Dear John,
In the midst of ongoing federal challenges targeting immigrant communities, New York City is stepping up to ensure no one is left behind.
We’re proud to share that NYIC, The NYC Council, and the Language Justice Collaborative are launching NYC’s first-ever Community Interpreter Bank—a groundbreaking initiative to expand language access for all New Yorkers. This program will connect immigrant communities with critical government resources, legal services, and city-funded programs that have been out of reach for too many.
By partnering with worker-owned cooperatives, CUNY Hostos, and community-based organizations, the Interpreter Bank will recruit and train skilled interpreters. These interpreters, many of whom are native speakers of the many languages that make up NYC’s diverse communities, will bridge the gap for those who need language support across all five boroughs.
This initiative isn’t just about breaking down language barriers—it’s about empowering communities to be part of the solution. As only the second program of its kind in the country, the Community Interpreter Bank is a bold step toward equity and inclusion.
In addition to this life-saving initiative, the NYC Council is also allocating funding to support dozens of organizations working to empower families and communities in response to the new federal administration’s actions.
Stay tuned for updates on the official launch of the Interpreter Bank. Together, we can ensure that every New Yorker has the resources they need to thrive.
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