FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE --------------------- Of interest to editors and journalists covering: Church/Religion/Spiritual, Social Service, Human Interest, Religion, Florida THE NEW MEXICAN REVOLUTION IN CLEARWATER - HOW A LITERACY MISSION IS CHANGING LIVES CLEARWATER, Fla. - Dec. 11, 2002 /PRnetwire.com/ -- If you've taken a drive through downtown Clearwater lately you've noticed that it's a lot different than it used to be. The Mexicans have arrived. There are restaurants, ethnic grocery stores, and a host of new workers in the Bay area. International Christian Services (ICS) has been helping these internationals with language skills, job and immigration assistance, and practical needs for nine years. Mexicans face many challenges as they seek to assimilate into American life: 1. Many of the parents speak Spanish and can easily misunderstand anything from the terms of an employment contract to their children's progress in school. 2. Many of the children learn English at school, but speak Spanish in the home causing some of them to do poorly in school. Recently a girl received an "A" on her homework because one of our volunteers (who happens to be a school teacher) was there to help her. 3. The immigration laws change frequently. 4. Many have not seen their families in Mexico for years because they are waiting to be able to legally travel. They experience emotional pain over sickness and loss of family in Mexico. 5. Employment is available, but the pay is terribly low. Many are not only supporting their family here, but also send money to Mexico for family there. International Christian Services is a not-for-profit ministry that offers tutoring for children, English lessons for adults, a clothing closet, and immigration assistance to internationals in the Clearwater area. 1. ICS has helped people from several different nationalities. 2. ICS doesn't charge for their services. 3. The director does not take a salary. Volunteer staff is from local churches. 4. ICS is supported by donations and, like many non-profit organizations, is having a difficult year financially. Local Minister Explains the Issue Paul Heier from Lifespring Church in Palm Harbor (www.empoweredchurch.com) and board member at ICS, says: "We see so many Mexicans in the area, but we don't think about their needs. We don't think about their families or their children and we tend to politicize the issue by making statements about our own beliefs about immigration. The real issue is that these people have substantial needs and they deserve to be treated with the dignity and respect that all humans deserve. ICS has been helping them for years and it is my prayer that this ministry will be able to continue." Background on MacIntosh Nine years ago, Sherry and her husband, David, prayed about the opportunity and began by offering English lessons free of charge. Sherry teaches a number of literacy clinics in churches and organizations all over Florida. Other Media Credits Article: Florida Baptist Witness (Winter 2000). Request a copy. Visit one of our classes and meet students. Media Contact: Sherry MacIntosh Cell: 727-505-6936 Home: 727-842-2565 questpaul@hotmail.com # # # FL//The New Mexican Revolution In Clearwater ref: http://www.send2press.com/2archive/pr_02_1211-literacy.txt ---------------------------------------------------------------------------