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IMPACT ASTORIA: CIANA Story By GABRIELLE C. SHERB America is a melting pot, and Queens represents its abundance of flavors. Of the 800 languages spoken throughout the borough, over 140 are represented in western Queens, reflecting the rich, diverse and ever-welcoming community for immigrants that we are. However, the path to integration of our new neighbors is not always as smooth as we might hope. That’s why the Center for Integration and Advancement of New Americans (CIANA) is a vital organization for all who want to take full advantage of the American dream. The mission of CIANA is to prevent the growing marginalization of new immigrants and refugees from highly traditional societies through special transitional services, leading to their successful integration into the socio-economic and civic life of America while continuing to maintain pride in their cultural heritage. CIANA was founded in 2006 by Emira Habiby Browne, who after 9/11, recognized the importance of providing services for the underserved and often targeted immigrant population. Today, CIANA provides a myriad of services for a new immigrant population, primarily women from conservative backgrounds, to ensure they have the resources, information and support to fully exercise their new opportunities in a new land. CIANA offers a wide spectrum of programs and services. From English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to free legal immigration services, CIANA is there to help anyone who needs it. “CIANA is able to help people in 52 | BOROMAG.COM | JUNE 2015 their own language,” says Browne. “Many of these women between ages 30 – 70 did not speak any English and can now communicate, go to stores without help and are increasingly independent.” CIANA is also unique in that it allows women to bring their children to classes. CIANA prides itself in providing a children’s area to play in. “Without this, these women would not be able to leave home,” says Shalma Akhter, CIANA’s program manager. Browne believes in proactive outreach to the community. The organization has gained recognition by city agencies, including the commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, Nisha Agarwal. CIANA reaches out to immigrants immediately upon their arrival so they can begin to understand the basics of the law early on in the process. “We reach out to find the families,” says Browne. “We don’t want them to have to wait to find out what they need.” Outreach also includes engaging the schools, other community organizations and religious institutions. CIANA involves a robust group of volunteers who generously give their time, skills and resources to the organization. Ayuna Vogel, a volunteer who focuses on fundraising and communications, sees the impact on the clients they serve who “feel very isolated” and now have a comfortable environment to come to. “People are out on their own, trying to make a living and put food on the table,” says Browne. “However America is a land of opportunity, so we encourage our clients to never give up. With the support and guidance they can make it.” EXPLORE YOUR BORO To learn more about CIANA, volunteer and give, visit www.cianainc.org, like them on Facebook at facebook.com/cianainc, follow on Twitter at @CIANAINC, email info@cianainc.org, call 718-545-4040, or just stop by 31-09 Newtown Ave. Suite 411, Astoria, NY.


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