The Gray House

Program Overview

Due to the pandemic, Adult Education is following three models: Blended (on-site and online), virtual, and no technology. Each student is paired with a trained tutor for virtual or telephone practice. These learning models allow for smaller class sizes at The Gray House so that students and staff alike adhere to social distancing best practices, as well as provide increased scheduling flexibility and instructional time for the students. The development of computer skills is an essential component of the virtual practice aspect of these models, and the program will ensure that each student has his/her own Chromebook while attending on-site classes. For virtual practice, students will be paired with trained volunteers for assistance and be able to use Chromebooks at The Gray House by appointment.

The program focuses on helping migrants improve their English language skills while incorporating life skills. The Gray House provides students with a safe, encouraging and supportive learning setting that emphasizes fundamental skills (reading, writing, math, finance, health and computer/digital) instruction, beginner ESOL, literacy development and intermediate level English conversation practice. The goal of the program is to help them gain self-sufficiency, better integrate into their community and give them the skills needed to break the cycle of poverty. To accomplish this, the Adult Education program uses a three-pronged approach which includes Literacy and Beginner ESOL classes, English Conversation Circles for intermediate level speakers and the Community Connection Skills Series.

Cost Info

Student and Volunteer Success Stories

Ken Perreault, one of the Adult Education Teaching Assistants at The Gray House agreed to be interviewed about his volunteer experience:

1. What brought you to the Gray House? I am all about helping people. Growing up the way I did with people teasing me because of my disabilities, I know what it's like to be left out and on the side lines. I realize that refugees and migrants must also feel relegated and left out because they don't know the language. I went to the Gray House website because I was looking for something worthwhile to do … and I am a teacher who wanted to teach again.

2. What does assisting in the Adult Education classroom bring to you? It brings me joy and friendship. I am helping marginalized people feel that they belong. Gaining the ability to read, write and speak English not only gives them a sense of belonging, but also invites them to be part of a larger community. The Gray House is a multi-ethnic and multicultural family for me, and I am a part of that family.

3. What have you accomplished in your short time at the Gray House? I was placed as a volunteer tutor at the Literacy level where people are learning to read, write and pronounce. Not being literate … even in their own language …has held them back from fitting in and surviving. I have seen several of the people I work with blossom as they grow. Adults who have been in a constant state of gray … clothing, facial expressions, and outlook on life … have seen the sun come out. They are smiling, laughing and wearing bright colors.

4. What are you looking forward to in the future at the Gray House? I am looking forward to being a blessing for others … cheering them on, helping them achieve, and assisting them in their daily lives. I want to not only teach these students, but encourage them and raise their self-esteem. As Mother Teresa said: "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love."