Persian, French, and Spanish volunteers needed for ESL program for asylum seekers.

Help us Welcome our Newest Neighbors!

St. Mary's is looking for volunteers to help launch ESL classes for newly arrived asylum seekers and migrants! Classes will take place Monday night from 6-8pm at 521 W 126th st.

You don't need to have previous teaching experience to join- just a passion for connecting with people from different cultures, patience, and a sense of humor.

We are looking for people who are willing to serve in the following roles:

- Dinner Volunteers: People who can plan and cook a dinner for 15-20 individuals on Monday night.

- Assistant Teachers: Assistant teachers will work with small groups (3-5 people) to lead conversation and facilitate activities. You do not need to be a teacher to do this role- we'll have printouts and guidelines for you to follow!

- Head Teacher: Head teachers will facilitate the overall flow of class. Previous teaching experience helpful.

- Drivers: Individuals who are willing to pick up food from Dinner volunteers and deliver to St. Marys.

Background

Over the past two years, thousands of migrants have arrived to New York City in search of asylum. While the city initially responded with welcome- setting up an Arrivals Center, launching new shelters, and creating an Asylum Application Help Center- those resources have since been stretched thin. Current, single migrants are only guaranteed 30 days of shelter unless they can prove they’ve made significant progress towards self-sustainability through attending English classes, applying for jobs, applying for asylum etc. At the same time, services such as English classes and workforce development programs now have significant waitlists. 

St. Mary’s will help fill this gap by offering Survival English classes and ready-to-eat meals to recently arrived migrants. Migrants will be able to use attendance at these classes as proof to shelters that they are actively working towards independence, so that they can hopefully be granted additional time in the shelter. At the same time, St. Mary’s will offer our newest neighbors a place to build and participate in a supportive community.