PRAC Helps Local Woman Becomes Citizen, Shows Life-Changing Resources at HWRC
BY CLYDE HUGHES | AC JosepH Media
PENNSVILLE — Aurelia Rodriguez is proud to be a naturalized citizen of the United States and wanted to share her journey of how the Puerto Rican Action Committee of Southern New Jersey’s Hispanic Women’s Resource Center helped her in her quest.
For PRAC’s executive director Elliot Hernandez, Rodriguez’s story is one of the examples of how they are trying to make a difference in the lives of Latinos who feel they have few other places to go in today’s climate that can make the life of immigrants in the United States difficult.
Rodriguez, who arrived to the United States from Mexico 10 years ago, is married with three children. She found an English as a Second Language Class flyer last year sponsored by the women’s center at a local Mexican grocery store.
“I keep the Hispanic Women’s Resource Center very close to my heart because slowly they are helping me with some of my life goals,” Rodriguez said.
PRAC’s Andrea Noble worked directly with Rodriguez to help her continue to the ESL classes and then pass the citizenship test.
“I never thought I would be able to pass the Citizenship Test, but Andrea helped me not only pass my test but also helped me build my confidence and believe in myself,” Rodriguez said. “I am very thankful for the Hispanic Women’s Resource Center. It is a beautiful blessing for all the Hispanic families in our community.”
“This milestone is important not only for the client but also for our staff and organization,” PRAC said in an email to Front Runner New Jersey. “The client arrived in the United States over 10 years ago. Initially, she came to the HWRC office seeking English as a Second Language classes and information on how to obtain citizenship.
Hernandez, PRAC board President Steven Torres, and the women’s center chief operating officer Jocie Ortiz said that they are proud of Rodriguez’s accomplishment and is an example of how organizations like theirs are making life-changing resources available.
“Andrea helped her enroll in the ESL classes offered by our organization. Following that, Andrea provided support in obtaining the citizenship application and guided the client through the entire process,” PRAC said.
“Over the course of three months, Andrea and the client met two to three times a week for scheduled appointments to prepare for the citizenship test. Thanks to their dedication and hard work, the client successfully passed her citizenship test on her first attempt.”
The organization said Rodriguez’s accomplishment represents one of their four pillars: Education, Housing, Health, and Workforce.
“As we continue to support our community, our goal is to encourage everyone to strive for greatness,” PRAC said. “Together, we aim to achieve excellence in our community.”
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