Our staff and volunteers provide ESL tutoring, citizenship preparation, and assistance on naturalization applications. We also welcome and accompany refugees as they rebuild their lives in the local community. Read about the people we've helped over the years.

Immigrants enrolled in ESL often have multiple and persistent barriers such as multiple jobs, health issues, lack of transportation or childcare. Those who have never been in a school often don't do well in classroom settings and classes seldom address their immediate needs. Our tutoring offers individualized instruction tailored to people's immediate and specific needs. It includes right, responsibilities, and cross–cultural information. When volunteers give freely of their time and energy, it shows a level of welcoming and support that means more to immigrants than anything else we do. Contact Sayuko Setvik, Tutoring Coordinator at 206-382-4511 or ssetvik@stjames-cathedral.org.

Many people are fearful, anxious, and confused about applying for citizenship. To pass the interview, they have to answer questions about their application, learn the answers to 100 civics questions, and read, speak and write English at an intermediate level. The pressure of the interview can cause people to forget the English they know, the answers to questions on the application, or the civics they’ve learned. Our citizenship tutoring uses a standard curriculum, includes everything needed to pass the interview, and offers a sense of comradery and support. Contact Sayuko Setvik, Tutoring Coordinator at 206-382-4511 or ssetvik@stjames-cathedral.org.

Applying for U.S citizenship is often confusing and stressful. The rules, exemptions, and opportunities are neither straight-forward nor easily understood. St. James provides individualized assistance and legal representation, at no cost, to applicants throughout the process including screening, collecting documentation, filling out and filing the application, following up on requests for further evidence, providing mock immigration interviews and representing clients at their citizenship interviews. After becoming a citizen, we help new citizens to understand their rights, responsibilities, and benefits. Additionally, we provide information and referral for other legal resources in the community. St. James Immigrant Assistance is recognized and accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Contact Patrick Suhrbier, Senior Legal Services Coordinator, at 206-382-4511 or psuhrbier@stjames-cathedral.org.

St. James’ Refugee Welcome and Inclusion program supports newly arrived immigrants as they resettle in our community. Volunteer teams walk alongside newcomers in identifying resources, connecting to services and navigating a new home. Within this program, the Respite Team welcomes asylum seekers. More than 100 adults and children from 12 countries have been accompanied by the Respite Team. Interested in joining our refugee support efforts? Contact Erica de Klerk at 206-382-4511 or edeklerk@stjames-cathedral.org.