PVLA's Integration Class

Columbus, Nebraska, is an incredibly unique community.

We are located approximately 1.5 hours west of Omaha and approximately 1.5 hours north of Lincoln, almost smack-dab in the middle of nowhere. Yet, we are the most highly industrial city per capita in the state of Nebraska. There are a lot of opportunities available in Columbus, and people come to the area to see if they can obtain their piece of the American pie.

However, for some, there are obstacles that stand in the way. Whether that encumbrance is not speaking English, not knowing how to find jobs, or not having the right status to apply for a specific job, the PVLA is here to help.

Our mission is to break down barriers and give people a chance to find success and live their dreams. We empower students to obtain their educational goals and reach for the stars by providing individuals with information about how to live in Columbus, filling them with knowledge to obtain their citizenship, and teaching them English-speaking skills.

Welcoming Individuals to the Community

One of the classes that we have available at the PVLA is the Integration Class, which was developed specifically with newcomers in mind. The goal of the Integration Class is to help transition individuals into their new community.

The 1-hour weekly classes are centered around 12 lessons that are taught on a continuous loop. In addition to teaching students about the services that are available in Columbus, an ESL component is also included.

The topics that are covered in class include the following:

• Alphabet
• Numbers
• Colors
• Sight Words
• How to Introduce Yourself
• How to Be a Good Neighbor
• Managing Money
• Different Types of Doctors
• Healthy vs Unhealthy
• Time Concepts in the U.S.
• Places in the Community
• Navigating the Town

Another component of the Integration Class is having community members speak to the students. Since August, we have had visitors from the Sheriff’s Department, the Columbus Police Department, DHHS, Active Family Chiropractic, and a 911 dispatcher.

 

The information the community members share is invaluable when it comes to students feeling like they are part of the community and knowing what services are available to them.

Class Schedule

Currently, we offer two Integration Class sessions. One is held on Wednesdays from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at the Family Resource Center (3020 18th St, Suite 4). The other is held on Saturdays from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the Columbus Public Library in the FNBO Conference Room.

Students can attend either class and can join at any time. These classes are offered year-round, and students can stop coming after the 12 weeks or continue to come for as long as they want.

Living in the U.S. can be advantageous, but there can also be culture shock when an individual first moves into a new community. Integration classes can help reduce fears and anxieties and put a person on the path to success. With a stable foundation and the right information, newcomers will have what they need to live the life they’ve been dreaming of.