Educational Support Services

Limited literacy, incomplete education, and a lack of facility with the English language make it difficult for many of our guests to complete applications for jobs or housing, understand a supervisor’s instructions at work, or participate in training programs.  This, in turn, prevents them from breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness.  Along with a skilled staff, St. Francis House engages compassionate volunteers from local agencies to help guests gain these and other skills they need to rebuild their lives.

Our English as a Second Language (ESL) program, staffed by volunteer educators, is designed as a drop-in, all-level program, meets three days a week.  The curriculum is tailored to the needs of our guests, who come from more than 50 different countries.  We strive to offer culturally competent instruction, and focus on helping guests develop the language skills required for work and other real-life situations, such as making appointments, filling out applications, and communicating in the workplace.