Concord Woman Recalls Roots In Career Helping Immigrant Families Adjust

CONCORD (KPIX 5) -- Martha Potts knows what it's like adjusting to a new culture, so she made it her life's calling to help immigrant families in Concord settle into their school community.

For the first day of classes at Oak Grove Middle School, Potts distributed uniforms and backpacks to students whose parents could not afford them.

As the school's community coordinator for 17 years, Potts has worked with about 50 newcomer families a year who've come from Afghanistan, China Mongolia, Mexico, and Central and South America.

Potts, herself an immigrant fom Peru, knows how to make them feel welcome. "When people come and say, 'I've just arrived,' and I see their face - the fear - I remember how that fear was in me, too," she reflected.

The new school uniforms she handed out came from donations Potts received through the Assistance League of Diablo Valley.

But day-to-day, she has served as a translator and guide, navigating families through registration, parent-teacher conferences and referrals to other resources.

"She's so sweet all the time, 'cause you come in and ask for help, she's open all the time," said Oak Grove parent Maria Flores. "Never does she say, 'I don't have time.'"

Student Jair Martinez said Potts taught his mother English and helped him apply successfully to Concord's De La Salle High School. "She's like a family member that we've had for about 12 years," he said.

Potts makes herself available beyond her office hours. She often visits families at home and gives out her cellphone number so they could call whenever they need her. "If I make myself only available during office hours, I don't get to hear firsthand what's going on in the community," she explained.

So she knows, for example, who needs socks, groceries from the food bank, or school uniforms laundered. She has provided new, donated socks, delivered the groceries herself, and washed the uniforms at her own house.

Oak Grove Principal Christina Ilios said Potts goes beyond her job description to make sure families get the most from school and give the most back. "Martha is able to find a niche for everyone, find something they can contribute, find ways to help their students succeed in school," Ilios said. "She's the heart and soul of this school."

"This is my mission now," Potts affirmed. "I'm going to guide them, I'm gonna hold them by the hands, and they're gonna come with me, along with me."