English Language Center

We deeply value the friends, neighbors and colleagues who have resettled in the U.S. seeking safety and belonging. We understand that recent federal policy changes and national headlines are creating big questions. We’re in this together, and we hope this newsletter helps you feel more connected, informed and prepared. https://mailchi.mp/idahorefugees/dec2025?e=2aac800ea0

On September 8th, we will start Evening English Classes for adults. Classes will be twice a week from 5:30 - 7:30pm.

Contact us to set up an enrollment time. Call, text, WhatsApp 208-949-0238!

Please share and spread the word!!

Federal court rules Trump administration can't use travel ban to keep 80 refugees out of U.S. In a decision late Monday, U.S. District Judge Jamal Whitehead in Seattle said President Donald Trump's June order banning the entry of people from 12 countries expressly states that it does not limit the ability of people to seek refugee status.

Come check out the West Bench Farmers Market!

Shop local and support Boise vendors, including many from refugee backgrounds. Fresh produce, handmade goods, and great community vibes - every purchase makes a difference!!

https://www.westbenchfarmersmarket.org/

It's the last day of Idaho Gives and we're 1/3 of the way to our goal of raising $3,000! We feel so fortunate to have such a supportive community standing beside us and our students.

There's still time to help us reach our goal and continue to provide access to effective, supportive, and welcoming English Language classes. Please consider donating and sharing!

https://www.idahogives.org/organizations/english-language-center

You can show your support for Refugees in Idaho by donating to the English Language Center during Idaho Gives 2025! Donations go directly toward helping students reach their English language learning goals and better understand the cultural nuances of their new community.

https://www.idahogives.org/organizations/english-language-center

Today marks 45 years since the U.S. Refugee Act was signed into law, providing a standardized framework for welcoming refugees and asylees and helping them integrate and succeed in their new communities.

The act had strong bipartisan support in Congress and created the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. That program is currently paused due to an executive order, impacting people who have waited years to resettle and prolonging family separations in Idaho.

Welcoming refugees is the right thing to do, and it makes our communities stronger in many ways. We echo what President Jimmy Carter, who signed the Refugee Act, said four years ago, “We as Americans can reflect on our decision as a nation to welcome the stranger and renew our commitment to remaining a beacon of hope for freedom-loving people everywhere.”

Find more resources here and ways you can support resettlement: https://www.idahorefugees.org/blog/honoring-the-45th-anniversary-of-the-refugee-act

The refugee resettlement world is tough right now, and like many organizations, we’re facing uncertainty—especially when it comes to funding. One small but incredibly impactful way to support our work is by donating classroom supplies.

Right now, we’re completely out of lined paper and running low on other essentials. If you’d like to help, we’ve made it easy with our Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1NNRLJD1Y0U1G?ref_=wl_share

Every donation, big or small, helps ensure that our students have the materials they need to learn and thrive. Thank you for standing with us!

Check out my list on Amazon

During challenging times for resettlement, we found joy and connection at our annual Appreciation Lunch at the State Capitol with the Idaho Dairymen's Association. Thank you to community members from refugee backgrounds, resettlement partners, business endorsers, legislators, and Capitol staff who came and enjoyed good food and conversation together.
Learn more: https://www.idahorefugees.org/blog/idahoans-show-refugee-appreciation-at-the-capitol

We’re thankful for this local family for sharing their story. We can only imagine the immense grief and disappointment of your loved ones’ flights being canceled after finally receiving approval.

Idaho Capital Sun: https://idahocapitalsun.com/2025/02/06/they-had-tickets-a-flight-number-an-arrival-time-then-trumps-executive-order-changed-everything/

Share Your Story: One thing we can all do is use our voice to bring light. Please take a moment to share why welcoming refugees matters to you. It could be your own personal journey or how your life has been improved by knowing someone from a refugee background. Let's uplift messages of love and support. Submission Form: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/21ca40757454403593b998d6cba03948

Winter 2024 festive fun at the English Language Center -- we ate, colored, played bingo, practiced English, and even attempted a dance party. Thanks to all our volunteers, students, and staff for making our classes full of good cheer, connection, and learning. Happy holidays from the ELC! 😄