Wednesday night meals and classes at the Methodist Church. After this week, snacks and informal English sessions coordinated by Jamie Gargano for the Latino Community Advocacy Program will be held at the Recreation Hall across from the Saratoga Race Track on Union Avenue until the fall.
Many Saratoga residents are under the impression that Latinos visiting the area are all coming from Mexico. Volunteers like Jane Vollmer have taught conversational English to Spanish speaking visitors or immigrants that come from Ecuador, Chile, Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala. and many Spanish speaking lands. Volunteer Joanne Mueller became involved through her Spanish instructor at Adirondack Community College and started to instruct Spanish-speaking students on practical things like telling time in English.
For more information on the Latino Community Advocacy Program through the EOC, call Jamie Gargano at 518-339-4609.
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