The hidden hurdles
Refugee mothers face preparing their children for a lifetime of learning using a language they themselves don’t always know. They are eager to improve their own English, but may struggle to attend English classes due to a lack of childcare options for young children who are not yet in school. This barrier may delay the mother’s language and cultural learning for years.
Teaching women and their children, together
Refugee Family Literacy provides high-quality English classes for New American mothers, while their children are just steps away in a nurturing early childhood development class.
While mothers learn English, their children develop language and school-readiness skills in a supportive classroom environment led by trained early childhood teachers—many of whom are New Americans.
In addition to English, mothers learn family literacy skills in our daily Parent and Child Time (PACT) class, which they then practice at home. This two-generation family literacy approach teaches New American mothers English while empowering them to become their children’s first, and best, teacher.
Beyond ABCs: Building Stronger Families
Our program goes beyond the basics of language learning. From practicing parent-teacher conferences, to teaching children the social skills they need on Day 1 of preschool, we equip both mothers and children with the tools they need to succeed in the American educational system.
Monthly workshops also equip mothers with knowledge about health, parenting, and child development topics that strengthen the whole family. And when RFL families face challenges, our trained support staff are ready to connect them with the community resources and relationships they need to flourish.
Classes
Schedule
Fall Semester
September – December
Spring Semester
February – May
Class times
Mon – Thu
9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Location
Memorial Drive Ministries
Questions?
Student eligibility
- Female New American, at least 18 years of age, with at least one child between the ages of 6 months to 3 years.
- Beginning or basic level English learner.
- Able to commit to attending class at least 2 days per week (7 hours per week minimum), for the full academic year.
- Able to walk or find transportation to RFL (none provided).
- Committed to learning family literacy practices at RFL that you practice with your children at home.
Volunteering
Volunteer requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old and pass a background check (required).
- Commit to one day a week during class times (Mon–Thurs, 9 am–12 pm) for the academic year. Exceptions are made for volunteers leading special activities or projects.
- Able to interact humbly, and winsomely, with people from other cultures.
- Able to positively contribute to creating a warm, welcoming environment for program families.
In addition to the above, for those wanting to assist with children:
- Able to handle a moderate amount of sitting on the floor.
- Able to lift 20 lbs, preferred.
- Previous experience working with children, preferred.
- Able to assist teachers in creating a language-rich, emotionally supportive environment for infants through age 4.
Note: As part of the onboarding process, all volunteers are required to attend the Introduction to Friends of Refugees workshop before volunteering for a program.
In-kind donations
We gladly accept in-kind donations from our wishlist. Shop our list on Amazon or drop off new or gently-used items from the list below. Contact us to schedule a time for a drop-off: contactrfl@friendsofrefugees.com
We are accepting gently used or new
- Board books
- Wooden puzzles with all the pieces
- Unexpired toddler car seats up to 18 lbs.
- Single and double strollers
- Hand puppets
We are NOT accepting
- Stuffed animals
- Books for 5 years old – up
- Expired car seats
- Booster seats and strollers
- Clothes
- Toys
Will you be a friend?
There are many ways to join us as we build abundant life in flourishing communities with our refugee and New American neighbors.
Donate
Set up a recurring donation, contribute one time, or view our in-kind donation lists.
Volunteer
Share your information to learn about ways partners can serve and volunteer.