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Our Mission
Our mission is to provide language and cultural support to new Americans (immigrants, refugees, and asylees) as they transition towards independence into the local community.
Our Vision
Healing our community around education with seamless Language Acquisition and Cultural Exchange for new Americans (immigrants, refugees, and asylees).
Programs
Moms & Tots
Refugee mothers and their preschoolers learn English together through play, songs, and stories. The program began on Wednesdays in November 2023 at Mary’s Place Refugee Outreach. In Spring 2024, LACE added a second location of Moms & Tots at World Relief Western New York.
English Summer Camp
English Summer Camp is an English language immersion day camp for elementary students. The participants have fun, make friends, play games, do arts and crafts, and much more! The first English Summer Camp was held in August 2023 at Mary’s Place Refugee Outreach. LACE held two sessions of camp at Mary’s Place in the summer of 2024.
Mini Camp
Mini-Camp is a small taste of our English Camp for school-aged children that is held on afternoons when school is not in session at Mary’s Place Refugee Outreach. Both our summer campers and new attendees have a lot of fun while practicing their English skills.
Women's English Classes
In March 2024, LACE began monthly English classes for women. These classes are held at Catholic Charities Family and Community Services and are focused on health and life skills.
Taste of English
Every month LACE holds short, back-to-back beginner's English classes at St. Michael's Church. In partnership with Rochester Hope, the classes are available for community members while they wait for their turn at the food pantry. These classes began in June 2024.
English for Older Refuges
Together with Catholic Charities Family and Community Services and the Henrietta Senior Center, LACE offers classes for older refugees, focusing on conversation and citizenship preparation. Classes have been held weekly at the Senior Center since September 2024.
Job Readiness English
In February 2025, we began a new program for more advanced English learners at Catholic Charities Family and Community Service. These wekly classes focus on entering the workplace.