ESL & Car Grants!
/The Christian Friends of New Americans ESL program has been in place in one form or another for 15 years but has never seen a greater impact than it has in the past few years. Through donations from local LCMS congregations, CFNA has been able to expand the traditional ESL program into a robust driving program that includes classroom instruction and on-the-road training. CFNA has also used these funds to establish a car grant program, allowing newly arrived refugees to purchase a car once they have passed their driving test.
In 2022, CFNA hired Debbie McBride. With the help of many volunteers, Debbie runs both the Driving ESL classroom instruction as well as the on the road driving program. Through a donation from Oasis International, CFNA secured a car to use for this training. There are currently more than 50 people enrolled in this program, all of whom are hoping to secure their driver’s licenses in the near future.
The ultimate goal for most in the program is to own their own car. Doing so makes a huge impact on their ability to hold a job, get to doctor appointments, enroll children in a private (LCMS) school, and have the freedom to enjoy the city of St. Louis. In 2022, CFNA established a car grant program to help new drivers purchase a car. This grant provides up to $2,500 toward the purchase of a car.
To date, CFNA has assisted eight refugees with the purchase of a car. One of those who has benefited from this grant is Omar Momand, who recently received a mini-van big enough for his large family. Omar says, “We are very happy with the van we received from you. Now we can go anywhere with ease, like to the park, our friends’ place, the medical clinic or to work. Many thanks to the CFNA staff and donors. You have helped us a lot and your help will not be forgotten.”
CFNA has also partnered with HumanKind STL to expand our ability to provide car grants. Five families have benefited from this partnership. See the graphic for more details.
If you are interested in volunteering in this exciting program, please contact Heather McDermott (hmcdermott@cfna-stl.org). If you wish to donate you may do so at www.cfna-stl.org/donate, or by mailing a check to: CFNA, 4019 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63118.
By Kerry Pozaric with Debbie McBride and Kelly Teuscher