Helping adult refugees & immigrants learn English & become
U.S. Citizens

St. James ESL Program

The St. James ESL 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.

More about St. James ESL...

Learn More

The enthusiasm they bring to class easily outweighs the challenges."
-- Meredith Smith,
St. James ESL Tutor

Upcoming Events

St. James ESL Book Club

Into the Beautiful North

Thursday | Sep 9 | 7pm

Join us in the Mother Cabrini Room at the Pastoral Outreach Center for a lively discussion of this book by Louis Alberto Urrea.

After watching the movie The Magnificent Seven, 19-year-old Nayeli, her two friends, and the owner of a taqueria set out on a journey to bring back seven men, including her father, to save their village from drug traffickers. Information: Contact Christopher Koehler at 206-382-4511
Download the flyer...

Support Immigration Reform
send a postcard

Volunteer

Donate

Advocate

ESL Advisory Board

Fawziah Al-Hlaly
Sherry Feng
Jon Gass
Christina Greene
Peter Hauge
Chris Mercado
Rosalinda Mendoza
Ana Mikel
Joyce Mork-O'Brien
Alex Perepechko
Joe Varano
Samantha Welte

Catch up with SJESL...

St. James ESL in the News
Everett Herald
Creating Caring Communities: An Immigration Workshop
Crossing Borders: Migration, Theology and the Human Journey
ESL Goes to the White House
Governor Gregoire Visits

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.

"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