Esperanza Center Educational Services

Program Overview

Esperanza Center is a one-stop-shop for immigrants. It is part of the Community Services arm of Catholic Charities of Baltimore. Other programs in the Esperanza Center are Health Services, Legal Services, Social Services, and Client Services (referrals). Esperanza Center has been serving immigrants since 1963.

Cost Info

Student and Volunteer Success Stories

Volunteer-Teacher quote (Fall 2024 - AO Newcomer/ Intro level):

My entire class has been amazing. They are a group of dedicated, hard-working people. Most want to learn English so they can get a better job. The few who have decent jobs want to be able to communicate better with their co-workers. Many of them have 2-3 jobs. Two of them work nights and then come to class and then go home to sleep for a while before going back to work. They are so sincere, hard-working, and earnest and don't get discouraged by trying to learn what I'm thinking is the hardest language in the world! Our class size has dwindled which the coordinator says happens often at this time of year but it's not from disinterest. They have families, their work schedules change, etc. I feel fortunate to be able to work with the few that have stuck with it.

Students' quotes (Fall 2024 - AO Newcomer/ Intro level):

• Now I can speak with my cousin who only speaks English. I can speak with work colleagues more easily.
• I can understand customers and my manager at work. Knowing English is helpful at the supermarket.
• I am beginning to understand the waiters at work.
• I'm more social and can make conversation with people in English.
• Knowing English is helpful at work because I can communicate with servers. I'm able to make new friends.
• I have learned more vocabulary and can now understand and say longer phrases and sentences at work.