A year ago this time, Jewish Family Service of Western MA had just opened its Berkshire office and was in the process of welcoming several Afghan families here. So many community members came together to support these families, and so much has been accomplished this year, which has been a gift to experience.
The resettlement process and the adjustment to life in another country is a long journey and much ongoing assistance is needed, especially for those refugees learning English. I am reaching out to you because I recently learned that federal funding for ESOL instruction for the refugees served by JFS has ended, which means that classes can't continue this spring unless $4,128 is raised. This is a doable amount to raise for a valuable program, especially because the students are eager to continue, the supplies are already there, and the space is ready; only funds are needed to pay for staff.
The Berkshire Community College Adult English for Speakers of Other Languages Program offers free beginner, intermediate, and advanced ESOL classes to immigrants in Berkshire County and adjacent areas.
The beginner level class offered at St. Stephen’s Church in Pittsfield serves the particular needs of refugees and asylum seekers from Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Guatemala. This class began in January 2022 and has run continuously for one year. In addition to learning English, students learn to navigate American systems, visit local cultural institutions and have developed a strong sense of community. The students have also greatly benefited from the class location, where they can easily check in with their caseworkers at Jewish Family Services of Western Massachusetts and the Berkshire Immigrant Center before or after class. We are also able to provide childcare at St. Stephen’s Church.
Federal Funding for this class has ended but the students’ desire to learn has not. Other ESOL programs in the county have long waitlists and cannot accommodate children. In addition, the students, who have already experienced great changes in their lives, WANT to continue attending class together in a space they feel comfortable. The BCC ESOL program seeks $4,128 to pay for staff time to continue this class through May 2023. Please call Ana Suffish at 413-236-5260 for more information.
To donate to the ESOL class at St. Stephen’s church please,
1. Click on this link below to the Berkshire Community College Foundation
2. In the “Scholarship” drop-down menu, select “BCC Adult Learning Program”
3. In the “Leave a Comment” box, write, “For English classes at St. Stephen’s.”
4. The BCC Foundation will send you an acknowledgment letter for your tax-exempt donation. Thank you very much for your support
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