ESL Ministry: Breaking Down Barriers and Building Connections in Our Community

There are many challenges when moving to a new country. At the root of many of these challenges is a language barrier. Imagine being ill and needing to go to the doctor, but being unable to communicate with the doctor about your symptoms. This experience can be isolating and defeating. For many in our community, a little extra support is all they need to enter more fully into everyday life.

Vicki Arndt has been involved on and off with the ESL Ministry (English as a Second Language) since 2006. The program has gone through many changes since it began in 2000. For several years, Catholic Charities ran the ESL program and when they stopped offering it, Vicki stepped back into the role. The need for the ESL Ministry in our community remains strong.

“The ESL Ministry’s goal is to break down barriers and build stronger and more integrated communities,” Vicki says. “It’s a living example of unification in the Body of Christ.”

The students that come to ESL come from different countries and backgrounds but often share similar motivation. Not only is English important in their day-to-day life — to go to the grocery store, the bank, or the doctor — but it’s important for the future of their families. Many come so that they can help their children learn and talk with their children’s teachers. Vicki has seen students grow in their abilities and confidence as they progress through the levels of classes.

“They come and they are frustrated because they are not able to communicate with their children’s teachers or they go to the doctor and they don’t understand what the doctor is saying,” Vicki says. “I don’t have enough words to express the meaning of the program to our community. It’s the smile on their face when they say that two or three years ago they were intimidated to say even a sentence, but now they feel confident in themselves and are able to communicate with others.”

Classes range from the Pre-Level to Level 4 and serve about 60 students with the help of 14 volunteers. Many volunteers have some level of experience with teaching or with a second language.

“We try to get volunteers that have experience, but if they don’t have experience, we train them,” Vicki says. “We talk to them about the different cultures of our students as well.”

The classes teach English with a focus on what will be most useful in daily life. Skills needed for employment, business, and personal matters are a priority. Students are equipped to handle emergencies and fill out important forms. Classes also touch on important aspects of American culture.

The ESL Ministry welcomes all students regardless of background and volunteers are always needed to continue this invaluable outreach. As the hands and feet of Christ to the world, our place is always to care for our neighbors in their time of need.

To learn more about the ESL Ministry and volunteer needs, contact Vicki Arndt at 720-215-4523 or varndt@stfranciscr.org .