A gift in memory helps the pursuit of U.S. citizenship.  

Pictured above, right, is Jerry’s sister, Gloria, who helped her local literacy agency set up a fund in honor of her brother.  His legacy lives on through every new citizen supported by this fund.

For many adult learners, the dream of U.S. citizenship comes with a steep price tag. The application fee for Naturalization, ($725 as of 2025), can feel like an insurmountable hurdle—especially for those already juggling family, work, and education.

One literacy program in Rockland County found a way to bridge that gap—and it’s an idea other agencies across the state could easily adopt.

The inspiration came in 2020, in the days following the loss of Dr. Gerald “Jerry” Lenkowitz, a long-time volunteer literacy tutor who passed away from complications of COVID-19. Jerry was more than a tutor; he was a mentor, a history enthusiast, and a champion for every learner who dreamed of calling America their home. He brought U.S. history, current events, and even a love of baseball into his lessons—helping students master English while connecting them to the culture and civic life of their adopted country.

To honor his years of service and passion for empowering immigrants, Jerry’s family and friends created the Dr. Gerald Lenkowitz Citizenship Fund. The goal was simple: to provide stipends to help adult learners cover the naturalization fee and take the final step toward becoming U.S. citizens.

Since its launch, the fund has raised over $5,000 and awarded stipends to 33 candidates. Each award represents not just financial help, but the removal of a barrier that can delay a life-changing milestone. The photo above shows Jerry’s sister presenting one such award—a moment of pride and possibility for both giver and recipient.

While the fund honors Jerry’s legacy, it also demonstrates a practical, replicable model for literacy agencies statewide. By partnering with community members, local businesses, and donors, programs can create their own Citizenship Funds—transforming the goodwill of volunteers and supporters into tangible assistance for learners on the path to citizenship.

Jerry believed citizenship was more than a legal status—it was a journey of literacy, civic knowledge, and belonging. Every new citizen who benefits from a fund like this carries that belief forward.

It’s a simple idea with powerful results. And in times when we’re all looking for ways to make an impact, perhaps there’s no better legacy to build upon.