two individuals studying and practicing a foreign language

Mercy Connections Live Edge shape decoration

English Language Learning (ELL)

A welcoming community for English instruction

Mercy Connections provides a variety of opportunities for adults seeking to learn English as a New Language (ENL).

A Safe Learning Environment

A prerequisite for learning is safety. Former refugees and asylum-seekers often have experienced war, trauma, and long difficult journeys. Along with English language acquisition, many of our ELL students are working toward economic independence, stable housing and transportation, and access to other resources. Tutors, teachers, and staff at Mercy Connections are committed to offering kindness and respect for all who come for services.

Description: This group class is intended for adult beginning level ELL students who are literate in reading and writing in at least one other language, and who have at least some formal education in their first language.

Instruction will include skill development in reading, writing, listening and speaking, as well as survival English. ELL students that have some basic English skills (such as knowing the English alphabet, greetings, asking/answering simple questions) may benefit from continuing to practice and grow these skills, alongside additional thematic units.

Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays
January 23 - June 06

Time: 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Where: In-person at Mercy Connections

Instructor: Maxine McGowan

How to Register: Contact Raquel Aronhime via email or call 802-846-7162

Registration Deadline: January 16
To register after the deadline, please contact Raquel

Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays
January 23 - June 06

Time: 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Where: In-person at Mercy Connections

Instructor: Maxine McGowan

How to Register: Contact Raquel Aronhime via email or call 802-846-7162

Registration Deadline: January 16
To register after the deadline, please contact Raquel

Description: This group class is intended for adult beginning level ELL students who have not had literacy instruction in English, and for whom English is a new language.

The class will include instruction in the four main skill areas of ELL development: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Instruction will also focus on survival English literacy skills such as studying the letter names and sounds in English, reading street signs, greetings and asking/answering simple questions.

Date: Mondays and Wednesdays
January 22 - June 05

Time: 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Where: In-person at Mercy Connections

Instructor: Veronica Bernicke

How to Register: Contact Raquel Aronhime via email or call 802-846-7162

Registration Deadline: January 15
To register after this date, please contact Raquel

Description: Participants may come and improve their conversation skills in this fun and engaging class with activities that will focus on oral communication.

Date: Mondays, January 22 - June 03

Time: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Where: In-person at Mercy Connections

Instructor: Melissa Lang

Registration Deadline: January 15

How to Register: Contact Raquel Aronhime via email or call 802-846-7162
To register after this date, please contact Raquel

“I believe I can do it now. I can read. I can really read [English].”

— Lam, a two-year tutoring participant