OUR WORK
Education:
Nearly 10% of the students in the Lee County School District are identified as Limited English Proficient (LEP) students. Spanish-speaking students represent the largest LEP population, followed by Haitian-Creole speakers. HACC advocates for our LEP students to ensure that they have adequate instructional support in their ESOL class and accommodations in placement testing as well as in state testing. Furthermore, HACC hosts annual Scholarship Galas to raise funds to provide post-secondary, academic scholarships for deserving Lee County graduating seniors of Haitian heritage.
Immigration:
HACC has sponsored workshops and forums for our Haitian-American community to provide up-to-date information about government regulations, especially concerning DACA and TPS data. Our organization also educates the Southwest Florida community via tv interviews, social media, and rallies about the significant contributions to the local economy provided by Haitian immigrants.
Health Care:
Members of the Haitian-American community often forego seeking medical treatment due to a lack of knowledge about health benefits that they may be entitled to and/or a fear of having to provide immigration documents. In partnership with Lee Health and other local healthcare providers, HACC sponsors a free yearly Health Fair that provides valuable healthcare information as well as an array of complimentary immunizations and examinations.
Job-Training:
HACC recognizes the need for expanded training in viable job skills for our Haitian-American population. In addition to advocating for further job skill training in Southwest Florida, our organization provides assistance with the application process including interview preparedness and help with resume writing.
