Focus Points: Supporting Community Members in Learning English

This is a story product from Colorado Equity Compass (CEC) Awardee, Focus Points Family Resource Center. The Center serves thousands of diverse adults and many face some of the greatest barriers to educational attainment and economic stability in the state. In the Globeville, Elyria and Swansea neighborhoods, 24% of adults are not English speaking. Each individual has their own story to share. Jose, who lives in the area and grew up in a Spanish-speaking home, was not comfortable with his English-language skills. He wanted to be more comfortable talking on the phone and speaking to his children's’ teachers. So, he partnered with Focus Points Family Resource Center, a nonprofit aimed at building better communities by strengthening families. Jose took English classes through the program’s adult education program to take the next step in becoming comfortable with the language. Read Jose’s story and quote to see what a difference it has made for him and his family: Jose used Focus Points’ Adult Education program to gain confidence with his second language. Jose grew up in a Spanish-speaking home. Now a father, he knows that to support his children, he must take his English to the next level. Jose used to feel nervous talking on the phone and talking to his children’s teachers. Now, Jose feels more comfortable speaking English. We asked why learning English is so important to him, Jose says, “I want to learn more so that my children can be a little bit proud of me.”