Moms Create Programming for Multicultural Families

By Jackie Schatell

When Maria Jose Orgeira, Paola Acosta, Patricia Fontan, Teresita Usme, all of Summit, with a shared experience of coming from an international background and having lived abroad for most of their lives, began the process of figuring out all of the things available through the town and school system for their children, they realized that other families, particularly ones with a language barrier, from low-income homes, multicultural families, or with children with special needs were also having trouble. They set out to do something about it by creating Empowering Kids Organization (EKO), which has become a valuable resource for kids who may not otherwise have access to academic and arts enrichment programs. EKO has now served over 191 participants since its inception in 2019, created 11 programs, and raised $56,000 in donations.

“We started to see that many kids, especially from bilingual families or for whom English was not their first language, were not trying out for school teams and plays,” says Paola. The group figured there was a big chance many of those parents hadn’t heard about available programs or were not aware of tryout dates. The women identified that two of the main factors were the language barrier and a lack of connection to the school community and local culture. So, EKO began acting as a resource guiding the families through all of the necessary steps and giving them information to make such opportunities accessible and get more kids signed up.

In addition, EKO began creating their own after-school programs to meet the needs of the grades 4-12 population they serve including art, theater, science, and ESL classes. Once these classes were underway, parents asked for an ESL class, and one for children with special needs. EKO now offers English Immersion Classes; Cultural Activities; a Summer Camp; an Art Program through The Visual Arts Center (VAC-NJ); Comic Improvisation Classes and Workshops through Vivid Stage Theatre; Math, English, and Science for ESL Learners; Personal GED Tutoring classes; and supports existing Early Literacy and College Awareness Programs.

“By creating our classes, and resources, we are able to connect families who are facing isolation not only with programs but with other families and the Summit community as well,” says Paola. Kids in the EKO programs are now creating their own school clubs and are signing up for plays and advanced art classes on their own. They are getting scholarships and winning awards. “Our resources are helping to improve their life experiences and build confidence,” says Paola. “Our students are finding their places in classes where they can shine, be curious, and believe in their potentials.”

Paola says, “It is so great to see a shy child in one for our improv class making people laugh or in a skit, whose talent wouldn’t have been noticed otherwise. It is incredibly rewarding seeing a student empowered to try new things and pursuing their dreams. By working locally, we are also building a stronger community one program at a time.”