Independence Day weekend has always been a very special occasion for La Posada Providencia clients and staff.
A cornerstone of La Posada’s program is teaching immigrants about United States history, culture and current events. The 4th of July provides our clients a glimpse of the importance of this great nation’s tradition, the pursuit of “life, liberty and justice.”
During 4th of July, staff and clients spent the day grilling hot dogs and burgers. Afterward, the Sisters gave clients a lesson on the meaning and history of 4th of July; the U.S. Constitution; and the Declaration of Independence.
In the evening, some clients accompanied the Sisters to watch the fireworks at the Heavin Resaca Trails, in San Benito.
It was not the fireworks, however, that excited clients and staff the most.
“There is nothing more patriotic than seeing newly arrived immigrants salute the flag and pay homage to their new home during 4th of July,” said Development Coordinator Alma Rock. “You can see the gratitude in their eyes for being able to take part in this country’s traditions.”
La Posada provides more than safe shelter for its clients; our focus is to ensure clients’ success as they become residents of this nation. While their cases progress through the courts, we help them prepare for life in this country by offering:
Language instruction: English as a Second Language (ESL) lessons in group and with one-on-one sessions, as well as with CDs, videos, language-learning software, such as Rosetta Stone, in addition to other learning tools and computer programs.
Life skills curriculum: Wide-ranging education, including, but not limited to, citizenship, computer literacy, financial basics, health and nutrition and employment readiness.
Cultural integration: Assistance with shopping, travel and communications, translations, filling out paperwork and navigating through required court, medical office and social services agency visits.
Sustainable living education: Onsite opportunities to work in our productive, organic garden and learn about recycling and composting.
Interested in mentoring our clients? Contact Alma Rock at 956-399-3826 or via email at arock@lppshelter.org.
Help La Posada build a pavilion!
Clients learn about Earth Day underneath La Posada’s carport. The new pavilion would hold such educational activities in the future.
Join us this coming Saturday, July 11 from 8:30 am to 4:00pm and help La Posada Providencia build a brand new pavilion for its clients by completing a free car test drive.
No purchase or donation will be necessary to help us achieve our goal.
That’s because the Harlingen Sunburst Rotary Club and Boggus Ford Harlingen have partnered to support the construction of a pavilion for La Posada with a fun and exciting fundraiser: The Drive 4UR Community Car Show and Car Test Drive.
On Saturday, July 11, there will be a car show where individuals will have the opportunity to take a free test-drive of Boggus Ford’s vehicles. The Ford Motor Company will donate $20 for each test-drive. Three hundred drivers will be needed to meet the $6,000 donation goal.
Drive 4UR Community will feature an antique, collectible, 1990s-and-older car show; live music; and complimentary coffee and donuts.
The planned pavilion will be used by staff, clients and volunteers for outdoor classes, performances and other outdoor activities.
“This is your opportunity to help improve our shelter and strengthen our community by doing nothing but drive a car,” said Alma Rock, La Posada’s development coordinator. “Giving back has never been so easy.”
When: Saturday, July 11, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Treasure Hills Presbyterian Church large parking lots – 2120 Ed Carey Dr. (located next to Valley Baptist Hospital area and across from the Heart Clinic).
FREE Community event: No purchase is necessary. Drivers must be 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license and valid automobile insurance. Limit one donation per household.
“We invite the San Benito, Harlingen, and Valley-wide citizens to take the wheel, support our shelter, and show our community how great things happen when we all come together,” said La Posada’s Program Director Sister Zita Telkamp, CDP.
La Posada Providencia, founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Divine Providence, is a ministry for people in crisis from around the world, who are seeking legal refuge in this country. The shelter staff provides a safe and welcoming home; mentors to promote self-sufficiency and cultural integration; and imparts values which witness God’s Providence in our world.
Independence Day weekend has always been a very special occasion for La Posada Providencia clients and staff.
