YMCA New Americans Initiative

Program Overview

The Y's New Americans Initiative serves New York City's immigrant communities. We are a safe-haven for immigrants looking for support and services. We never turn anyone away—or inquire about immigration status.

Cost Info

Student and Volunteer Success Stories

The YMCA-NAl Impact in My Life

By TZ

I am fortunate to have been given opportunity to participate in the YMCA-NAI English class program. YMCA has impacted my life tremendously. I consider it like a miracle. It challenged me on how to make my living situation in this country better. My second language acquisition would not be possible were if not for the community service provided by the YMCA. And for that, I am grateful.

My participation in the YMCA-NAI English language program helped not only me, but also my children. With the learning I received from my class, I am able to extend it to my children by tutoring them after their school. I help them better understand their school work, and be able to communicate with their teachers. It's a great help to a mother like me whose first language is not English. In my learning process, I also met a lot of new friends.

Due to COVID-19 epidemic, many people lost their jobs. In this situation, YMCA also provides informative lectures on many areas of living especially on job readiness and employment opportunities.

I also like to thank my teacher. He is a very patient person who always encourages everyone to be confident in speaking English. He also teaches us how to look at life with a positive attitude be it anywhere, at home or at workplace.

I am extremely grateful to every member of the YMCA team for their help. YMCA provides a lot of resources to tell us, community members, how to face difficulties when they come especially at this very challenging time.

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The YMCA-NAI Impact in My Life

by Dr. MK

Living in a foreign country had many difficult challenges. There are many areas in life living that we have to adjust to. They are the language, culture, and lifestyle. Making adjustment to these is not easy. One needs to exert tremendous effort in this situation in order to live comfortably. The first step is to learn the language. This is where YMCA-NAI has given me the opportunities to make my dreams come true.

It is from the YMCA-NAI English language program that I got the ball rolling. I realized the positive impact it has done in my life. YMCA helped me positively. I gain ground in the four areas of language learning: listening, speaking, reading and writing.

I am grateful for the opportunity that YMCA gave me to integrate myself in this country.

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The YMCA-NAI Impact in My Life

By KZ

I didn't know anything about the YMCA-NAI before I joined this program. It happened when I saw its advertisement in the newspaper. It says YMCA-NAI free English course.
It did not take me long to take advantage of the opportunity. In my need to improve my English language skills, I decided to register in the program.

In this ESL-Job Readiness course, it is not only English language skills that I learn, but also some inspirational principles. During this frustrating pandemic time, the class program I am in gives me positive attitude outlook in life.

Now I know that YMCA-NAI has a lot of services related to new immigrants' essential needs. This is good news for me. I will seek help from YMCA when I have related questions in the future.

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The YMCA-NAI Impact In My Life

by KL

Many new immigrants settle in the United States every year. They are of different ages with different educational backgrounds and work experiences. This includes different cultural practices in many aspects of living. One big challenge they have in living in a foreign country is the language barrier. It is in this area where they mostly need help.

I am one example of an immigrant who needs assitance in English language learning. The YMCA-NAI community-based organization helps and guides me to quickly integrate myself into the American society. The YMCA-NAI has been a great help to many new immigrants with information needs regarding housing, health, insurance, higher education, emergencies, job trainings, and legal problems.

As a new immigrant, I try assimilating myself into American culture. I have my long-term and short-term goals to accomplish. Currently, it is to improve my English skills. The YMCA English program is helping me achieve this goal.

I believe that the YMCA-NAI English program is particular a good one. I love learning in this program virtually for I can also take care of my kids.

For me, the biggest challenge in this journey is to stay focus on the subject and remain serious. This is needed to enjoy experiencing the opportunity that the YMCA program provides. I need to be passionate in transforming my life for the better. These challenges help me understand myself better. They also change my fixed mindset to growth mindset. I have discover my potentials in learning English.

During this study period, my writing skills have been improved. I am glad that my teacher takes time to check my homework. It helps me learn my mistakes in my writing. Now, I am more determined to study and reach my goals, improve various skills, and to find a suitable job. I believe learning a foreign language is an art, and it is a process of positive self-transformation. I am convinced that having passion and courage in trying to learn something new is a way to success. The YMCA-NAI is an agent of change in my life.

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The YMCA-NAI Impact in My Life
by JL

New York City is a cosmopolitan city with lots of great opportunities. Everyone can take part in this society but should have the right keys to open doors of opportunities. For one to be successful, he or she should have clear goals to accomplish.

One important key to have is the English language skills. This should be given priority in order to meet the desired goals. There are different institutions in the city that can give these opportunities to new immigrants in this country. The YMCA-NAI is one of them. It has a wide-range of programs to offer to the immigrant community. It is in one of these pograms where I make positive changes in my life. I can say this is the YMCA-NAI impact in my life, to be a productive member of the society.

Through the help of the YMCA-NAI program, I come to learn and understand my civics duties and responsibilities. I learn more about about USA history, geography, and government.

It is a blessing for the new immigrants to have access to community-based organizations such as the YMCA that helps them achieve their goals in this country. One thing to do is take advantage of the opportunities the YMCA provides.