Every day, immigrants and refugees from around the world move into Chester County. They are skilled, hard working men and women. In order to find suitable employment and become citizens, they must learn to speak our language and become familiar with our culture. The Volunteer English Program (VEP) In Chester County attempts to improve the quality of life for adult immigrants and refugees by providing one-on-one English language and cultural tutoring.

Description:
Each year VEP trains approximately 150 volunteers to teach English as a second language free of charge to adult immigrants and refugees in Chester County. Though our students come from over 40 different countries, the only language a tutor needs to know is English. With the help of the initial training workshop, continuing development opportunities, topnotch materials and ongoing mentoring by the VEP staff, volunteers from the community learn to teach English in an effective and rewarding way. Last year over 200 students were served by volunteers with widely varied backgrounds, but a similar goal; to make a difference one person to another.

History:
The program was started 16 years ago when volunteers responded to the plea for help in aiding immigrants and refugees to survive and assimilate in their new country.The program has grown from a small group of 10 volunteers and 10 students to approximately 150 volunteers and over 200 students.

Contact people:

Linda Grosse, Executive Director, (phone), (email) Carol Klauss, Program Director, (phone), (email) Sandy Meyer, Assistant Executive Director, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: Fax# 610 918 8223

Address:

790 East Market Street, Suite 215 West Chester, PA 19382 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.volunteerenglish.org

Directions:

Our office is at the intersection of Market Street and Westtown Road in the Marshall Building, 790 E. Market Street - Suite 215   Nearest Bus Stop: Right out front For maps or information, please see http://www.septa.com/

Miscellaneous Information

Are court referrals welcomed?
	Yes