Our mission is to help build brighter futures for refugee women and children in the Connecticut area. We envision a community that respects and celebrates diversity and provides equity of opportunity to all members. We provide refugee and immigrant families with ESL classes, health literacy classes, and prepare our clients to take the CT DMV driver's license examination. All of our services aim to empower refugee women to embrace their independence and autonomy within their communities.
In addition to feeling disoriented in a new country after leaving familiarity behind, refugee and immigrant women in Connecticut also struggle to be fully embraced by their new communities due to language and cultural barriers. A lack of education and understanding of the American healthcare system can separate them from their communities. Language barriers make it difficult for them to pass the driver's exam which, in turn, impedes their ability to find work and support themselves.
Elena's Light provides a solution with a three-pronged approach: the provision of free, in-home customizable ESL tutoring sessions with a focus on driver's education, the provision of in-home maternal and pediatric health education services, and the creation of safe spaces for cultural exchange and immersion. The home venue offers accessibility for refugees still learning to navigate their new community and to reach women with limited ability to leave their homes due to lack of transportation.
Refugee and immigrant women in the CT area will gain the tools they need to cultivate and exercise their individual independence. Health education services will increase health literacy, encourage patient autonomy, and help them practice good health behavior - all of which will allow them to maximize their quality of life. Driver's education will free them from the constraints of unreliable public transport which will empower them to embrace their independence within their communities.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
