As a host site for the GED and ESOL classes, ACLC is also the charter organization for a Boy Scout Troop and a Cub Pack. Other classes held at the church include Grief Support classes, Zumba exercise, Tai Chi, Narcotics Anonymous, model car and airplane clubs, Fairborn Chess Club and Fairborn Civic Band/Fairborn Regional Orchestra music groups. The church also hosts a free Community Meal on Wednesday evenings and provides emergency food bags and hygiene products to the needy.
“When I was in the interview process to be called as a pastor to Abiding Christ, I was quite impressed with the number of groups and ministries happening within the church building and the impact that Abiding Christ made in the community,” said Lead Pastor June Fryman.
The classes within ACLC serve approximately 65 adult ESOL students per day. The ACLC Aspire classes –beginner, intermediate and advanced–are free for students and focus on teaching language in the context of students’ lives, utilizing their prior knowledge and experiences within the classroom. Students receive instruction in a multicultural environment, with instruction by the teacher given in English. The classes prioritize language instruction but there are also themes of cultural awareness, job skills training, development of soft skills, and other practical skills for adjusting to life in the United States.
The ACLC program has teachers for each level of classes, and relies on volunteers as both teachers and tutors to assist students in their language acquisition.
This fiscal year, the program expects to serve 100-200 adult students in need of English language instruction. As a result of their studies, many of these students are able to obtain jobs and progress in their professions and in higher education.
Here’s what they need:
- Notebooks
- Pens
- Pencils
- Dry erase markers
- Printer paper
- Lined paper
- Notecards
- 3-ring binders
- Folders
- Story books
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Soups (canned or dry)
- Ready to eat cereals (instant oatmeal, dry cereal, cream of wheat)
- Noodles
- Tuna ham (or other canned meat)
- Canned beef stew
- Instant potatoes
- Canned juices
- Crackers
- Hot chocolate
- Peanut butter (due to potential allergies, you are asked to keep peanut butter separate from other food items)
- Macaroni and cheese
- Rice/dry beans
- Cup of noodles
- Dry soup mixes
- Jam, jelly
- Pasta meals
- Processed cheese
- Powdered milk or shelf milk
- Instant coffee
- Tooth brush, toothpaste
- Razor
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Sanitary items for women
- Deodorant
- Combs
- Bottled water
Items can be brought to Abiding Christ Lutheran Church, 326 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Road, Fairborn, 45324 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. For more information, call 937-878-2888 or email office@abidingchrist.net. Website: www.abidingchrist.org
Other ways to help
The church is always looking for volunteers who receive training in ESOL instruction, are able to observe current teachers and then can assist in the classroom or teach a class themselves.
- Volunteers are also needed to tutor students one-on-one, or in small groups. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Hannah Matthews at hmatthews@mvctc.com or 765-620-7493.
- Check out the webpage to see class locations, times and other options, or to register as a student: www.mvctc.com/ae/programs/aspire-esol
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Meredith Moss writes about Dayton-area nonprofit organizations and their specific needs. If your group has a wish list it would like to share with our readers, contact Meredith: meredith.moss@coxinc.com. Please include a daytime phone number and a photo that reflects your group’s mission.
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