Led by Program Director Rivkah Berman, JCCGCI’s Adult Literacy initiative provides English as a Second Language (ESL) classes at no cost to immigrant adults throughout New York City, helping them develop the language skills needed to pursue meaningful personal and professional goals.

What makes JCCGCI’s Adult Literacy model unique is how the program reaches the communities it serves. Instead of operating classes solely from a central location and asking students to travel to them, JCCGCI partners with trusted community-based organizations and public schools in low-income immigrant neighborhoods across the five boroughs of New York City. Many of these organizations serve large numbers of individuals who need English instruction but lack the resources or capacity to provide ESL classes themselves. Through these partnerships, JCCGCI enables local organizations to offer English instruction within their own communities, allowing students to learn in familiar, trusted environments close to home. In a performance evaluation, the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) described this innovative model as “remarkable.”

But the program is about far more than vocabulary and grammar. It is about confidence, empowerment, and connection. Every year, hundreds of adults walk into classrooms across the city carrying hopes that extend far beyond learning a new language. They are parents determined to support their children’s education, workers striving for better employment opportunities, and newcomers eager to build a life in the communities they now call home.

Under Rivkah Berman’s leadership, the program has expanded its reach significantly. In the most recent program year, 502 students enrolled in JCCGCI Adult Literacy classes, with an additional 105 students participating through the HERRC (Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers) program, which provides services and support to asylum seekers and newly arrived migrants across New York City.

Behind each statistic is someone who can now communicate with a doctor, advocate for their family, apply for new job opportunities, or participate more confidently in their community. “Our goal is not simply to teach English,” says Rivkah Berman, Director of JCCGCI’s Adult Literacy program. “Our goal is to give people the tools they need to navigate their lives with confidence. When someone gains the ability to communicate, doors open. They begin to see possibilities that once felt out of reach.”

The diversity within JCCGCI’s classrooms reflects the global character of New York City itself. Students come from a wide range of cultural backgrounds and speak many languages, including Arabic, Bengali, Chinese (including Mandarin), Hindi, Hebrew, Korean, Pashto, Persian, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian, Urdu. Despite their differences, they share a common goal: building stronger futures. JCCGCI’s Adult Literacy program reaches communities across Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Staten Island, and the Bronx, partnering with more than thirty community-based organizations to bring classes directly into neighborhoods where they are needed most.

Classes are held at locations including schools, community centers, and educational institutions such as P.S. 177 – The Marlboro School, the United Multicultural Center in Staten Island, and organizations like Women for Afghan Women. These partnerships allow JCCGCI to meet students where they are—removing barriers and ensuring access to education for those who may otherwise struggle to find these opportunities.

Equally important is the team behind the program. Twelve dedicated instructors lead the courses, many of whom speak multiple languages and understand firsthand the challenges their students face when adapting to a new country. Their work is supported by a committed program team that helps ensure students receive not only educational support, but also guidance, encouragement, and community connection.

For Rivkah Berman, the most meaningful moments often come during graduations, when students receive certificates recognizing their achievements. “These graduations are incredibly emotional,” she explains. “You see students who once felt uncertain about speaking even a few words in English standing proudly, celebrating what they’ve accomplished. It reminds us that education changes lives in ways that go far beyond the classroom.”

At its core, JCCGCI’s Adult Literacy program reflects the organization’s broader mission: ensuring that every individual, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to the tools and opportunities needed to thrive. Through language education, mentorship, and community partnerships, the program continues to empower hundreds of adults each year to take control of their futures, strengthen their families, and contribute more fully to the communities they now call home. And thanks to the leadership of Rivkah Berman and her dedicated team, those opportunities continue to grow—one student, one classroom, and one life-changing conversation at a time.

JCCGCI’s Adult Literacy Program is funded in part by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) through Adult Literacy Education and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act contracts, as well as by the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) and the New York City Council. JCCGCI is grateful to these partners for their continued support in expanding access to language education and opportunity for immigrant communities across New York City.

👉 Want to get involved with JCCGCI? Email us at info@jccgci.org or call 718-449-5000 for more information.