Immigration Forum Set for Wednesday

The Pottstown Human Relations Commission and Centro Cultural Latinos Unidos will conduct a forum on immigration issues on Wednesday, March 22 at First Baptist Church, 391 King St.

CCLU has offices in the basement of the church, located on the northeast corner of King and Charlotte streets.

Borough Councilwoman Rita Paez announced the forum at the last council meeting.

She said it will address the impact changes in immigration policies proposed by President Donald Trump will have on local immigrants.

CCLU Offering After-School Programs

Centro Cultural Latinos Unidos will begin offering after-school programs starting on Sept. 14.

The non-profit, established in 1997 to enhance the leadership skills of the Latino and other youth in our community by creating, nurturing, and promoting an environment of growth and cultural enrichment, is located at 301 King St., in the basement of First Baptist Church.

Here is a listing of this fall's programs:

• Homework Help – Monday through Friday, 4 to 6 p.m: Tutors from Ursinus College and the Hill School will help children with their homework.
• Spanish Lessons for Children – Monday, 5 to 6 p.m.: Paul L. Goldberg, Associate Professor of Spanish, Department of Modern Languagesat Widener University will teach Spanish to children
• English Lessons for Adults -- Tuesday, 5 to 6 p.m.: Paul L. Goldberg, will teach adults English
• Math and Science Help – Wednesday, 4 to 5 p.m. Every Wednesday Tabitha Kraus from Saint Joseph’s University, will volunteer with the after school program to help children,kindergarten to 10th grade, with math and science 

Special Programs for Adults

• Immigration, 6 to 7 p.m.: Lance Malcolm and Mr. Eric Winter, immigration attorneys from Prince Law Offices, will talk about immigration issues affecting the Latino Community, 12-week program, in Spanish and English

In the presentation they would cover:
1) Different types of immigrants
2) Basic Procedures for getting permanent residence or citizenship
3) “Dream Act” DACA eligibility
4) Myths and misconceptions about deferred action programs and permanent residence
5) Conduct that can lead to removal/deportation
6) What type of relief is available for undocumented people

• Nutrition, 6 to 7 p.m. :Iliana Almodovar, Nutrition Education Advisor from Penn State Nutrition Links will hold a 12-week program.
• Women’s Health, 6 to 7 p.m.: Laura Quinones, Planned Parenthood Southeastern PA, will lead an ongoing 12-week series about women and girl’s health and education.
• Seniors and Children -- Dribbling to Health, Friday, 5 to 6 p.m. "Dribbling to Health,” the intergenerational low-impact exercise program continues this year with funding from the Pottstown Health and Wellness. Seniors and children benefit from playing games together.

For more information contact Rita Paez at 610-705-0566

Planned Parenthood Honors Marvin and Terryl Marsh as Volunteers of the Year

Marvin and Terryl Marsh accept the
Volunteers of the Year Award.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Planned Parenthood Federation of Southeast Pennsylvania.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America honored the Rev. Dr. Marvin Marsh of Pottstown's First Baptist Church and his wife Terryl Marsh with the organization's nationwide Volunteers of the Year Award recently.

Dayle Steinberg, CEO of Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania, introduced the couple to the audience at Planned Parenthood's National Conference in Washington, DC.

The two have donated over 2,600 hours of service to Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania, which serves Philadelphia, Chester, Montgomery and Delaware Counties.

Dayle Steinberg, CEO of Planned Parenthood
of Southeastern Pennsylvania

“What makes Rev Marsh and Terry Marsh so extraordinary and worthy of this national recognition is the vast array and sheer diversity of support they offer and the 100 percent effort they give to all they do,” said Steinberg.

Rev. Marsh has served on PPSP’s board of directors for the past seven years. 

In their time volunteering, the couple has raised the volume of the community’s progressive religious voices through involvement in advocacy initiatives, including grassroots activities, media outreach, and visits to elected officials. 

 Rev. Marsh hosted a workshop for clergy on reproductive loss, recruited new clergy supporters, and instituted the first clergy internship at PPSP. 

 Having Marvin and Terryl in the Surgical Center weekly greatly enhances the patient experience, and both patients and staff express immense gratitude to the two for their presence and sensitivity.

PPSP is grateful for the Marshes' ongoing contributions and celebrates Planned Parenthood's national recognition of their work.