4 groups recognized for language efforts

staff report

YOUNGSTOWN — The International Institute Foundation of Youngstown Inc. has rewarded four city organizations for work promoting English as a second language and for preserving the culture of local ethnic communities.

Before 1985, the foundation was an agency that also taught English to immigrants and helped them become accustomed to living in the Mahoning Valley, said Paul Dutton, president of the foundation.

“The organizations which we have funded further the core mission of the International Institute Foundation,” he said.

The English Center, which operates out of St. Anthony’s, Turin Street, received $19,000 to aid its mission of teaching English to foreign-born people.

The Festival of Nations at the Summer Festival of Arts, an event run by Youngstown State University, was awarded $3,500.

Saints Peter & Paul Croatian Catholic Church, Covington Street, received $2,000 to continue its work of educating people on Croatian and Polish cultures, languages and arts.

Lastly, a French organization, Le Cercle Francais of Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania, was given $200 for its 25th anniversary celebration, Dutton said.

The foundation has been awarding grants for almost 25 years to assist projects promoting culture, English as a second language and understanding foreign-born citizens.