Americana Community Center

Family education initiativesassist refugee, immigrant and u.s. born residents of louisville metro in educational, cultural, social transition, and growth. Served individuals this fiscal year through family education, family coaching, and adult education which includes english as a second language (esl), ged/abe (adult basic education), and citizenship classes. Program participants served in fy23 came from 134 different countries and 40 zip codes throughout louisville metro. Americana partners with jefferson county public schools adult and continuing education to offer esl, ged/abe and family education classes. Jcps does not provide revenue, therefore, family initiative expenses include operating and occupancy costs associated with these programs, such as utilities, technology, janitorial, and front office staff who assist with information for program participants as well as Americana staff members who provide support to these programs, such as the family coach and family education staff.

Community servicescommunity services foster Community support, participant enrichment, and opportunities for multi-cultural experiences. Americana is a volunteer income tax assistance (vita) site during tax season. Volunteers provide free tax preparation to Community members with an income of less than $50,000. The vita site is coordinated by an Americana staff member. 100 tax returns were prepared at our vita site in fy23. The Americana fiberworks is an arts and educational program that provides a supportive environment where immigrant and refugee women learn and practice various fiber arts, business skills, and esl competency. Twenty immigrant and refugee women participate in the Americana fiberworks program regularly.

Americana youth programprovide year round out-of-school time programs to refugee, immigrant and low-income youth. Programming includes homework assistance, tutoring, jcps k-5 esl classes, mentoring, meals, creative arts, recreation, incentive-based field trips and other enrichment programs. In fy23, 267 youth participated in out-of-school programming, including after school, during the summer, and winter/spring break periods. Americana staff and volunteers plan and supervise all youth activities. Meals are provided through a partnership with dare to care food bank (kids' cafe).