The notion of “community” is a source of inspiration and support for many people, especially during times of uncertainty. What makes up a community is different for everyone, but common stakeholders are our schools, churches, restaurants, and neighbors. In this sense, Hot Bread Kitchen, in East Harlem, New York, is a particular local community staple, as it provides women with free culinary training and supports them inside and outside the workplace. In 2017, Hot Bread Kitchen decided to partner with New American Workforce to further support its eligible immigrant employees and their family members with the United States citizenship process at the worksite.
One such Hot Bread Kitchen employee, Alondra, emigrated from Mexico to the U.S. over twenty years ago. She absolutely loves training at Hot Bread Kitchen and was pleased when she heard about its partnership with New American Workforce and commitment to offer citizenship services to employees and their family members. At the time, Alondra already obtained her citizenship, but her oldest daughter, Maritza, was still a green card holder.
Spurred by recent headlines and concerned about her family’s security, Alondra immediately asked her daughter to attend her employer’s citizenship workshops. Although Maritza equally desired to become a U.S. citizen, she was fearful to apply because of the complicated forms, fees, and green card deadlines.
“The citizenship process seemed frightening, especially within the immigrant community…the knowledge we had was shared only through word of mouth.”
However, after attending the citizenship workshops, Maritza’s initial hesitations lessened. She learned the facts about the entire process, better understood the paperwork and fees, and worked with accredited lawyers to fill out her application. To potential citizens in her community, she offers some advice:
“I would tell other eligible immigrants that the whole process is not as scary as you think. The citizenship workshops were really informative and made the entire process clear and easily understood….There are a lot of people that are ready to help you along the way.”
Through the partnership between Hot Bread Kitchen and New American Workforce, Maritza is well on her way to becoming a citizen. More than ever, Alondra is pleased to work for such an incredible organization, and her entire family now wants to help other eligible community members with the citizenship process, making their community a happier and healthier place for all.