Councilman Oddo And Senator Golden Join Forces To Bring $25,000 To Amico

New York, NY – New York City Council Minority Leader James S. Oddo (R-Brooklyn/Staten Island) and New York State Senator Martin Golden (R-C, Brooklyn) announced today that they have allocated $25,000 to the American Italian Coalition of Organizations (AMICO) as part of the City Council’s
Immigrant Opportunities Initiative.

The funding will be utilized by the AMICO Senior Center to provide weekly English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for new immigrants. The ESL classes will be supplemented with “Music for American Culture” classes to help aid the learning process. The AMICO Senior Center is a large
multi-purpose center with a growing immigrant population. Recent center statistics demonstrate an Asian-Chinese population of nearly 35 percent of the entire membership. There has also been an increase in Hispanic, Russian, and Polish immigrants at the center.

Councilman Oddo said, “When I learned that these funds were available for qualified organizations in my district, AMICO immediately came to mind because of the good work they continue to do. I then spoke to Senator Marty Golden and he immediately agreed that allocating these funds to AMICO
would be money well spent. I strongly believe that it is essential that our new immigrants learn English to fully assimilate into our society. In order to ensure that people learn English, it is essential that we make opportunities available in our neighborhoods. I am pleased that the $25,000 will enable AMICO to bring these vital services to our community.”

Senator Golden said, “Councilman Oddo and I remain committed to insuring the very best opportunities for Bensonhurst's seniors are available. Thatis why we have decided to allocate funding to AMICO to enable them to better meet the ever-changing needs of our elderly. AMICO is a fine
program that has made a true difference in our neighborhood. They should be commended and
applauded for their efforts day in and day out."

Jerry Chiappetta, Executive Director of AMICO, said, “I want to thank Council Member Oddo and Senator Golden for supporting AMICO and for recognizing that we are a responsible organization that will effectively utilize these funds. I also applaud them for recognizing and appreciating
the fact that we have a diverse community that is in need of these services.”

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