Literacy Connections Dutchess County | Services, Project Forward, Project READ, English Learning Centers

Services

PROJECT FORWARD
Project Forward's two sites for English classes are located at: 69 Catharine St. on Monday nights from 6 - 8 pm and 1st Evangelical Lutheran Church at 325 Mill St., Tuesday nights from 6 - 8pm.

Project Forward is a free drop in learning center and the classes are English for Speakers of Other Languages.

Meeting in small groups according to skill level, the trained tutors are helping adult students to learn to speak, read, and write in English. Child care is provided for their children, and we have lots of holiday celebrations together.

The program is now in partnership with Dutchess Community College, and is run by Literacy Connections, Marian Thompson is the Area Coordinator. For more information, call Marian at 845.452.8670.

ESL: English Learning Centers:
It takes great courage to be an adult to approach strangers and say "I cannot read" or, "I don't understand English." Adults feel humiliation and great shame. Yet, we see people do that here all the time. And so, it is heartbreaking to say "there is a waiting list." Sometimes the wait for a tutor is a very long one.

There are always more students than there are tutors. In order to address the growing needs of our community when it comes to learning, we have created several ESL: English Learning Centers. Managed by our staff with volunteer assistance, the ESL: English Learning Centers serve those folks who are struggling with reading, writing, and speaking English.

Many of our students come from Mexico, but are also from other parts of the world. Some were highly proficient in their native language, others were struggling mightily.

No matter where they are from, or what level they had achieved in their native land, our adult students are welcome to join our English Learning Centers. They will meet in small groups with others who are at the same level. Learning in a friendly setting, conversation groups are a great way to practice English -- and, to make new friends.

There is no waiting list, and of course there is no charge. Some of our centers offer child care while the parents are learning. We celebrate holidays, and often bring in community speakers so that people can learn more about the community.

Monday evening 6:00 to 8:00 PM Catharine St Community Center, corner of Catharine and Mansion Streets, Entrance is on Mansion St.
Free Baby sitting provided. Classes are divided into beginning, intermediate and advanced levels of English speaking.

Tuesday evening.6:00 to 9:00 PM, Evangelical Lutheran Church at 325 Mill St. Go to rear door. Park in municipal parking lot across from the church on Mill St.
Childcare not available. Classes are divided into beginning, intermediate and advanced levels

St. James Church, Reimer Ave., Dover Plains:...Mondays 6:00-8:00pm.Grace Episcopal Church, Franklin Avenue, Millbrook:.............Thursday Evenings - ESL, 6:30-8:30pm.

Classes are also held at Grace Church halfway up Franklin Ave on the right in Millbrook on Tues and Thurs eve from 6:15 to 9:15. Classes are run by BOCES and assisted by LC volunteers. Students must attend both nights to take the classes.

Snow Closings for Literacy Connections classes and office follow the Poughkeepsie City School District.

To learn more, please call Marian at (845).452.8670

Literacy Connections | Volunteer Tutoring Adults & Children, Project READ, Annual Community SpESLing Bee, English Learning Centers