Maggie and Luis Iza, Co-founders of the Open Door

Our founders, Luis and Maggie Iza, experienced firsthand the feelings of being part of the mainstream that came from learning English when they immigrated from Cuba years ago. They were both inspired to do well and finish their education by parents that tackled English and were avid readers. Remembering the joys, the challenges and the opportunities the founders themselves were given as new immigrants to the US, The Open Door was conceived to offer our neighbors the same opportunity–an opportunity to be part of the larger society.

The Izas studied the demographics of their hometown, West New York, NJ and learned that the city had experienced an large influx of immigrants over the years. Eighty percent of the population was Latino and sixty percent were foreign-born. The majority of West New York residents spoke very limited or no English.  Due to their limited English language skills, recent immigrants faced urban challenges including poverty, unemployment and high school drop out rates.  The Open Door NJNY focuses on empowering vulnerable, low-income parents and providing them with the services and skills they need for mainstream employment.  Recognizing that the language barrier was a great risk factor for poverty and its effects, The Open Door began as solely an ESL program. 

Within its six successful years of operation, The Open Door NJNY adopted a comprehensive educational approach and now offers five levels of ESL instruction, a computer literacy course, a GED/TASC prep program, and a reading program for the children of our students.  

In 2014, The Open Door NJNY expanded into New York City and serves a population of students from Manhattan, Bronx and Queens.  The New York City location, currently at Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 150 W. 83rd Street between Amsterdam and Broadway, offers classes every Wednesday and Thursday evening from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.  The Open Door offers 5 levels of ESL instruction, a GED/TASC preparation program, a computer class, and reading program for children.