PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Abigail Dorcin, Organizing Manager at La Colmena
3:22:55
·
123 sec
Abigail Dorcin, Organizing Manager at La Colmena, testified about the importance of language access and translation services for immigrant communities on Staten Island. She highlighted La Colmena's work in supporting both new arrivals and long-term immigrants, emphasizing the need for multilingual resources to ensure full engagement in their programs and successful integration into the workforce.
- La Colmena has seen thousands of new arrivals in the past year while continuing to support long-term immigrants.
- The organization provides various services, including OSHA training and "know your rights" workshops, prioritizing language accessibility.
- Dorcin expressed La Colmena's commitment to working with the council to improve language access at all levels.
Abigail Dorcin
3:22:55
My name is Abigail Dorston, and I am an organizing manager, Alacrimina, an immigrant and workers right center located on Staten Island.
3:23:04
Our mission is to provide empowered immigrant workers education, culture, organizing, and economic development.
3:23:12
As part of the day labor coalition domestic worker initiative, we are dedicated to supporting day laborers and domestic workers on Staten Island.
3:23:20
Our work allows us to be to be there for the community when we are needed the most.
3:23:26
Recently, our work has allowed us to be on the forefront to support our new neighbors.
3:23:31
For example, our center has been have seen 1000 of new arrivals this past year, meanwhile supporting long term immigrants who have been here for years.
3:23:42
One essential aspect in providing the best services to the community is the significance of language access and translation.
3:23:50
Many of our new lay neighbors experience language barriers which can severely limit their ability to access important services, understanding their rights, and navigate the unfamiliar environment.
3:24:03
By offering translation services and multilingual resources, we ensure that everyone can fully engage in our programs, which range from OSHA and SCALF Olin training to know your rights workshop.
3:24:14
When people can communicate in their native language, they are more likely to seek help and successfully integrate into the workforce.
3:24:23
This is why at La Clementa, we are proud to provide a safe space to diverse communities by prioritizing language access.
3:24:30
When our members come to our centers, or a new arrival with a step foot at La Cunmina for this first time, always let us know that they are happy to have received the information that they needed.
3:24:42
They are still more much ahead of us, but La Cunmina looks forward to working with the council to bring language access accessibilities at all level.
3:24:50
Thank you to your woman and to the rest of the council for this opportunity to testify on behalf of our vibrant Staten Island community.
3:24:57
Thank you.
