Street signs. Medical forms. Job applications. Words are everywhere.

And for our young moms who are not native English speakers, lack of English proficiency makes the regular challenges of teen parenthood that much more difficult. English as a Second Language (ESL) research has shown that the ability to read, write, and speak English is one of the most important indicators of future success for immigrants to the U.S and one of the key first steps to achieving education and employment goals.

Summer is an especially tricky time for those in need of ESL instruction, because most area classes run through the school year. To fill this gap in services, YoungMoms facilitated five ESL workshops this summer to launch our non-English speakers on their language-learning journey. We provided instruction (yay for bilingual staff!), study materials, and ample time to practice new skills. We also worked with volunteers to offer transportation and child care– obstacles that might otherwise prevent our young moms from participating. And as summer came to a close, we connected each young woman to local literacy programs at the Kennett Library and Chester County Intermediate Unit for ongoing language education.

Interested in practicing English with one of our young moms? Contact our Volunteer Coordinator at Courtney.Taylor@youngmomscommunity.com for more info!