Presentation Lantern Center

Presentation Lantern Center is a place of welcome and hospitality serving adult immigrants. Since 2002 the center has provided hospitality, educational opportunities and advocacy to more than 1,400 newcomers who have journeyed from six continents and 76 countries to make the Dubuque area their home. Sponsored by the Sisters of the Presentation, Dubuque, Iowa, the center is a non-profit organization.

The Sisters of the Presentation, Dubuque, Iowa, initiated this ministry of welcome in the Dubuque area with a primary focus on immigrant women, which has now expanded to serve all immigrant adults. In 20 years, hundreds of volunteers have supported our primary program which is to tutor immigrant adults in English and assist legal permanent residents in preparing for the U.S. citizenship exam. To date, nearly 100 individuals have studied for and passed the citizenship test. Volunteer tutors, in addition to our three-person staff, also pass on essential cultural knowledge to ease resettlement of immigrants in the Greater Dubuque area.

Presentation Lantern staff and Board of Trustees engage in advocacy on behalf of the immigrant population. Staff assist immigrants with basic needs and accessing services. With these program areas, new or even not-so-new immigrants are better equipped to assist their family, engage in the education of their children, seek employment and participate more fully in the civic life of the community.

Testimonials

1. "I went to the Lantern Center in hopes of learning a language but I got much more in what became a life changing experience. I found a light to guide my path in a new country. It is more than English at the center. It is also self-esteem and friendship." (Middle-aged woman from Colombia, new U.S. citizen, 2014)

2. "The center really helps me. It is a good system. I like the one-on-one time with my tutor, Linda. She helps me speak, read and write. I learn a lot of information about Dubuque from her." (Young woman from South Korea, new U.S. citizen, 2016)

3. "For about three years, I've tutored students at the Lantern Center, and have enjoyed working with a variety of immigrants. Our mutual sharing of time and cultures has enriched my life even as I hope it has enriched theirs. The opportunity to teach eager learners in such a welcoming environment is a bonus." (Mary Martens, BVM, Tutor)

4. "I appreciate the many struggles of new immigrants and I am grateful that I can support their efforts at the center." (Janet Rhomberg, friend and benefactor)

5. "Presentation Lantern has welcomed hundreds of immigrants whose stories are as diverse as the human story. At the Presentation Lantern we offer a welcoming place for immigrants to thrive and adjust to life in a new country. Our volunteer tutors embody our mission. Board of Trustees, donors, and staff are critical in putting our mission to work." (Kevin Deeny, Board of Trustees)