Ministries - ESL

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Since September 2007 St. Matthew's has offered free English classes for adult non-English speakers from Raytown and other surrounding communities. These classes are provided two evenings per week, Monday and Wednesdays, from 6:30 - 8:30 pm from September to May. Our goal in providing this community service is to live out our mission within the community:

• to offer sanctuary and acceptance
• to advocate for and empower those in need
• to strengthen and encourage each other

Through this ESL Community Service we pursue this vision:

• to provide free, methodical, consistent English instruction to students of all ethnic backgrounds and languages
• to foster and encourage the building of a diverse community based on mutual respect and acceptance of a wide variety of ethnic origins

Now in its third year of operation, St. Matthew's Community ESL Program draws volunteers from throughout the Kansas City area, as well as student volunteers from four area colleges. These classes continue due to the efforts of the many volunteers who share our vision to provide this vital service to those who need to learn English.

The Community ESL program offers 4 class levels of instruction, as well as free childcare: a nursery program for ages 0-5, and a school age children's program for ages 6-12, which includes tutoring/homework mentoring. In addition to the 2 evenings per week of class, we also offer a newly completed computer language lab, equipped with Rosetta Stone English language software. The computer language lab gives students access to individualized learning at times when classes are not available.