Like the immigrant community we serve, Riverside has grown and changed significantly since we were established over 40 years ago. We started as an English Language program but, as we quickly learned about our students’ needs for social service support, we added case management and counseling services to provide referrals and direct assistance. When our students told us they were reluctant to use the language they were learning with fast-talking New Yorkers, we partnered with our wonderful community volunteers and established conversation labs to build up their confidence.
Our move to the B’nai Jeshurun four years ago opened up an opportunity to partner with synagogue members to provide resume writing and mentorship services to students getting ready to join the workforce. And just this past spring, when the pandemic hit, our innovative faculty members quickly shifted all of our services to a remote platform and developed new ways to teach and train our students via Zoom and other online tools.
We are now at another moment of change. While English Language instruction will always remain our core program, in the current social and economic environment, our students and alumni need a broader, more coordinated set of services to ensure that they can fully integrate in the U.S. Over the next 3-5 years, guided by a strategic plan shaped by our students, alumni, staff, Board, volunteers, and other key stakeholders, Riverside will place a stronger emphasis on direct job training and placement, broaden our client base, and pilot new service models that complement the current needs of the immigrant community.
It is an exciting moment. Our staff is growing, and our programming is expanding. As we move forward, we are proud of our past, and excited for our future. We hope you will continue to partner with us as we move into this new chapter.