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Applied in 2008

CWJC's Williamson County ESL Program

Christian Women's Job Corps of Middle TN

Program Facts

  • Paid (FTE) Staff Working: 0.5
  • Program Participants Last Year: 40
  • Meets about 8 time(s) with each participant per month
  • Participants remain in the program for 18 months

Volunteers

Volunteers per month: 14

Volunteers are trained:

Volunteer Training
AlwaysRarely

Volunteers are actively recruited:

Volunteer Recruiting
AlwaysRarely

Board Activities

  • Formally reviews the performance of the chief executive officer at least once every two years.
  • Formally approves the budget.
  • Ensures that arrangements with outside fund raising firms are made in writing.
  • Receives information about the financial arrangements with such firms and, if applicable, the anticipated portion of the gross proceeds that goes to the organization.
  • Has formally approved a conflict of interest policy and regularly monitors it to ensure adherence.
  • Receives, at least quarterly, the organization's financial statement.
  • Receives, at least annually, an auditor's management letter and report.
  • Convenes an audit committee.

Outcomes & Measures: (self-reported)

Outcome 1
Students exhibits the ability to speak and understand spoken English

Measure
Intake assessment, teacher feedback, progress through ESL curriculum and workbook, and mid and final assessments.

Outcome 2
Advanced Students gain stronger reading and writing skills and comprehension and students pursue take the GED or ACT.

Measure
Intake/placement assessment, teacher feedback, progress through ESL curriculum and workbook, mid and final assessments, and success in taking the GED or ACT

Change Process: (self-reported)

The women participating in the ESL program gain skills in speaking, reading, and writing the English language. We begin with an initial assessment to determine level of ability and class placement. The participants sign an attendance agreement to show their commitment since there are no fees for the program or childcare. The instructors and volunteers work with the women using curriculum and other tools. Class size is small building a safe environment to learn. Our assessments are reflecting measurable progress and results. However, it is in seeing the women gain higher wage jobs and enter the GED program, that we are seeing them accomplish their dreams.

Learning English helps the women assimilate into our culture. The ESL program gives them a safe environment to develop their skills, gaining confidence and a willingness to speak. The program also touches on life skills such as how to dress. The women who are primarily of Mexican heritage, feel the discrimination in our culture and know they are looked down upon. They want to fit in, acclimate into American life. Teachers, volunteers, and participants were overjoyed when one women gaining strong enough language skills to become a cashier. Similarly, a mother was able to speak to the doctor about her sick child. Speaking English opens doors of great opportunity and changes life for the whole family.