The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset has a long-standing commitment to community engagement and advocating for human rights. Beginning February 6, 2025, the congregation will offer a free 10-week course designed to help immigrants prepare for the U.S. Citizenship Examination.
The classes will be held every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. and welcome new students.
During the two-hour sessions, trained bilingual volunteers will teach U.S. history, geography, and the Constitution. Recently, five immigrants completed instruction on how to study for the exam and have since filed their applications to take it.
In addition to the citizenship course, UUCSR is working to build meaningful relationships with immigrants in Nassau County through a friendship program. “This initiative reflects our mission to create a more just and joyful world,” said Rev. Buffardi. “Our goal is to create opportunities where strangers can become friends, enriching each other’s lives in the process.”
As part of the program, volunteers will meet with immigrants once a week at local libraries, restaurants, parks, UUCSR, or other places of worship.
These meetings aim to improve conversational English skills and foster cross-cultural connections. Volunteers and their partners may also communicate by phone or computer.
Participants are matched based on gender, with males paired with males and females with females. Conversations will remain confidential and typically last 45 to 90 minutes. A minimum six-month commitment is required, though immigrants can opt-out if the arrangement no longer meets their needs.
For more information about these programs, contact Phinu Jose at 516-472-2975.
In addition to these efforts, Shelter Rock has been actively involved in other community outreach initiatives.
These include:
- Collaborating with Roosevelt church members and the North Shore Land Alliance to grow vegetables for local families.
- Supporting the Manhasset/Great Neck Economic Opportunity Council’s annual Fashion Show, celebrating African heritage.
- Offering music scholarships and donating clothes, school supplies, and food to local organizations.
