English as a Second Language

Ramsey Memorial's outreach efforts draw an overflow crowd

BY DENA SLOAN
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER

Oct 15, 2005

Staffers didn't have to go far to get the word out about the English as a Second Language program at Ramsey Memorial United Methodist Church.

The South Richmond church is in the heart of several Hispanic neighborhoods.

So fliers announcing free civics and English sessions were posted at businesses and restaurants nearby on Hull Street. Most cater to the Spanish-speaking community.

More than 100 people registered for the program last week. An additional 70 participants showed up Tuesday night, leaving one teacher scrambling to find extra chairs for her classroom and other instructors facing logistical problems.

"Isn't this wonderful? We have so many more people than we expected," said Julia Williams, Ramsey's outreach director who is leading the ESL program.

Tuesday, she darted between classrooms where she was giving pep talks to English learners. "I'm so excited. I'm 76 years old and I'm just like a new babe."

Ramsey Memorial has also seen a new burst of life since deciding a few years ago to bulk up the church's outreach programs to meet community needs.

Initiatives such as providing tutors and mentors for area children, and emergency housing for the homeless are among those efforts.

Last month, the church celebrated the opening of a $2.2 million, 1,200-square-foot addition to house its evening community-basketball program. And there's talk of starting a soccer league for local children.

Diversity has become a springboard for the church's outreach and Christian mission.

A few years ago, the church, with a mostly white congregation, hired a black pastor. And Ramsey Memorial recently began offering worship services in Spanish. The church also offers Spanish classes for its English-speaking members.

For the first time in more than a decade, the congregation of about 800 members will see an increase in membership this year, said Pastor Joe Winfree.

"I believe folks in the community realize we're genuine, that we welcome and embrace them," Winfree said. "We really believe this church can be a reflection of the kingdom of God."

To help reach the neighborhood's Spanish speakers, Ramsey Memorial recently hired Williams, who worked for 10 years as a missionary in Bolivia. The program is operating with a $74,000 renewable grant from the Virginia Department of Education and a $500 In My Backyard Award from the University of Richmond Chaplaincy.

With the funds, Williams is able to purchase computer equipment and curriculum materials, and hire teachers for the English program. Plans are to turn the church's computer area into a language-learning lab and make the facility available for use by local residents.

"It's definitely a positive spot in terms of having a place the community can go in this area," said Tanya Gonzalez, manager of Richmond's Hispanic Liaison office, located near the church.

Virginia Genao plans to spend Tuesday and Thursday nights for the next 12 weeks at Ramsey Memorial working on her English skills. The Dominican woman, who earned a master's degree in human resources in her home country, moved to the U.S. in January to help strengthen her English literacy.

Genao already takes ESL classes at a high school on Monday and Wednesday nights. She said she's hoping to receive a student visa so she can take college classes in the U.S., "but first I need to improve my skill of English."