ROCKFORD—Catholic Charities’ Refugee Resettlement Program has again begun to welcome refugees and it is preparing for those numbers to rise, perhaps to levels the program has had in the past.

Refugees that the office helps to resettle are vetted by the government and are entering the U.S. legally.

With the increase in clients, volunteers are greatly needed, particularly to teach English as a second language (ESL).

Program director Janet Biljeskovic says although their clients are sent to Rock Valley College for classes, the process of learning English is best started upon their arrival.

Classes begin in September and are held in person, either one-to-one or in small groups at Catholic Charities’ classrooms.

The time requirement is two hours, once or twice a week. Volunteers can make short- or long-terms commitments.

Vocabulary basics are taught to adults using pictures, objects, pantomime and picture dictionaries. It is a matter of teaching the basics — name, phone number, address, objects in the classroom — and talking about children, foods, pictures, their country.

Biljeskovic says a warm smile and willingness to welcome strangers are the main requirements. Teaching experience or ESL certification are bonuses.

Other needs

Volunteers are needed for a variety of services, including:

�–��...Preparing apartments for new arrivals;

�–��...Driving people to appointments, such as school registration and medical appointments; and

�–��...Helping with job searches through resume preparation, job readiness classes and so on.

Info: Janet Biljeskovic, 779-210-4015, or [email protected]