"While we do not support illegal immigration we are committed to helping all
persons in need regardless of their legal status... Our goal as a community of
disciples is comprehensive
immigration reform to provide legal pathways for family reunification, guest
workers and those seeking citizenship. We will reach out to all persons in need,
including immigrants, regardless of their legal status. This is nothing new. The
Archdiocese of Seattle has a consistent and longstanding commitment to justice
based on our belief in the dignity of all persons."
- Archbishop Brunett
61 students were naturalized between 2004 election and the 2008 election.
110 refugees and immigrants became citizens with the help of St. James ESL since 1998
Our mission is to promote an inclusive society and advance justice for refugees and immigrants through education, advocacy, and by helping the most isolated refugees and immigrants to learn English, become citizens and connect to community resources.
St. James ESL Goes to the White House
Chris Koehler, director of the St. James ESL Program, was asked to speak at the White House last month on how faith-based and community organizations can best respond to the needs of refugees and immigrants. The St. James ESL Citizenship services were highlighted as a best practice. In attendance were approximately 100 representatives from legislative offices, various government departments concerned with immigration, advocates, and people working in the field.
"As I listened to the various presenters, I was reminded of how successful we are in helping individuals to achieve their learning and life goals. It’s a testament to the hard work and commitment of paid and unpaid instructors, professionals and those without degrees in teaching, and all the other staff, private individuals, government and private funders, and legislators who support adult literacy.
Nevertheless, I was also reminded that the adult basic education system is woefully under-funded and needs an immense increase in capacity. All the great improvements over past few years pale in importance when we only serve one-tenth of the people who need basic skills instruction. See LiteracyNOW fact sheets on literacy in Washington for more information. Some proponents of current or soon-to-be introduced legislation want to create new systems for responding to these challenges. However, the adult basic education (ABE) system received the highest rating from federal evaluators. What we really need is a fully-funded ABE system, not new systems."
Please consider making a donation today, and join us in helping more refugees and immigrants to become citizens and more full participate in society.
About St. James ESL
The St. James English as a Second Language Program (SJESL) is a 501(c)(3), non-sectarian, volunteer and community-based organization that provides free English instruction and Citizenship assistance to low-income adult refugees and immigrants in Seattle and King County, Washington.
Founded in 1975 with one tutor and one Vietnamese student, SJESL has grown to serve students from 37 countries in all parts of the world. In 2004-2005, 120 volunteers provided 150 students with 8,000 hours of English instruction. The St. James ESL Program is an Accredited Affiliate of ProLiteracy of America.