The Dominican Literacy Center in Aurora, Illinois, has been a vital resource for immigrant women seeking to learn English for over three decades. Recently, however, challenges have intensified due to heightened immigration enforcement under the previous U.S. administration. According to Executive Director Claire Wiesner-Smillie, the increased presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the city has created a climate of fear and anxiety among students, complicating their pursuit of education and citizenship.
Wiesner-Smillie noted that the U.S. naturalization process has also become more complex, with frequent changes to application deadlines and testing dates. Despite these hurdles, she expressed optimism about the center’s resilience. “Overall, we are doing very well considering the circumstances,” she stated, highlighting a successful return to in-person tutoring after a period of remote learning due to safety concerns.
A significant factor in the center’s ability to adapt is its dedicated team of volunteers, who provide one-on-one tutoring sessions to students from diverse backgrounds. Many of these tutors come from surrounding counties, including Kane, DuPage, Kendall, and DeKalb. One such volunteer, Deb Schmalholz, has been with the center for four years and is known for her unwavering commitment. Wiesner-Smillie praised Schmalholz for her proactive approach, saying, “If we lose a volunteer, she steps right up to fill that spot.”
Schmalholz, a retired educator, finds inspiration in her students. “These students are so wonderful … they are my heroes,” she remarked, acknowledging the courage it takes for immigrant women to navigate language and cultural barriers. She emphasizes that the center’s supportive environment fosters a sense of communal caring, making volunteering a rewarding experience.
In an effort to recruit more volunteers, the Dominican Literacy Center will hold a training session on January 17, 2024, from 9:00 to 15:30 at its headquarters located at 260 Vermont Avenue. Those interested can contact the center at 630-898-4636 or via email at [email protected].
Another long-term volunteer, Pat Leatherwood, a retired CPA, has dedicated over 15 years to tutoring at the center. Her experiences working overseas gave her insight into the challenges faced by those in unfamiliar cultural and linguistic environments. “I loved what it did for people who really have a desire and a need to learn,” she said, noting that her own background of overcoming adversity drives her commitment to giving back.
Leatherwood’s contributions extend beyond tutoring. She organizes engaging literacy games during breaks, creating a lively atmosphere for students. “What is so unique about the Dominican Literacy Center is its focus on the women of immigrant households, who often are the heart of the family,” she explained.
Currently, the center boasts 122 volunteers but is seeking an additional 25 tutors for its English as a Second Language (ESL) program and citizenship preparation classes. Wiesner-Smillie reported a significant increase in interest in citizenship classes, yet many students face delays, with approximately 75% of those who completed their courses waiting for test dates.
This situation has been particularly distressing for individuals like a student from Afghanistan, a military interpreter for the U.S. for nine years. Although he and his wife passed their citizenship tests, they recently learned that their naturalization ceremony had been canceled. “Our model is intentionally built to provide a safe place for them to learn. In terms of their performances, they are still doing fine. It just makes it harder for everyone,” Wiesner-Smillie stated.
The commitment of volunteers like Schmalholz and Leatherwood reflects the center’s mission to empower immigrants during challenging times. Both tutors encourage others to consider volunteering, emphasizing the profound impact it has on the lives of students. “For me,” Schmalholz noted, “it’s been a gift from heaven.”
As the Dominican Literacy Center continues its vital work, it seeks to enhance its volunteer base, ensuring that it can provide the necessary support to those striving for a better future.
