Pictured at the ceremonial check handover on Katonah Avenue were (l-r): Brian O’Dwyer, James Rice of Tara Circle, Cyril Hughes, John Tully, Siobhan Dennehy and Cathy Hogan.
By Irish Echo Staff
The Emerald Isle Immigration Center has received a $25,000 grant from the Tara Circle Board, the money to be used toward the renovation project planned at the center’s Bronx location.
The award was made by board members of the Tara Circle at the 4275 Katonah Avenue location on Monday, May 20.
The grant will allow the center to keep working on the early planning associated with the proposed renovation, including the installation of an elevator and the reworking of the existing space on each floor, said a release.
The space, once renovated, will include a location for a work force development training, additional office space and multi-use function space.
“Plans for the space renovation have been underway for a number of years and this grant is a much needed boost to the private funds we now need to raise to ensure that the project continues,” said Brian O’Dwyer, the center’s chairman emeritus.
“We are uniquely grateful to the Tara Circle for their investment in our infrastructure in the Bronx community and are indebted to them for this financial support, allowing us to continue with permanent plans for our long term home in the Bronx serving immigrants with the immigration and social services we are long associated with,” said Siobhan Dennehy, the center’s executive director.
“This grant is welcome in support of the only center in the New York tri-state area providing the widest array of services in social and immigration related matters to the Irish diaspora and beyond” said John F. Tully, chairman of the EIIC board of directors.
Dan Dennehy, National Director and Immigration Chair of Ancient Order of Hibernians, who attended the presentation, stated: “Hibernians have supported Tara Circle and the Emerald Isle Immigration Center from their inception because their missions are to serve our community and that of our neighbors.
“It is great to see Tara Circle support Emerald Isle Immigration Center, as they help the newest to oldest Irish Americans and so many New York immigrants.”
Additional funding for the project has already been committed from the New York City Council, New York State DASNY, the Irish government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Emigrant Support Program, and the Irish Institute.
