English as a Second Language (ESL) Program

Language is more than communication—it is connection, confidence, and access. SURVIVORS' English as a Second Language (ESL) Program supports survivors as they rebuild their lives by strengthening their English skills in a safe, welcoming, and trauma-informed environment.

​

What the Program Is

Our ESL program provides free, in-person English classes designed specifically for survivors of torture and human rights abuses. Classes are offered in partnership with a local community college and are tailored to meet the unique needs of adult learners who may be navigating trauma, medical recovery, legal processes, housing instability, and cultural adjustment.

​

Who It Serves

The program serves adult survivors from diverse linguistic, cultural, and national backgrounds. Many participants are newly arrived immigrants or asylum seekers who are learning English for the first time or building foundational skills. We intentionally support:

• Survivors with limited or interrupted formal education

• Clients balancing medical, mental health, and legal appointments

• Individuals experiencing housing or economic instability

 

What Makes Our ESL Program Different

Unlike traditional ESL classes, our program is designed around survivors’ realities:

• Trauma-informed instruction: Classes move at a supportive pace and prioritize emotional safety.

• Small class sizes: This allows for individualized attention and relationship-building.

• Culturally responsive teaching: Instructors often share linguistic or cultural backgrounds with students, fostering trust and connection.

• Flexible support: Case managers collaborate closely with instructors to support attendance and engagement.

• No-cost materials: All learning materials are provided free of charge.

 

Curriculum & Learning Approach

Classes focus on practical, everyday English, including:

• Conversational skills

• Social and workplace communication

• Community navigation (appointments, transportation, shopping)

 

Instruction uses worksheets, visuals, and interactive activities rather than traditional textbooks, recognizing that many clients do not have secure places to store materials or complete homework. Learning is centered on real-life application and confidence-building.

​

Beyond Language Learning

For many participants, ESL classes are one of the first safe social spaces they experience in their new communities. The program helps reduce isolation, build peer relationships, and restore a sense of agency and belonging.

Through ESL, clients often gain:

• Increased confidence speaking English in public

• Stronger social connections

• Improved readiness for employment

• Greater independence in daily life

 

Impact

Participants in our ESL program have gone on to:

• Secure employment

• Build supportive community networks

• Navigate systems such as healthcare and transportation more independently

• Reclaim confidence after years of silencing and trauma

 

For survivors, learning English is not just about language—it is about being heard.

 

Our Commitment

SURVIVORS is committed to providing educational opportunities that respect survivors’ resilience, dignity, and strength. Our ESL program reflects our belief that healing and integration happen not only through services, but through connection, empowerment, and choice.