Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church upholds its name.
A couple of years ago, Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church had set aside money in their yearly Outreach budget to support a new refugee family. However, this year in light of the pandemic, an alternative was needed for the designated funds. The Outreach Committee discussed the situation with the LSS Development Department, and it was decided to donate the $5000 to the education department at the Center for New Americans in order to support technology in the classroom.
The LSS Center for New Americans provides English classes to preliterate through pre-GED students, vocational classes, and citizenship classes to refugees and immigrants within the Sioux Falls community. The classrooms were dramatically changed this past March when the program searched for a safe, online solution. As of today over 150 students are attending classes via Zoom, but with outdated laptops and lack of appropriate microphones and speakers, the initial launch of classes was accompanied with an array of technology challenges.
This generous donation supported the purchase of essential technology for the Center for New Americans. Classrooms are now equipped with instructor laptops, audio-speakers and microphones. Now limited in-person students and virtual students will be able to communicate with their teachers and their classmates.
Carole Chell, Outreach Team Leader, and also a volunteer for Lutheran Social Services, says, “I’m surprised how well it [using Zoom classrooms] has gone. The students have adapted well!”
Written by Heather Glidewell | LSS Center for New Americans | Adult ESL Instructor
300 East 6th Street, Suite 100 | Sioux Falls, SD 57103
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