Glimpses of Redemption: English Language Learning Program at Forked River

When Forked River Presbyterian Church (FRPC), a congregation with a vision and heart for community outreach ministries, formed the non-profit Mandorla in 2002, their first step was to open Precious Journey Preschool. Retired school principal and Elder Gloria Mako, a member of FRPC and Special Projects Coordinator for Mandorla, says, “I wanted create a multi-cultural experience because I knew the children would be moving into the global community. Even though Forked River had a tiny multi-ethnic population, we offered non/limited English speaking scholarships to make that possible.” By early 2006 the outreach included informal, free English Language Literacy (ELL) classes for adults with an all-volunteer staff. ELL attendance grew to 18 adults, with 15-18 children attending activities coordinated by volunteers.

There was also a growing awareness that they were only touching a small part of the growing immigrant population of the community. Having struggled with the issues of enthusiastic volunteers and limited funds and knowing that other congregations faced similar issues, the church applied for and received a $29,800 grant in 2007 from Presbyterian Women’s Creative Ministries to begin LEAP (Learn English at Preschool), an expanded community outreach ministry for adults and preschool children. In addition to addressing community needs, the LEAP will develop a model that can be shared.

In Forked River barriers between people are crumbling as relationships are built and stories told. In the LEAP classrooms, families learn that they are cared about, loved, and encouraged to participate without the fear of embarrassment or humiliation. And blessings flow in all directions, enriching the lives of teachers and volunteers who feel privileged to be a part of welcoming the stranger and building a transformed community.

By the way, the Mandorla, an ancient symbol of hope and healing, consists of two circles coming together and overlapping to form an almond shape in the middle. In this case, the Mandorla symbolizes the coming together of the church and the community at large.