Salem Gospel Social Initiatives is a faith-based organization committed to the well-being of immigrants, primarily Africans, Haitians, and Hispanics.
Our organization is affiliated with the District of Columbia Baptist Convention and works in partnership with local Christian organizations, health and cultural organizations, schools, and universities.
This ministry is based on Christ's pastoral approach and mandate to heal the sick, feed the hungry, and restore human dignity (Marc 1: 21-45; Marc 6: 30-44; John 8: 1-11; Matthew 25: 31-46). The experiences we have had as immigrants have greatly shaped and enriched our pastoral work.
We find compelling teachings about caring for immigrants in Deuteronomy 24:14-22, and about fellow human beings in Hebrews 13: 2-3, and Luke 10: 25-37.
Salt and light are the two characteristics that Christians are called to be (Matthew 5: 13-16). We make our own the words of John Wesley according to which we are called:
Do all the good WE can, By all the means WE can, In all the ways WE can, In all the places WE can, At all the times WE can, To all the people WE can, As long as ever WE can.
Services
Languages
ESOL
English as a Second Language. Speaking English empowers non-English speaking immigrants to discover and navigate the different American social systems that will help them to integrate into their new country.
Classes Schedule: 3 times a week for two hours: afternoon and evenings.
Other Languages
In our global village knowing other languages helps in different ways. Using our different assets, we teach various languages including: French, Spanish, Swahili, Lingala...
Classes Schedule: 3 times a week for two hours: afternoon and evenings.
Computer Literacy Classes
Computer literacy refers to your ability to use computers and related technology effectively. Computer skills can be as basic as learning how to use a computer to operate common software systems, platforms, and programs.
Classes Schedule: 3 times a week for two hours: afternoon and evenings.
Immigration referrals
Immigrants often cannot afford the cost of a lawyer. Consequently, we refer immigrants to pro-bono institutions or lawyers through our networks. We also organize free legal clinics.
Health Promotion referral services
To promote health among immigrants, we offer counseling, health education, screenings, and referrals to various health services.
Interpretation & Translation services
We provide interpretation and translation in the following languages: English, French, Spanish, Swahili, Lingala, and Kikongo.
Basic social assistance: clothes, food
Winter clothes are provided for those in need. Food and housing referrals are made for those in need.
A number of employment counseling/job fairs are held regularly and some companies contact us in order to place applicants.
Populations Served
All immigrants, regardless of their ethnicity, are welcome at our center.
SGSI's Partners and Global Component
SGSI collaborates with churches, universities, hospitals, and other secular organizations interested in immigrants' well-being.
A number of Christian organizations outside of the United States are also partners of the SGSI. One of them is the Church of Christ in Congo, which is known in French as Église du Christ au Congo (ECC).
Making a donation
All contributions, whether financial or material, are tax-deductible, Please send checks to Salem Gospel Initiatives (Please write in Memo Salem Gospel Social Initiative or SGSI) and mail them to 9727 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 209.
Laptops, printers, chairs, desks, projectors, and screens should be delivered to the same address.
Several of the materials we receive are sent to support schools, hospitals, children and women, and agriculture programs in Congo, through the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC). Used cars, bicycles, motorcycles, generators, and agriculture tools are donated for projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo.