KEY J -- IMMIGRANTS

A List of Agencies is followed by

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF RESOURCES

KEY J -- IMMIGRANTS

J1 ACTON/BOXBORO INTERFAITH LAITY................................................978-263-7028
J2 TRAINING INSTRUCTORS AND TEACHING LITERACY AND ESL-781-395-2374
J3 ENGLISH AS SECOND LANGUAGE SCHOOLS.................................... 978-264-4700
J4 RECOMMENDED SELF-TEACHING AIDS.............................................617-547-8855
J5 FOOD AND CLOTHING (free)....................................................................978-263-2162
J6 MEDICAL AND DENTAL LOW-COST HELP..........................................978 369-1400
J7 LEGAL AID, (fee or low-cost)....................................................................1-800-696-1501
J8 GENERAL PROGRAMS OF INTEREST TO IMMIGRANTS................978-970-5000.
J9 AUTO DRIVING LICENSES FOR NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING........ 1-800- 858-3926
J10 SALVADORAN REFUGEES HELP, CORES...........................................617-623-5322
J11 CRISIS HOTLINES .................................................................................. TEL. 911
J12 EMPLOYMENT SEEKING see A9 and A14
J13 SEEKING FOREIGN CONSULATES....................................................1-800-375-5283
J14 INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF BOSTON…………………………617-695-9990

KEY J -- IMMIGRANTS

These pages are written to give special help to new people in this community who have arrived from foreign countries and require aid in learning to communicate in English and to adapt to life in the United States. The persons listed below can speak the languages indicated. They can translate parts of the DIRECTORY of interest to you and also explain the services available from the ABIL (Acton- Boxborough Interfaith Laity). There are numerous other support groups listed in this ABIL Directory. Please see the HELP INDEX for finding help in an emergency. Some important KEYs are repeated in this IMMIGRANTS KEY J for your convenience.

For finding someone speaking the languages listed below, telephone the numbers after the names.
Local people willing to speak to immigrants in their languages:

Portuguese:
Regina Abreu, Telefone: (978) 635-1471
(Favor de chamar depois de 18:00 horas.
Portugues do Brasil. Todo os dias Sabado e Domingo)
Spanish (espanol):
Nellye Molina, Telefono: (978) 263-9802
(Me llama entre 18:00 y 21:00, por favor.)
Jeanie Furlan, 978 635-9209
(Jeanie speaks Spanish and Portuguese)
Russian:
Alexander Berkovich, Telephone: (978) 263-7471
Korean:
Rev. David K. Lee Telephone: 413-253-5522
For information in English (also Spanish or Brazilian Portuguese)
call Carl Sletten, Telephone: (978) 263-7028.
See J1 to J4 for English language tutors and one-on-one help.

Descriptions of Help Sources

J1 Acton/Boxboro Interfaith Laity 978-263-7028
ABIL
Location: Acton and Boxborough, Mass.
Suggested contact: Carl Sletten tel. 978-263-7028
Kind of resource and cost: Free of charge.
Interfaith lay people who want to help immigrants settle in this area.
Services Provided: Referral to aids for English as Second Language
Social events are planned where immigrants can practice English and meet people of other
cultures. Provides friendly help in adjusting to life in Acton
Boxboro area and in practicing English.

J2 Training Instructors and Teaching Literacy and ESL 1-781-395-2374
Eastern Massachusetts Literacy Council, Inc. 781-359-2374. See B13.
Location: 400 High St. Medford, MA 02155
Contact: Virginia Haskins, Acton Boxborough community Facilitator 978-263-0194.
Kind of Resource: Established in 1970, Eastern Mass Literacy Council, Inc. (EMLC)
is a volunteer based, nonprofit agency that provides free tutoring services for adults
who want to acquire basic literacy in the English Language.
Two basic tutoring services are offered: Adult Basic English (BE) assist native speakers of English
who want to improve their basic literacy skills. EMLC also serves English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).
EMLC services twenty towns in which the students must either reside or work.
The Council is affiliated with Laubach Literacy Action,
the nation's largest volunteer literacy agency.
Each volunteer receives at least 18 hours of certified training.
EMLC is funded by grants, the Acton-Boxborough United Way,
and by donations from corporations and individuals.

Commonwealth Literacy Corps (508) 653-6098
Location: Wayland Library, Wayland, MA
Suggested Contact: Sema Faigen, Tel. 508-653-6098
Kind of resource and cost: Trains Second Language tutors.
Generally course runs for about 15 hours, one night per week for
three hour sessions.Day course can be scheduled. Classes scheduled as
a group of volunteers are available. Cost approximately $20.00.
The Wayland LLibray Program is in association with the SABES adults to work with adult learners.

J3 English as Second Language Schools 978-264-4700

Maynard Adult Learning Center 978-897-4203
Contact: Karen Pervier, 978-897-4203
Kind of Service: English as Second Language for adults.
Classes are small and are held in the mornings, Tue.,Wed. and Fri. from 9 to 11 AM.
Classes also in evenings Mon./Wed or Tue./Thur. from 6 to 9 PM.
Free classes and placement at appropriate level.
Campuses in both Maynard and Hudson.

ESOL at Conant and Douglas (Elementary Public) Schools
Contact Jeanie Furlan, Tel.978-266-2550 ext. 2059
(She speaks Spanish and Portuguese)
Elementary classes held at Douglas, Conant, and McCarthy School
in Acton. Tel. 978-263-2550. ext 2059

At R.J. Grey Junior High: call 978-264-4700.
Ask for Academic Resource Center.

A/B Regional High School telephone 978-264-4700.
Ask for Lois Rosenfeld in Resource Room.

DIAL (Directions in Adult Learning) (978) 263-6538
& 978-266-2525 Various locations. Contact Judy Ianelli.
Kind of Service: English as a second language with tuition
based Classes at Beginner, Intermediate,and Advanced levels.

Assabet Valley, Marlboro 1-(508) 485-9430, ext. 429 or 467
Assabet Valley, Center for Continuing Education
Location: 215 Fitchburg Street
Marlboro, MA 01752-1288
Contact: Tel: 1-800 537-6663, 1-508-485-9430
Kind of Service: Offer three courses in English as Second
language at various levels, Each course cost $170.00 for
about 40 hours of lessons (10 weeks and 20 sessions)
classes Mon. and Wed. or Tue. and Thur.6:30-8:30.
First will determine the appropriate level.

Minuteman Tech Community Education office
(781) 861-7150
Location: 758 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA 02421
Contact: Call 978-861-7150 Teacher is John McCarthy.
Kind of Service: Public Technical/Vocational School.
Summer daytime ESL Classes cost $209.

J4 Recommended self-teaching aids (dual-language) and where to buy.

Schoenhof's Foreign Books

English for Spanish Speaking: Living Language, $20,(see
address below). Barrons Via Rapida, $30, Hugos El Ingles simplificada, $40.
All courses have cassettes with English.
Address: Schoenhof's Foreign Books
486 Green Street
Cambridge, MA 02138 Tel. (617) 547-8855

Concord Bookshop, 978-369-2405
65 Main Street, Concord, MA
Store has English for Spanish speaking courses.

Living Language (series of language materials)
call 1-800-733-3000 or mail to address below.
(Schoenhof's also has some Living Language materials.)
English for Spanish, French, Italian, German, Chinese Speaking.
Self-teaching courses with cassettes, manual, and dictionary for
$25.00. Instructions in native languages. Dual language.
Address: Random House, Inc 400 Hahn Road
Dept. 012-01-1991, Westminster, MD 21157

At Barnes and Noble choose books on the Web and
search for "language courses" or "Living Language".
BARNES&NOBLE

Video Cassettes (VCRs) for Spanish Speakers to learn English are
available for about $150. Course is called AMERICAN ENGLISH, made
by Omega Generation, 6223 Richmond Ave. Houston,TX 77057, Tel.
(713) 784-9258. Very good, dual language.

Tyndale's Adult Literacy Resource
Tyndale House Publishers
P.O. Box 80, Wheaton, IL 60189
Easy-to-read books for adults. Christian books and others.

Acton Memorial (Public) Library 978-264-9641
Location: 486 Main Street, Center Acton
TDD Library, tel. 978-635-0072
Free to Acton residents. Books and tapes.
Foreign language books, large print books, copy machine,
computer listings, and internet access available.

Citizens' Library 978-264-9652
Location: 21 Windsor Ave. West Acton, Tel. 978-264-9652
Public library. Many books and aids to students.

Concord Free Public Library 978-318-3300
Location: 129 Main Street, Concord
Full service public library with more foreign language books.
Language tapes available on loan. Their Pimsleur tapes are
designed for Americans to learn foreign languages.
Hours 9AM-9PM MTWT, 9AM-6PM on Fridays, Saturdays 9AM-1PM.

J5 Food and Clothing (free)

THE COMMUNITY SUPPER
Location: Acton Congregational Church.
12 Concord Road, Acton, MA
Suggested contact: Contact: Mike Tobia, 978-897-9881 or
Betty Craig, 978-263-2162
Services provided: Free dinner every Wed., 5:30 PM-6:45.
At 6:00, used clothes available. Just show up.

ACTON FOOD PANTRY
Location: 18 Windsor Avenue, Acton.
Contact: Mike Tobia, 978-897-9881 or
Betty Craig, 978-263-2162 for emergency situations.
Mailing address for ($)donations: Box 2098, Acton, MA 01720.
Same for Community Supper.
Services: Free bags of food for families Wed., 3-5:30 PM. Just show up.

Closet for the Needy (clothes) see E9 (furniture) 978-253-4305
Location: St. Elizabeth Church,
89 Arlington Street, Acton, MA
Suggested Contact: Barbara Smith, 978-263-4305
Kind of resource and cost: Church charity, free.
Services provided: Used clothes all year.

Stork Support 978-486-9331
Location: Littleton Congregational Church,
330 King Street, Littleton, MA
Suggested Contact: Leave a message on tape.
Volunteers return calls but might take several days.
Kind of resource and cost: Clothing and furniture for
babies and young children. Free of charge.
Maternityclothes available too.

Self-Help and Resource Exchange (SERVE) 978-264-9643
Location: St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish Center,
89 Arlington St. Acton
Suggested Contact: Barbara Winders, 978-264-9643 mornings
Kind of resource and cost: Obtain about $35 worth of
groceries monthly for $13 plus two hours of community
service volunteer work. Volunteer doing : scouts, library,
schools, baby sitting, elder chores, hospital, etc. Normally on
Saturday mornings monthly.

J6 Medical and Dental Low-cost Help

Mass. Dental Society 1-(800)-342-8747 ext. 245
Location: 2 Wells St. Southboro, MA.
"Dentistry for All" Program
Write to: 2 Willow St. Southborough, MA 01745
for an application.Include stamped self-addressed envelope. With
application form there is income statement form. Forms must be
filled out and signed by a social worker, clergy, employer, or
other professional. Return forms to Mass. Dental Society.

Boston University Dental School (617) 638-4700
Location: Boston, Albany St. South End.
Suggested Contact: telephone above number.
Kind of resource and cost: Dental students give services at
reduced rates. Cost abour 1/3 of standard charges. First
appointment requires x-rays and exam at $70. 3 to 4 week wait for appointment.Harvard University and Tufts University Dental Schools
may have similar programs. Other dentists may give reduced rates
to needy people.

Acton Medical Assoc. (978) 263-1131
Location: 321 Main Street, Acton, MA
Suggested Contact: telephone above number
Kind of resource and cost: Full medical facilities with lab.
Services provided: Family medicine, pediatrics, 15 doctors and
many nurses. Charge regular prices. Maybe professional Courtesy
for very poor. Harvard Community Health HMO and others.

Emerson Hospital (978) 369-1400
Location: On Route #2, Concord, MA
Contact: Business office: 978-287-3040
Next to cashier Main level office.
Services Provided: Program for income-eligible
people called FULL FREE
CARE and PARTIAL FREE CARE. Check with office for income-eligibility rates and
possible PARTIAL FREE CARE. Applications must be
made with proof of income from employer documents.
Rates are subject to change. Hospital also has a
HEALTHY START maternity support program.
Rates are subject to change.
Hospital also has a HEALTHY START maternity support program.

Financial Aid for medical bills. (South Acton Cong. Church)
978-263-2332
Some churches have special funds for local emergencies.
There is also a fund called "Friends in Need"
For information about the "Friend in Need Fund" call
South Acton Cong. Church. For general information about
church and other funds, call Carol Lake 978-263-7635. Town of
Acton Memorial Funds: Betsy Ball, Whitney, Tuttle.

J7 Legal aid, free or low-cost

SOUTH MIDDLESEX LEGAL SERVICES/ 1-(800)-696-1501
Location:354 Waverly St., Framingham1
Kind of Service: Free or low cost legal help.
Telephone to find out if you are income-eligible.
They help with civil case, not criminal or
consumer cases.) Get help with housing problems,
utilities, special education, government benefits such as
social security, SSI, unemployment problems. For people over
60 years of age they help with nursing home problems, elder
abuse, healthcare issues, and defense of guardianship/conservator cases.
Serve Acton, Bedford,Carlisle, Maynard, Lincoln, Stow, and Sudbury.
Uncontested divorces, wills and bankruptcies are referred to members of the
private bar who have agree to handle two cases per year.

J8 Of General Interest to Immigrants Tel. 978-970-5000

LOWELL FOLK FESTIVAL
Located in Lowell, Mass. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE,
Lowell National Historical Park.
67 Kirk Street and 1607 Merrimack Street.
This Festival is an annual event, generally in late July,
attracting thousands of people of many nationalities.
The program lasts for several
days and features ethnic music and foods,arts and crafts, and special presentations.
Opportunity to meet people from many countries and enjoy different cultures.

SOUTHEAST ASIAN WATER FESTIVAL
Location: Heritage State Park, Lowell, MA and Merrimack River
Takes place in August annually.
Thousands of Cambodian, Laotian, and Vietnamese Americans attend.

ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF CULTURAL SHARING
Location: Acton. Sponsored by ABIL and Acton Community Education.
Contact: Selma Garber 978-263-5064. Held in early February. Ethnic food and entertainment.
Family affair, admission free.

J9 Automobile Driving Licenses for non-English Speaking

In Massachusetts call: 1-(800)-858-3926 9AM-7PM
Wait on line for operator or use dial tone instructions.
Written examinations for driver's licenses can be taken in
different languages. Road tests given only in English.

Registry of Motor Vehicles (Mass.) Web-site:
MOTOR VEHICLES

J10 Special help for Salvadoran Refugees. CORES

(Committee for Refugees from El Salvador)
Address: 343 Medford St., Somerville, MA 02144.
This is an office dedicated to helping immigrants from El Salvador and from Guatemala.
Telephone: 1-(617)-623-5322

J11 Crisis Hotline

Acton Police, Emergency call 911
365 Main Street, Acton. Non-emergencies/Business,978-263-2911
Acton Fire, Ambulance, medical emergencies only 911

Boxborough Police, Emergency call 911
Non-emergencies, 978 263-2628

Crisis Team, Lexington 781 894-8440
for Mental Health emergencies

J12 Employment Seeking

Jobs are available with little English skills in restaurants,
Fast Food places, nursing homes, house cleaning, babysitting, etc.
Ask ABIL or Churches for help.
Try A9 and A14

J13 Seeking Foreign Consulates

Telephone numbers for some area CONSULATES often used by immigrants:
BRAZIL address: 20 Park Plaza, Suite 810, Boston, MA.
Tel. 617-542-4000

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 20 Park Plaza, Boston, MA
Tel. 617-482-8121

EL SALVADOR East Boston, MA
Tel. 617-567-8484

HAITI 545 Boylston St. Boston, MA
Tel 617-266-3660

US IMMIGRATION
J. F. Kennedy Federal Building
US INS Boston District Office
Government Center, Boston, MA 02203
For US Immigration customer service or for forms, Telephone 1-800-375-5283 or Web-site address:

US IMMIGRATION

J14 INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF BOSTON
617-695-9990
One Milk Street, Boston, 02109
Contact: Westy Egmont, Director
Founded in Lowell in 1924. Location also in Manchester, New Hampshire: 603-647-1500.
IIB is an affiliate of Immigrant and Refugee Services of America (IRSA), the largest
non-sectarian network of immigrant and refugee resettlement service providers in the U.S.
IIB is also a United Way organization and an equal opportunity service provider.
Services provided: Refugee Resettlement, English-as-a-Second-Language, Health Services,
Employment & Training, Social Services, Immigration Legal Aid, Citizenship Community,
Orientation and Outreach.Email: beacon@iiboston.org
Due to overwhelming demand for services,they are unable to answer
or reply to any legal questions over email. Web site: www.iiboston.org INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE

 


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