OCTOBER 2025: Oasis—A Haven for Women and Children received a $100,000 Impact100 Garden State grant in June 2023 and immediately put the funds to work by hiring instructors and arranging childcare for its thriving English as a Second Language (ESL) program.
During the grant period, which ran through June 2025, the Oasis ESL Program offered low-income immigrant women in Paterson and surrounding northern New Jersey towns free, high-quality English classes to help them integrate into American society and build stronger futures for themselves and their families.
Now that the Impact100 Garden State grant period has concluded, Oasis has successfully secured new funding sources to continue this much-needed program.
A Ladder to the Future
Oasis serves women across a wide range of ages—from early 20s to late 60s—and cultures, representing more than 20 countries. The program stands out for its holistic approach, combining ESL instruction with wraparound services such as free childcare and access to social workers.
Students learn English in an immersive environment that fosters both skill development and community. They share meals, attend workshops, mentor one another, and connect with Oasis volunteers. Meanwhile, their children play and learn English together in the on-site daycare.
Overcoming Barriers
Free childcare, funded by the Impact100 Garden State grant, helped Oasis tackle a significant barrier to consistent attendance. Two other creative program enhancements stood out during the grant period:
- Phonics Support: Instructors recognized that many students struggled with basic phonics and letter recognition, particularly those from countries with non-Latin alphabets or limited formal schooling. Oasis introduced a weekly phonics class and offered one-on-one volunteer sessions to strengthen these foundational skills.
- English Café: Here, students practice conversational English and prepare for citizenship interviews in a relaxed, supportive setting. One volunteer noted that the sessions were “as much about community as they were about practicing English,” providing women with a safe, encouraging space to learn and connect.
Oasis’s ESL program continues to empower immigrant women. “On behalf of the women and families we serve, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Impact100 Garden State for this generous funding,” says Jennifer Brady, Executive Director. “Your support has enabled us to advance our mission to provide Paterson’s deserving women with the resources to improve their lives.” For more information about Oasis, visit oasisnj.org.