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Verizon grant gives $10,000 boost to technology program
at the local Immigrant Learning Center.      

Malden Evening News           

Dec 23, 2009

Malden – The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc. (ILC) recently received a $10,000 grant from Verizon for continued support of the school’s technology program.

Verizon is a long-term corporate sponsor of The ILC and is one of the original private sector partners who helped develop the school’s nascent computer lab and technology program during the mid-1990’s. The corporation provided funding for computers and program support. ILC students receive at least two hours of computer literacy instruction each week, addressing digital divide issues within the immigrant community. Computer lab teachers work closely with English as a Second Language (ESL) instructors to design lessons that incorporate computer literacy skills into the ESL curriculum that serves students who are illiterate in their native languages to those preparing to enter college.

“The ILC is delighted to continue its partnership with Verizon who has made it possible for immigrant and refugee adults to create a life of possibilities in America,” said ILC co-founder and director Diane Portnoy. “Students tell us that as a result of their newfound English and computer literacy skills, they are able to achieve the American Dream by continuing their education, finding good jobs and having the ability to support their families.”

• Fast Facts – Immigrants in the Massachusetts Health Care Industry
• Full Report – Immigrants in the Massachusetts Health Care Industry

• Fast Facts – Immigrants by the Numbers
• Full Report – Immigrants by the Numbers

March 29, 2009

Diane Portnoy is pictured with Doug Flutie, on the left, and Richard Holbrook, chairman and CEO of Eastern Bank.

Recently Eastern Bank honored 49 non-profit organizations with $800,000 in grants for their outstanding community leadership at its 5th annual “Community Quarterback” award ceremony. Among them was the Immigrant Learning Center, Inc., in Malden, which received a grant of $10,000.

Eastern Bank chairman and CEO Richard E. Holbrook and football legend Doug Flutie, the bank’s spokesman, honored the organizations before more than 100 guests during a ceremony at University of Massachusetts Boston, which was one of the organizations recognized during the event. Each of the 49 organizations received a grant of $10,000 or more from the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation.

The grants were among the more than $2.4 million donated last year to hundreds of organizations by the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation. In five years, the “Community Quarterback” program has honored more than 200 organizations with $3.5 million in grants.

Each “Community Quarterback” recipient honored at this year’s ceremony received a “Community Quarterback” football autographed by Flutie, celebrating and symbolizing its leadership.”Eastern Bank works hard to truly understand the needs of its communities, especially in the non-profit arena,” said Holbrook.

“Organizations, such as the ones we honored today, are vital to improving the quality of life in our cities and towns. These ‘Community Quarterbacks’ demonstrate leadership and commitment – which is particularly critical during challenging times – and are an inspiration to us all.”

“I’m proud to partner with Eastern Bank because of its longstanding commitment to putting its communities and people first,” said Flutie. “It’s been an honor over the last five years to work with Rich Holbrook on the ‘Community Quarterback’ event, which has quickly become a staple on the state’s charitable events calendar.”