Skyline Literacy and Church World Services Awarded Two-Year USCIS Citizenship and Integration Grant

Skyline Literacy and Church World Services Awarded Two-Year USCIS Citizenship and Integration Grant

Harrisonburg, VA – Skyline Literacy (SL) and Church World Services (CWS) Harrisonburg are proud to announce their partnership in a two-year grant project funded by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Citizenship and Integration Grant Program. This collaborative effort, supported by an award of $239,900, will span from November 22, 2024, to September 30, 2026, and will provide essential citizenship preparation and naturalization application services to lawful permanent residents (LPRs) in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.

Skyline Literacy will serve as the primary applicant and fiscal agent for the grant, overseeing reporting requirements and ensuring compliance with program objectives. The organization will deliver comprehensive citizenship instruction to 160 LPRs over the two-year project, including classes, review sessions, mock interviews, and needs-based tutoring.

Church World Services Harrisonburg, the project’s sub-awardee, will handle naturalization application services. Their accredited staff will conduct eligibility screenings, consultations, and prepare and submit N-400 and G-28 applications for a minimum of 160 LPRs during the grant period.

Project Highlights

• Citizenship Classes: Skyline Literacy will provide structured classes for LPRs, helping participants improve their English and prepare for the naturalization process. A registration fee of $40 will be charged to participants, with all proceeds supporting the program.

• Naturalization Services: CWS will offer free eligibility screenings and consultations, along with application services for a fee of $50 per applicant, in alignment with the grant budget.

• Integrated Support: Both organizations will coordinate referrals to ensure LPRs receive the appropriate combination of citizenship instruction and application assistance.

• Outreach and Awareness: Together, SL and CWS will develop print and web-based advertising to promote their services. They will also host four Naturalization Information Sessions in Harrisonburg and nearby communities during the grant period.

Project Goals

• Provide 160 unduplicated LPRs with eligibility screenings through CWS.

• Enroll 160 unduplicated students in citizenship preparation classes through SL.

• File 160 N-400 and G-28 applications through CWS.

• Organize four Naturalization Information Sessions in Harrisonburg and surrounding areas.

“We are thrilled to receive this grant and partner with Church World Services to offer critical services to lawful permanent residents in our community,” said Nelly Moreno Shenk. “This initiative strengthens our commitment to empowering individuals with the tools they need to achieve their full potential and contribute to our community.”

For more information about the citizenship preparation program or to get involved, please contact Skyline Literacy at 540-433-0505.

About Skyline Literacy

Skyline Literacy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals through literacy and education. With a focus on adult learners, the organization offers programs in basic literacy, ESOL, and citizenship preparation.

About Church World Services Harrisonburg

Church World Services Harrisonburg provides immigration and refugee services, assisting individuals and families in navigating complex immigration processes. Their mission is to create a welcoming and inclusive community for all.

Media Contact:
Nelly Moreno Shenk
Executive Director
Skyline Literacy
540-433-0505
info@skylineliteracy.org