the open door njny strengthens families and communities

The New York metropolitan area has one of the highest immigrant populations in the country.  Immigrants contribute to the area's growth, diversity, and economic prosperity. However, low-income immigrant families often face difficulty in every area of life, including employment, medical care, housing, and education. Many individuals feel isolated from their support networks, and children of immigrants experience disruption in their education as parents struggle to meet their basic needs.

An immediate need is the ability to communicate daily with children, teachers, and healthcare workers. Of New Yorkers in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens, approximately 25% of residents over 5 years of age are not fluent in English. In New Jersey, 46.4% of foreign-born residents who speak a language other than English at home are not fluent in English. Fluency in English is associated with higher earnings and economic mobility.  

The Open Door NJNY addresses these problems by equipping individuals with skills they need to successfully integrate into our society. Classes meet weekly to engage the mind, develop relationships, and build confidence. As a result, individuals find hope, families are strengthened, and communities are transformed.

The Open Door’s Statement on Racism:

Specifically on the recent acts of discrimination and violence against the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities (AAPI)- Both overt acts of violence and verbal attacks associating the AAPI community with the coronavirus are wrong and have no place in our society.

Racism has justly been called America’s original sin. It remains a stain on our nation and continues to cause acts, systems and attitudes of hatred and injustice. The Open Door recognizes every individual as an image bearer of God and stands against racism in all forms; we stand with every group that has been unjustly targeted and victimized— including our Black, Asian, Muslim and Latino brothers and sisters. We all need each other, and we work better when we work together.

The Open Door is proud to build bridges and lay the groundwork for beautiful cross-cultural friendships!