ABOUT OUR PROGRAM
OUR MISSION:
The Community ESL Program improves the educational and career opportunities of non-native speakers by providing English reading, writing, and speaking instruction, helping students successfully integrate into southern Delaware communities.
WHO WE SERVE:
We support adult learners and their families, who in turn can share their expertise and talents with the neighborhoods and businesses where they live and work.
HOW WE HELP:
We create safe and supportive learning environments, tailor curricula to different skill levels, and support adult learners through all stages of their English language journeys. For parents attending classes, we offer an onsite child educational program.
OUR STORY:
In 2003, the LCOS congregation became aware of the need for an ESL program to serve the residents of Eastern Sussex County. Throughout the next year, volunteers studied other successful ESL programs, secured necessary funding, and built enthusiasm for this social outreach ministry within the congregation. English classes began in January 2004 at the church and have been running continuously ever since.
Starting with two teachers, a handful of church volunteers and 45 students, the program has grown beyond the church and into the community. Today the program involves over 40 volunteers from throughout Sussex County working with an average of 150 students a year across three different locations: Rehoboth, Lewes, and Milford.
OUR GOVERNANCE AND FUNDING:
The Community ESL Program, governed through an all-volunteer community Advisory Board, now employs a half-time Program Director, part-time Program Coordinator and Children’s Program Staff that work with the volunteer teachers to support the program.
The program is funded primarily through private donations and grants, currently including the Arsht-Cannon Foundation, the Crestlea Foundation, 100 Women Who Care, the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, the Carl M. Freeman Foundation, St. Edmonds Catholic Church, the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, SoDel Cares, Harry K Foundation, Big Fish Foundation, Lefty’s Alley and Eats and All Saints Episcopal Church. Additionally, local restaurants support the program each year through Dine and Donate events, and in 2023 included Mariachi Restaurant, Big Fish Grill in Rehoboth, Blackwall Hitch in Rehoboth and Bethany Blues in Lewes.
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Our Program at a Glance
Fall Semester 2024
Number of Volunteers: 50+
Number of Students: 125
Regular Attendance Rate: 90%
More than 26 home countries: 55% Latinx; 45% Eastern European, Asian, Middle Eastern
Satisfaction with Teachers: 4.8
English Language Skills Improved: 3.8