By Dave Cucchiara

Communications & Program Associate

Communities flourish when they embrace the richness that immigrant populations bring, from the vibrant arts to the iconic food traditions that help strengthen the social fabric. But the impact of immigration extends far beyond culture. Studies show that immigrants play a vital role in driving economic growth, entrepreneurship, and innovation. According to the Migration Policy Institute, more than 40% of Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants, while immigrants were also involved in developing 30% of industry patents through the years.

When countries, states, and municipalities invest in welcoming policies — backed by strong education systems and effective advocacy — immigrant families are better positioned to thrive. A 2024 report from the Bipartisan Policy Center highlights the urgent need to bring more skilled immigrants into the workforce. With an aging population and growing labor shortages across key sectors, the report notes that future population growth in the United States will come primarily from immigrants and their children, making their full participation in the economy not just beneficial, but essential. The F. M. Kirby Foundation believes that when immigrant families succeed, entire communities succeed, and partner nonprofits are leading the way in building pathways to prosperity.

We begin with Literacy Volunteers of Morris County (LVMC), an organization that understands language is often the first and most daunting barrier facing immigrants who seek to integrate and succeed in their new communities. Through one-on-one tutoring and small-group instruction, LVMC provides free English language learning to adults, many of whom are parents, workers, and newly arrived residents eager to integrate into the Morris County community. These programs don’t just teach vocabulary or grammar; they help individuals gain the confidence to navigate healthcare appointments, job interviews, parent-teacher conferences, and other interactions English speakers often take for granted.

“With the support of their tutors, our students are able to transform their lives,” said Executive Director Debbie Leon. “Our program is more than just language instruction — it’s a gateway to opportunity. Every day, we see our students gain the confidence and skills they need to advocate for themselves and their families, succeed in the workplace, and connect more deeply with their communities. Every new word is a step toward empowerment.”

The power of LVMC’s model lies in its personalized approach. Volunteer tutors build relationships with learners, creating a supportive environment that respects the lived experience of each student. As learners progress, many go on to earn U.S. citizenship, secure employment, or take a more active role in their communities. For immigrant families in Morris County, the ability to communicate opens doors — to opportunity, to advocacy, and to belonging.

Did you know that students from non-English speaking households and students from low-income families are statistically more likely to enter school already falling behind their middle-income peers? In Durham, N.C., LEAP, also known as the Latino Educational Achievement Partnership, is equipping the next generation of Hispanic leaders by beginning where educational equity starts: early childhood. LEAP’s bilingual preschool, tutoring, and family services create an ecosystem of support that acknowledges the child and their family. Many of the families LEAP serves are recent immigrants navigating complex systems. LEAP helps make those systems accessible, from enrollment to graduation.

“At LEAP, we are committed to serving families with deep cultural humility, meeting them where they are — in the language they are most effective,” said Executive Director Megan McCurley. “Families are drawn to our programs by our dual-language model, culturally affirming and high-quality curriculum, and comprehensive support services — including transportation, food access, and on-site occupational and speech therapy.”

LEAP’s work goes beyond academics. With a culturally responsive curriculum and a bilingual staff reflective of the community, the organization affirms students’ identities and cultivates leadership from a young age. Parents are invited into the classroom and empowered as partners in their children’s education. By investing in families — not just students — LEAP is shaping a more inclusive educational landscape where Hispanic families are not only welcomed, but recognized as essential contributors to the community’s future.

In New Jersey, the New Jersey Consortium for Immigrant Children (NJCIC) takes a systems-level approach to advancing the rights and wellbeing of immigrant youth. The organization convenes legal professionals, social workers, and advocates to ensure that unaccompanied and undocumented minors in the state have access to legal representation, trauma-informed care, and educational opportunity. NJCIC’s work is rooted in the belief that no child should be excluded from protection or opportunity due to immigration status.

“Our policy team helps ensure increased and equitable access to educational opportunities throughout New Jersey,” said Legal Director Samantha Rumsey. “Over the last year, we’ve also launched Florecer, NJCIC’s medical-legal partnership with Zufall Health. This initiative helps close a critical gap in legal representation for young immigrant client-patients in Morris County and beyond by integrating legal and health services for the greater good.”

Through policy advocacy, coalition-building, and direct support for vulnerable youth, NJCIC is working to transform how institutions respond to the needs of immigrant children. Staff coordinates a network of legal service providers to ensure that unaccompanied and undocumented minors have access to high-quality legal counsel. In tandem, the organization leads efforts to improve access to healthcare and social services for immigrant children, centering their rights and dignity in every facet of the work. Whether through rapid-response legal support, partnerships with health centers, or advocacy at the state level, NJCIC is working to build a more inclusive and protective system for the next generation of New Jerseyans.

Taken together, the work of LVMC, LEAP, and NJCIC demonstrates how investing in immigrant communities is a powerful strategy for self-reliance. Whether it’s teaching language, building early education pipelines, or advocating for the rights of undocumented youth, these organizations are not only meeting urgent needs, but also laying the foundation for vibrant, resilient, and inclusive communities as well. The F. M. Kirby Foundation is proud to support their efforts, recognizing that when we uplift immigrant families, we all move forward together.