Hany Tawdros was a Certified Supply Chain Professional in Egypt. ... information well; however, he struggled with the Am
C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation “Community Action Agency” 1805 S. Banker Street, P.O. Box 928 Effingham, Illinois 62401-0928 PHONE: (217) 342-2193 E-MAIL:
[email protected] WEBSITE: www.cefseoc.org The Tawdros family left Cairo, Egypt to escape the violence of ISIS and to offer the hope of the American dream to their two young daughters. In September 2015 they were referred to the C.E.F.S. Adult Volunteer Literacy Program by friends who were already learning English as a new language in the Program. The Tawdros family used the Literacy Program services to learn English vocabulary and culture. They sought information for child care, employment opportunities, education, and housing. Filling out forms and locating services, and even the Pledge of Allegiance, were incorporated into their language lessons. In addition, the family was also referred to other programs offered by C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation for further assistance and utilized the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, CSBG Summer Youth Scholarships, and the Family Literacy Program services provided through C.E.F.S. Hany Tawdros was a Certified Supply Chain Professional in Egypt. He knew the information well; however, he struggled with the American version of the certification test because of the language barrier. Through the Literacy Program, he developed enough English language skills to pass the American version of the test and received his certification in December 2017. Hany also was a 2017 spring graduate from Lake Land College receiving a Certificate in Accounting and an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Accounting. Haney is employed full-time. Nermine improved her English well enough to secure professional employment which includes benefits at a local hospital. This semester, Nermine is a full-time student at Lake Land College studying technology as well as working part-time at the hospital. Joyce and Jenny, through the Family Literacy Program, learned what they could expect in American school, such as recess, lunch programs, homework, and more. The daughters have been active in soccer, visual arts, cheerleading, swimming, and gymnastics. In addition, the family has purchased a home. As a result of Hany and Nermine’s success in obtaining selfsustaining employment, the family no longer needs the assistance from LIHEAP and CSBG services provided through C.E.F.S.; however, the family still visits the Learning Center to continue to improve their English language skills. Few Americans can understand the fear and strength it takes to leave your family, your home, your career, your country, and your lifestyle in the hopes of a safer and better future. But that is exactly what the Tawdros family did. Both parents were educated professionals, but they left everything behind to come to America. Programs provided through C.E.F.S. were one of the tools the family used to develop a new beginning and to be employed, educated, and owners of a beautiful home.
