Cultural Education for Heritage Preservation

Raises funds to support education and cultural initiatives for Polish immigrants.

Provides supplementary instruction in Polish language, literature, poetry, history, geography, and cultural traditions to approximately 410–520 students from preschool through 11th grade in local communities. The program operates as an independent educational organization registered with the New York State Board of Education.

Provides supplemental education to over 200 students through a structured Saturday school program focused on Polish language, history, and culture, taught by 14 experienced teachers and catechists. The program prepares students for standardized Polish language exams (WLCE, STAMP 4S) and religious sacraments including First Holy Communion and Confirmation.

Provides educational programs aimed at propagating the Polish language and culture among youth.

Organizes and participates in charitable initiatives such as toy and gift collections for sick children at the University Children's Hospital in Cracow, Poland, and supports campaigns like WOSP and "Gift of a Heart" to provide aid to ill children in Poland.

Organizes educational trips and community projects that involve both children and parents to promote goal-setting, skill development, and intergenerational cultural learning.

Organizes annual Christmas parties for children and families featuring Santa Claus, holiday meals, music, decorations, gift distribution, and activities such as cookie decorating. Events have been held at Saint Anthony’s Church and other locations in Nanuet since 2003, with documented large-scale celebrations including themed play areas and professional photo sessions.

Hosts and participates in cultural events such as parades, picnics, radio broadcasts, and holiday celebrations where children perform traditional Polish songs, dances, and customs in authentic attire. Events include Pulaski Day Parade, International Children’s Day picnics, and live radio appearances.

Operates food stands offering traditional Polish dishes and pastries at community events such as parish picnics, and uses in-kind donations to support the presentation of Polish-American culinary traditions as part of broader cultural engagement.

Provides weekly educational and cultural classes for children ages 3 to 12, focusing on Polish language, customs, art, and traditions to support Polish American identity formation. Classes were initially held in a private home and later moved to Saint Anthony’s Parish in Nanuet, NY.

Writes and develops educational content through collaboration with teachers, publishes and distributes a magazine to educators, organizes workshops for content creation, and provides professional development resources to support innovative teaching strategies.

Sources educational textbooks, coordinates with schools to assess needs, and organizes textbook distribution events to promote literacy and educational excellence.

Provides annual college scholarships to high school seniors in the Rochester area, with ten students awarded each year. The program is part of broader efforts to support education and Polish cultural identity.

Engages in research on Polish traditions and publishes educational materials, such as a booklet explaining the symbolic meanings of foods in the Polish Easter basket ("Święconka") and Dyngus Day customs.

Provides financial support to other organizations through a grantmaking program aimed at advancing Polish cultural heritage and related initiatives.

Produces and sponsors lectures, art workshops, musical performances, genealogy webinars, and Polish language classes. Also organizes international cultural tours to Poland and supports a summer program in Polish language and culture at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń.

Hosts recurring cultural events such as the annual Wigilia (Polish Christmas Eve) dinner, Polonia Picnic, and Polish Arts Fest, featuring traditional music, food, and customs. These events are open to the public and serve as culminating activities of the organization’s programming.

Provides instruction in the Polish language and culture to children.