In-person ESL learning is back at Mary’s Place!

A new partnership with Shoreline Community College is expanding English as a Second Language (ESL) learning opportunities for our guests. Recently, 20 Mary’s Place guests embarked on the 8-week in-person course held at our shelter in downtown Seattle. The partnership with Shoreline Community College is one of several options Mary’s Place offers as part of our ESL programming, recognizing that language skills are an important step in empowering those experiencing homelessness in the workplace and in their journey to stable housing. 

“We are so excited to have our instructors working with the guests of Mary's Place at The Regrade. Our goal is to make guests feel more connected to their community and open up academic and workforce opportunities, ” said Jonathan Molinaro, Associate Dean of Transitional Studies at Shoreline Community College.

During the COVID pandemic, Mary’s Place worked with partners to shift ESL learning to virtual sessions with volunteers. These programs, such as Talk Time, are now resuming in-person and onsite at shelters for Mary’s Place guests.

"ESL is such an important service to offer our guests since language is one of the biggest barriers to housing and employment. We are grateful for this opportunity Shoreline Community College is offering to our guests," said Hedwight Amoda, Program Services Director at Mary’s Place.

Tyler Hutchinson, Economic Advancement Coordinator at Mary’s Place assists guests with enrolling in ESL. She says the demand for ESL learning continues to grow and since January, 46 guests have signed up for classes.

“It’s important to have a variety of ways guests can access ESL classes and ensure they have options that overcome barriers like transportation, cost, and scheduling. The guests really love this opportunity to learn in a group setting and we hope to offer more of these programs at other shelter locations!” Tyler said.