Programs
Friendships & Education
Our mission to foster mutual relationships between immigrant newcomers and local community members is realized through programs that facilitate friendships and provide education. When we all have friends and a developing understanding of the world around us, it’s easier to feel like we belong…and that others do too.
Welcome Project
The Welcome Project fulfills the mission of Neighbor to Neighbor by facilitating friendships and providing education for both newcomer immigrants and local community members.
This program is funded in part by the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County and the Pokagon Fund.
Driving Education Program
Having a driver’s license is essential to living and working freely in northern Indiana. Many of our newcomer immigrant friends need help learning to drive and getting the 50 hours of practice required by the state of Indiana for a new license. Several brave volunteers help their new friends with driving practice, and we also have a driving simulator housed in La Casa de Amistad's tech hub that can be used for practicing the rules of driving.
This program is funded in part by Everwise Credit Union.
Craft'n'Chat
The Craft’n’Chat Program provides opportunities for community-building and English language acquisition for our newcomer neighbors. Currently, we have two iterations:
- Afghan Women’s Group: One morning a week, a group of women and their PreK-aged children gather with English teachers and childhood education volunteers to practice English, engage in crafts together, and prepare for preschool.
- NEW English Class: Thanks to a grant from a local foundation, we are now piloting a beginner-level English language class with a group of newcomer clients
