Immigrants Also Encouraged to Volunteer at
Veterans Affairs Hospitals and Organizations
Veterans Affairs Hospitals and Organizations
A statewide effort has been launched to recruit Veterans of
the U.S. Armed Forces to volunteer and assist immigrants who want to
become American citizens. Veterans would teach newcomers English and
help them prepare for the U.S. civics portion of the naturalization
exam. The initiative will also encourage immigrants to volunteer with
Veterans organizations, including the New York State Division of
Veterans’ Affairs offices and the United States Department of Veterans
Affairs hospitals to assist returning service members in their
transition from military to civilian life.
“New York has long been a beacon to those who come to this nation to make a better lives for themselves and their families,” Governor Cuomo said. “I can think of no better way to honor and continue this rich legacy than this program, which pairs heroes who fought to preserve the American Dream with those who came to here to pursue the American Dream. Our strength is our diversity and I’m proud to help launch this new initiative for new New Yorkers.”
The New York State Office for New Americans, the New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs and the New York State Commission on National and Community Service are partnering to support and recruit military veterans interested in helping New Americans fully participate in our State’s civic and economic life. The Division of Veterans Affairs will use the more than 80 Veterans Affairs offices throughout the State to serve as Veteran Volunteer Recruitment Centers to help veterans who are looking for opportunities to continue serving the public. Partner Veteran support organizations will also assist in recruiting efforts, as will other State agencies.
Veteran volunteers will be connected to offer their time at any of the 26 Office for New American Opportunity Centers located throughout the State. Volunteer opportunities include:
“New York has long been a beacon to those who come to this nation to make a better lives for themselves and their families,” Governor Cuomo said. “I can think of no better way to honor and continue this rich legacy than this program, which pairs heroes who fought to preserve the American Dream with those who came to here to pursue the American Dream. Our strength is our diversity and I’m proud to help launch this new initiative for new New Yorkers.”
The New York State Office for New Americans, the New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs and the New York State Commission on National and Community Service are partnering to support and recruit military veterans interested in helping New Americans fully participate in our State’s civic and economic life. The Division of Veterans Affairs will use the more than 80 Veterans Affairs offices throughout the State to serve as Veteran Volunteer Recruitment Centers to help veterans who are looking for opportunities to continue serving the public. Partner Veteran support organizations will also assist in recruiting efforts, as will other State agencies.
Veteran volunteers will be connected to offer their time at any of the 26 Office for New American Opportunity Centers located throughout the State. Volunteer opportunities include:
Helping a New American use a computer or
tablet device to practice English in an in-class or computer language
laboratory setting.
Conducting or participating in a one-on-one or group conversation practice group based on classroom instruction.
Conducting mock testing sessions for new Americans on the U.S. civics component of the naturalization exam.
Assisting with installation of the U.S. Civics phone app on a client’s cell phone.
Providing logistical support during naturalization drives.
This volunteer initiative will also focus on
supporting Veterans. Participation in this initiative will help
Veterans transition to civilian life, advance their military skills into
competitive workforce skills, and use their experiences and world
knowledge to connect with people and help develop diverse communities.
Additionally, ONA will encourage immigrants to volunteer with
organizations, such as the New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs
offices and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals,
to serve New York State’s Veterans community.
“I applaud Governor Cuomo for rallying our State’s veterans, and all New Yorkers, to support our New American neighbors,” said New York Secretary of State Cesar A. Perales. “This initiative will showcase the very best that our State has to offer – a spirit of volunteerism, dedication to our fellow New Yorkers and the involvement of our U.S. veterans who are heroes in every respect.”
“We are proud to work with the Office for New Americans on this important new endeavor,” New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs Director Eric J. Hesse said. “We welcome this opportunity to connect individuals seeking American citizenship with the men and women whose service and sacrifice continually preserves the rights and ideals at the core of our Nation’s existence.”
“We salute those veterans who will volunteer to assist our friends and neighbors as they adjust to their new lives as New Yorkers,” said Linda Cohen, Executive Director of the New York State Commission on National and Community Service – New Yorkers Volunteer. “Their continued service, when they have already given so much, exemplifies the good citizenship and lifelong commitment to helping others that are core values of our State.”
“New Yorkers have a tremendous history of coming together and I encourage our State’s Veterans to volunteer to welcome newcomers into the family of New York,” said Deputy Secretary of State Jorge I. Montalvo, who oversees the New York State Office for New Americans.
“I applaud Governor Cuomo for rallying our State’s veterans, and all New Yorkers, to support our New American neighbors,” said New York Secretary of State Cesar A. Perales. “This initiative will showcase the very best that our State has to offer – a spirit of volunteerism, dedication to our fellow New Yorkers and the involvement of our U.S. veterans who are heroes in every respect.”
“We are proud to work with the Office for New Americans on this important new endeavor,” New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs Director Eric J. Hesse said. “We welcome this opportunity to connect individuals seeking American citizenship with the men and women whose service and sacrifice continually preserves the rights and ideals at the core of our Nation’s existence.”
“We salute those veterans who will volunteer to assist our friends and neighbors as they adjust to their new lives as New Yorkers,” said Linda Cohen, Executive Director of the New York State Commission on National and Community Service – New Yorkers Volunteer. “Their continued service, when they have already given so much, exemplifies the good citizenship and lifelong commitment to helping others that are core values of our State.”
“New Yorkers have a tremendous history of coming together and I encourage our State’s Veterans to volunteer to welcome newcomers into the family of New York,” said Deputy Secretary of State Jorge I. Montalvo, who oversees the New York State Office for New Americans.
"We applaud the Governor’s new initiative,
which continues the State’s efforts to integrate New Americans,” said
Steven Choi, executive director of the New York Immigration Coalition.
“This initiative will provide a valuable opportunity for veterans to
help immigrants, while also honing their own skills as they re-integrate
into society.”
"As we look across the growing movement of welcoming communities, we take inspiration from New York's leadership,” said Welcoming America's Executive Director, David Lubell. “I cannot imagine a more patriotic tribute to our nation than to bring together New Americans and veterans in shared service to our country, and to our communities."
“The Mission Continues is proud to be a part of this effort with Governor Cuomo and the Office for New Americans,” said Aaron Scheinberg, Executive Director - Northeast, The Mission Continues. “As a national veterans nonprofit dedicated to empowering veterans to serve at home, we believe that veterans have the skills, leadership, and desire to help others. New Americans are key to our future as a country, and veterans can play a large role in welcoming, mentoring, and inspire them to become active citizens.”
This initiative continues the Governor Cuomo’s efforts to help immigrants fully participate in New York State’s civic and economic life. Previously, the Administration suspended participation in the federal Secure Communities program when concerns were raised about the implementation of the program, as well as its impact on families, immigrant communities and law enforcement in New York. The Governor also issued Executive Order 26 requiring State agencies that provide direct public services to offer free interpretation and translation services to members of the public for vital forms and instructions.
Governor Cuomo established the New York State Office for New Americans in 2013 to assist newcomers in the State who are eager to contribute to the economy and become part of the family of New York. The New York State Office for New Americans is the first state-level immigrant office created by statute in the country. The cornerstone of ONAs effort is the creation of a network of 26 neighborhood-based Opportunity Centers located throughout New York State where immigrants are assisted with English-for-Speakers-of-Other-
"As we look across the growing movement of welcoming communities, we take inspiration from New York's leadership,” said Welcoming America's Executive Director, David Lubell. “I cannot imagine a more patriotic tribute to our nation than to bring together New Americans and veterans in shared service to our country, and to our communities."
“The Mission Continues is proud to be a part of this effort with Governor Cuomo and the Office for New Americans,” said Aaron Scheinberg, Executive Director - Northeast, The Mission Continues. “As a national veterans nonprofit dedicated to empowering veterans to serve at home, we believe that veterans have the skills, leadership, and desire to help others. New Americans are key to our future as a country, and veterans can play a large role in welcoming, mentoring, and inspire them to become active citizens.”
This initiative continues the Governor Cuomo’s efforts to help immigrants fully participate in New York State’s civic and economic life. Previously, the Administration suspended participation in the federal Secure Communities program when concerns were raised about the implementation of the program, as well as its impact on families, immigrant communities and law enforcement in New York. The Governor also issued Executive Order 26 requiring State agencies that provide direct public services to offer free interpretation and translation services to members of the public for vital forms and instructions.
Governor Cuomo established the New York State Office for New Americans in 2013 to assist newcomers in the State who are eager to contribute to the economy and become part of the family of New York. The New York State Office for New Americans is the first state-level immigrant office created by statute in the country. The cornerstone of ONAs effort is the creation of a network of 26 neighborhood-based Opportunity Centers located throughout New York State where immigrants are assisted with English-for-Speakers-of-Other-
Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
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