St. James ESL Program

Our Mission

The St. James ESL mission is to 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.
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Immigration in the News

Get the most recent news on our immigration page...

Learn about immigration

Announcements & Events

DACA Information Session
Issaquah Library

Wed | June 5 | 7pm
Are you a DREAMer? You might be eligible for deferred action. Get screened at a DACA information session.
Find out more about DACA...

Volunteer Information Session

Sat | June 15 | 10am - 11:30am
Volunteer at St. James ESL! Tutor, help with DACA, serve on the board, and more.
Read volunteer descriptions...

Why Immigrant Integration is
Good for Everyone:
Social Benefits

Find out how ESL & adult basic education contributes to lower crime rates and healthier citizens.
The Social Benefits of Immigrant Integration...

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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 2009-2010, along with our 94 volunteers, we served 362 immigrants and refugees in King County.

SJESL ADVISORY BOARD

Fawziah Al-Hlaly / Marcia Ditter / Tom FitzMacken / Suzanne Lescantz / Ana Mikel / Joyce Mork-O'Brien / Alex Perepechko / Joe Varano

"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