Programs
The heart of our mission is to meet the needs of others by linking with organizations in our multicultural community.
We Live To Serve
Community Link exists to develop, administer, and implement programs and services that benefit immigrants, refugees, women, youth, children, and socially disadvantaged individuals. We strive to live out Christ’s commandment to love God and our neighbors.
English Language Learners (ELL)
For nearly 20 years, we have had the privilege of offering English and cultural orientation classes to refugees and immigrants through a partnership with Bethany Christian Services and Samaritas. Wednesday night tutoring, weekly craft classes and fun field trips enable us to build relationships with our new neighbors.
They have done good things here in ELL. When I first came to the U.S. I couldn’t speak English. Here I learn, learn, learn. I studied to pass my U.S. citizenship test here. Now I know how to read and speak English and I keep getting better.
- Lina, from Sudan
I did not know English when I first arrived in the United States. Everything was hard. But here in ELL, little by little, I learned English. Here we can practice anything: reading and writing.
- Januka, from Bhutan
We felt very welcomed here. It is a good, quality program with small group and one-on-one tutoring. You don’t have to know English to be here; communication is never a problem! We not only learned English, but bonded and felt cared for, which made us work hard to learn more. We came for English but found a family.
- Lucky & Rao,
from India
I enjoy volunteering at ESL on Wednesday evenings as I have built relationships with new friends from various cultures. It is so rewarding to help some of them learn English which gives them more confidence in applying for a job. I have assisted others in preparing to take the citizenship test in order to become US citizens. Many times, I learn far more from them in discovering different aspects about their culture.
- Lois, volunteer mentor
We laugh a lot in ELL class, sometimes because of the silly ways we try to get concepts across, sometimes because the students joke with us. It is always rewarding when one of them says “Ah!” and you can see understanding flood their faces. I admire them so much, at how hard they work to conquer the daunting task of learning English.
- Julie, volunteer mentor
Community Partnerships
In partnership with Bethany Christian Services and Samaritas we offer English classes, that prepare refugees for life and work.
Here are some helpful links:
Immigrant Class
English class for immigrants. Taught by volunteer teachers.
Monday, Tuesday 9 – 11 a.m.
No registration is required
Wednesday Evening Classes
Open to all in the community. Volunteers work with students in small groups, emphasizing hospitality. Transportation within the neighborhood and childcare provided.
Weekly classes from 6:30 – 7:45 p.m.
No registration is required.
Kids Hope
Adopting a neighborhood elementary school with 400 hundred students and 26 different language groups offers ample opportunity to mentor, encourage and love children and support teachers and staff.
Helpful link:
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"It’s always a delight to watch a child’s eyes light up when they see you come in the room to spend time with them. Reading, talking, and playing games together offers an opportunity to build confidence and love into a child. It’s very gratifying to mentor a child and encourage the staff and teachers who pour their lives into educating children and caring for their families."
- Eva Schoon
"Each week I meet with a second-grader. I have been getting books from a local library for us to read. His teacher also sends work for him to do. We have a good time reading and playing games together."
- Branson Roberts
I am grateful that I can invest in another person, bringing consistency and a special time they can count on each week. I’ve been told that my child really looks forward to our time together and asks if I am coming each week. I enjoy knowing that I am bringing this comfort to their life.
- Tricia Ruffer
Cradles Of Grace
Supporting women and single moms in partnership with Pregnancy Resource Center.
We encourage and bring friendships to life by sharing a hot meal, doing weekly Bible studies with childcare, and walking beside moms in our community.
Helpful link:
"I enjoy going to Cradles Of Grace because it feels like family. I'm able to come talk about anything, learn about God and not feel judged! Everyone there is great!"
"It's a great support system. It gives moms and their children an opportunity to learn more about the Christian faith. It's a great place to gather and pray and get to know one another."
"It's a place to worship, fellowship, meet and bond with new friends and most importantly, learn and talk about God in a safe space."
