We invite you to read the full COCD Impact Report: COCD_Impact Report 2023. 

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Friends, Partners, and Community Members,

As we release our 2023 Impact Report, I am filled with a profound sense of pride and gratitude. Cross Over Community Development (COCD) has reached new heights of impact and growth this year, especially within our English as a Second Language (ESL) program. Since its humble beginnings in the summer of 2019, with just 10 refugee women, to the vibrant and diverse community we serve today, our growth has been nothing short of remarkable.

In 2023, we have reached significant milestones, taught 93 students, and expanded our curriculum to include basic literacy, GED, and citizenship classes. Our ability to adapt and grow, exemplified by the strategic relocation of our office to the Ahiska Turkish American Community Center, showcases our commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. We owe our successes to our partners, donors, and the community. We’re particularly grateful to The Dayton Foundation, Dollar General Literacy Foundation, Wish You Well Foundation, and Nora Roberts Foundation for funding our professional teaching staff. A special note of thanks goes to Kettering Health, whose contributions have been crucial in sustaining our mission. Their support allowed us to focus on education and empowerment.

The relocation of our COCD office to the Ahiska Turkish American Community Center has been a pivotal moment this year, allowing us to serve our diverse student body better and foster an environment of learning and growth. We are deeply grateful to the management of the Ahiska Turkish Community Center
for offering us space and support, making it possible for us to continue our ESL program under the most conducive conditions.

Reflecting on this year’s accomplishments, from welcoming 856 visitors to offering comprehensive immigration services to 107 individuals—with 88 cases facilitated by the University of Dayton – Legal Clinic and 19 by individual volunteers—underscores the impactful change we’ve ignited. Our broad spectrum of programs, from ESL to family mentoring, where we supported 60 families with comprehensive case management, shine as a beacon of hope and opportunity. Dayton Children’s Hospital’s grant to continue mentoring immigrant and refugee families recognizes our efforts to support these communities.

In conclusion, I sincerely thank Miami Valley Hospital for employing some of our ESL graduates and allowing us to continue teaching English at their facilities. This initiative has enabled us to reach beyond our former students and assist others not previously in our program. We are immensely thankful for Premier Health’s funding, which supports our ongoing English education efforts for these employees. Your unwavering support, commitment, and faith in our mission have propelled us to where we are today. Together, we have transformed lives and established the groundwork for a brighter, more inclusive future.  Thank you for being an integral part of our community and for all that you do to support Cross Over Community Development. Let’s keep working together, building on this year’s successes to generate an even more significant impact in the future.

With gratitude,
Catherine Bitwayiki
Executive Director

–Photo attribution: Adapted from photo by Michael Bowman on Unsplash.–