Immigrant Integration Efforts Build a Future of Vibrancy and Prosperity in Orange County

    ANAHEIM, CA, August 09, 2017 /24-7PressRelease/ -- In response to a growing need within the immigrant community, the Orange County Opportunity Initiative awarded a $40,000 grant to Building Skills Partnership (BSP) to provide naturalization outreach and education to immigrant workers in Santa Ana, Garden Grove, Orange, Fullerton, and Anaheim.

BSP is one of 18 nonprofits in Orange County to receive an OC Opportunity Initiative 2017 grant. The initiative recognizes immigrants as essential to the county's economic growth and development. The grants demonstrate a region-wide focus to invest in programs that strengthen participation and facilitate pathways to citizenship. Through this grant, BSP will provide outreach and education to help immigrant workers and their families become naturalized U.S. citizens.

"We are grateful for the support of the OC Opportunity Initiative and their commitment to help immigrant workers reach their American Dream," said Aida Cardenas, Executive Director of BSP. "We look forward to continuing to expand opportunities for immigrant workers by strengthening our services and collaborations in this region."

Researchers have found that naturalized citizens earn between 8 and 11 percent more than similarly situated immigrants who are not citizens. According to American Community Survey data, nearly 1 million immigrants call Orange County home. Comprising one third of the population, immigrants' skills, talents, and contributions are indispensable assets to the county's businesses, institutions, and economy. Through this grant, BSP will expand opportunities for immigrant workers to fully participate as naturalized citizens who will continue to bring vibrancy and economic prosperity to Orange County.

About Building Skills Partnership

The Building Skills Partnership is a 510(c)3 non-profit collaboration between SEIU-United Service Workers West, janitorial employers, building owners, and community leaders. BSP's mission is to improve the quality of life for low-wage, property service workers and their families by increasing their skills, access to education, and opportunities for career and community advancement and participation. (www.buildingskills.org)

About the OC Opportunity Initiative

The Orange County Opportunity Initiative is a collaboration of regional funders dedicated to improving the lives of immigrants in Orange County that operates within the Orange County Community Foundation. The mission of the OC Opportunity Initiative is to direct resources to improve the lives of local immigrants and help them access all available legal opportunities to normalize their status (www.oc-cf.org).

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