Organization - Liberty's Promise

Liberty's Promise supports young immigrants in need while encouraging them to be active and conscientious American citizens. Our programs aim to make the immigrant experience an affirmative one for young newcomers while instilling in them a sense of pride and support for American ideals of democracy and freedom.

Description:
At Liberty's Promise, we provide after-school civic engagement programs, Civics and Citizenship, for low-income immigrant youth throughout the Washington, DC metro area. We currently run these programs in the City of Alexandria, and Fairfax, Montgomery, and Prince George's Counties. During our after-school program, youth learn about their community through volunteering, meeting their elected officials, and learning about resources to help them succeed. Each session includes field trips to DC and local community sites as well as guest speakers from scholarship, college, career-focused organizations. As of June 2011, 1,085 immigrant youth have participated in this program.

Our second core program, Opportunities Plus, provides job skills preparation and training and then places youth in eight- to ten-week internships throughout the Washington, DC metro area. Liberty's Promise provides a modest allowance for youth to participate in these unpaid internships. Youth have interned at such organizations as National Hispana Leadership Institute, Fairfax County Public Library, Northern Virginia Area Health Education Center, Department of Treasury, City of Alexandria Department of Parks and Recreation, and Empowered Women, International. Since June 2011, 338 low-income, documented immigrant youth have participated in this program.

History:
Liberty's Promise was founded in 2003 by Dr. Robert Ponichtera, who was motivated by the tragedies of September 11, 2001 to create an organization that addressed the notions of democracy and freedom within the immigrant community. By introducing young immigrants to these ideals, we provide immigrant youth with the knowledge and skills to become equal and informed participants in American society.

Contact people:

Nicole Dompke, (703) 549-9950, (email) Allison Bouley, Program Officer, (703) 549-9950, (email)

Address:

1010 Pendleton Street Alexandria, VA 22314 (See a map)

Directions:

From Braddock Metro Metro: Turn left on Wythe Street. Walk about 3 blocks on Wythe and turn right on Henry Street, at intersection with the post office. Walk one block and turn left on Pendleton Street. Our office. . . (more)   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Braddock Road,   Walk distance (in minutes): 0.32   Nearest Bus Stop: Washington/Pendleton St., 0.02 minute walk