The Unity Project
The Unity
Project, a project of Suffolk Community Council seeks
to improve the quality of life in Brentwood through
community building, education, and addressing issues
related to immigration. We recognize more than ever
the need to unify our community. The project began in
2006, when day laborers expressed their desire to organize
to prevent further inequalities they were facing such
as not being paid for work, and being targets of discrimination
and racism. Since then we have developed relationships
between law enforcement, community organizations, and
the community.
On March
5, 2009, the Unity Project launched our Job English
Class, which aims to build literacy skills that can
help students at work as well as in their everyday lives.
The classes offer a positive community atmosphere where
students are encouraged to help each other as well as
develop ways they can improve their community. On April
7, 2010, we expanded our program by developing a computer
lab at St. Luke’s Church thanks to a generous
donation from National Grid. Students are now learning
computer skills, and are being introduced to computer
programs that can help them continue to learn English.
Along with fostering literacy skills, students are also
encouraged to become active members and leaders of their
community. Some steps students have taken to create
a welcoming and tolerant community have been their participation
in Earth Day Clean-ups and a Graffiti Removal Day.
Please also
visit the Unity Project Facebook page by clicking on
the icon below:
Volley
for Unity
On Wednesday,
June 23, 2010 the Suffolk Community Council’s
Unity project and the police “volleyed for unity”
at St. Luke’s Church in Brentwood, demonstrating
that Brentwood is a tolerant community and the Police
are here to serve all. Police officers, including
members of the Suffolk County Police Hispanic Society
and the Third Precinct played workers who have been
studying English for the past year. In addition to the
23 players the event brought out about 40 spectators
to cheer on our team! There was an extraordinary camaraderie
between the police and Latinos. And even though the
police won the game there was much fun and no hard feelings!
Food and drink was served afterwards and all had a good
time! It was agreed that the police and English
students want to make this an annual event.
Click
the link below to view the video from Newsday for "Volley
for Unity"
Suffolk
hosts 'Volley for Unity'
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