“ESL has helped me a lot in learning and developing my language and integrating into society. The language is a means of understanding and communicating among people, so if we don’t know the language, we will be isolated. This program breaks this barrier completely. The ESL program helped me to get a job. At the same time, this program has helped me a lot by giving me an opportunity to learn without concern for my children because they are in the hands of the staff who take care of them. It is very noble work.”
-Level 5 ESL student
The Festa 3-Generation Family ESL program serves entire families – 3 months to grandparent age - with the education each person needs to take steps out of poverty. Every Tuesday and Thursday evening from October-April we welcome New American families seeking to learn English and move from surviving to thriving. While adults are learning English, their children are fed dinner and attend Kids Club, which provides programming and academic support for children in grades K-8, and to our Early Childhood classrooms which provide infant care and preschool programming for toddlers. High school students are welcome to join our Teen Internship program where they learn to volunteer with the younger children and serve our neighbors.
Our 3-Generation Family ESL Program serves entire families who originate from 32 countries. This one-of-a-kind program is based in Hilliard and welcomes families from 18 central Ohio zip codes. We also offer virtual afternoon English classes for adult students who struggle with transportation, or live in other states or countries, allowing them to join the welcoming community our program creates.
Volunteer Opportunities with children:
Volunteer Opportunities with adults:
The first step is an orientation tour provided on-site at the program to introduce you to each program area and help you decide where you want to serve.
