What began as a small volunteer effort 10 years ago has grown into one of CEDC’s most enduring partnerships. Through Tabor Academy’s Juntos program, dozens of high school students each year work alongside adult learners in CEDC’s ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program, helping to create a welcoming space where both language skills and relationships grow.
The partnership began in 2016 after Tabor Academy teacher and Global Education Director Jon Sirois attended an immigration forum hosted by CEDC. The event left a lasting impression.
“I walked away from it with a profound sense that there had to be more that we, my students, could do,” Sirois said. “They already had an ESOL program, and we thought that at the very least we could be an auxiliary part of it.”
Today, about 75 Tabor students participate annually, contributing more than 600 volunteer hours per year. Working in small groups, students partner with adult English learners, practicing conversation, reviewing curriculum activities, and building relationships that often last for years. Over the past decade, the program has welcomed XX ESOL students, enabling them to speak up at work, gain promotions, receive certifications, talk to medical professionals, and become more engaged in civic life.
“This class is more than learning English. It is a place where I feel welcome. It is nice to come somewhere where people know my name and believe in me,” said a recent ESOL program participant.
“For many of our ESOL students, coming to class means showing up after working long hours, caring for their families, and, today, often dealing with uncertainty in their daily lives,” said CEDC Executive Director Corinn Williams. “Their commitment to learning English despite those challenges is remarkable. The Tabor students have helped to create more than a classroom. It’s a safe space, where every week, people feel welcomed and connected.”
Creating a sense of connectedness is embedded into the tutoring philosophy. Before entering the classroom, Tabor students receive training that focuses not only on language instruction techniques, but also on humility and relationship building.
“It’s very apparent from 10 minutes into the first night that our students get as much out of this experience as they give. It’s more about being a good friend and neighbor than anything else, said Sirois. “We tell our students it’s an honor and a privilege to be a footnote in someone else’s story.”
Looking ahead, both CEDC and Tabor Academy continue to find new ways to strengthen the program, including expanding the use of technology in 2026 with laptops to support learning outside the classroom.
“For ten years, this partnership has shown that when people invest their time and build genuine relationships, everyone grows stronger. That’s the kind of community we’re proud to help build every day,” said Corinn Williams.
A special thank you to the Polaroid Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation and the Island Foundation for their support of CEDC’s 2025-26 ESOL program.
If you’re interested in volunteering in the next session of ESOL classes in the fall, please contact Corinn Williams – corinn@cedcnewbedford.org
