Immigration study shows help is needed

GREEN BAY - Adriana Rodriguez came to the United States from Mexico nearly 2 decades ago.

As one of 11,000 immigrants in the Green Bay area, she is now trying to master the English language.

"All my kids speak English, my husband too and I can't," said Rodriguez.

Rodriguez works with Sister Jean at Literacy Green Bay twice a week. She wants to learn -in part-so she help her children with homework.

"Sometime they told me Mom you need to help. I say oh I can't. And because sometimes I can, I don't know what it say on the paper and I need to study, I need to speak," said Rodriguez.

The Bay Area Community Council--a community "think tank" made up of about 20 volunteers - unveiled its "Immigration in Brown County" study Thursday.

Study coordinator Phil Hauck says it shows immigrants need help learning English quickly and adapting to the American culture.

"Working with families to make sure they can understand how it's different to parent, how do you interface with the school and where do you go in the community to deal with whatever you're going to deal with," said Hauck.

The study interviewed more than 20 service providers - like Literacy Green Bay - that work with the city's immigrant community.

Literacy Green Bay says the work can be done, but more help is needed. For example, 80 people who want to learn English are currently on a waiting list for a one on one tutor.

"They're very anxious to learn the language, they want to continue, but they want a tutor. So we are desperately in need of volunteers," said Literacy Green Bay's Executive Director Tori Rader.

The Volunteer Center in Green Bay agrees resources are there, but they're insufficient.

"People need help and support to navigate through their new community and culture. It can be scary, it is a lot of unknowns and this is where volunteers can really step up to the plate," said Executive Director Chris Danielson.

With Sister Jean by her side... Rodriguez is grateful for the help.

"Many people speak English and reading and I say why, why me no? I need to speak, I need to study," said Rodriguez.