The VidaSpanish Immersion in Jamaica Plain Program wants to thank the following Jamaica Plain businesses for their generous donations in support in the wonderful First Fundraiser Event, a Taste Of Sharing Cultures, held on April 22 at the Milky Way Lounge in Hyde Square: Peru Travel, Roxbury Highland Bank, Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation, Faulkner Hospital, Wilder Presentations, El Oriental De Cuba, La Granvia, Celebrity Series of Boston, Mike’s Fitness, Chris Harper-Fahey (artist) and Express Relaxation, Dilania Tirado LMT.
This organization, started one year ago and run entirely by volunteers, is an innovative language conversation program that provides local Latino senior citizens with a modest stipend, social interaction and a sense of accomplishment and pride, while offering affordable opportunities for non-Spanish speakers to learn about Spanish language and culture. It offers diverse members of our local community the chance to expand their cultural horizons and to learn from the seniors’ wide range of life experiences. Learners are matched with a Latino senior based on language level, interests and schedule. Conversation sessions take place at the Nate Smith House, located across from the Stony Brook T station at 155 Lamartine St.
The demand from Jamaica Plain and surrounding communities has grown rapidly, and we are certain that the program has the potential to expand greatly during 2007.
The participating Spanish-speaking seniors will benefit significantly in many ways. The program will now be able to continue growing and serving our seniors’ community by providing seniors with the opportunity to help Spanish learners develop their conversational skills, while at the same time engaging in beneficial social interactions.
Giovanna Tapia, Program Coordinator, VidaSpanish Immersion in Jamaica Plain
Margaret Noce, JP Coalition Tree of life/Arbol de Vida