Erie House fosters literacy for immigrants in West Town 

By Hayley Carlton 

For more than 130 years, Erie Neighborhood House has helped immigrants in the West Town area, which has been a neighborhood of newcomers to the U.S. for most of its history. Although hip eating establishments and pricey condos now are ubiquitous in West Town, Erie House’s programs—including its community literacy program—still are needed.

                The literacy program’s volunteer staff tutors adults one-on-one and in small groups in English and basic adult education. It also prepares students for citizenship exams and interviews.

                Most of Erie’s services have waiting lists, and tutors for adults who need to improve their reading and writing skills are in short supply. “Right now, we have about 100 tutors, and we’re hoping to increase that to 200,” said Oswaldo Alvarez, community literacy program assistant.

                Erie House is reaching out to West Town’s newer residents in hopes they will volunteer. Among the benefits for volunteers is the opportunity to improve their Spanish skills.

                “Some of those who are receiving tutoring in English are willing to spend their time helping others learn Spanish,” said Maureen Hellwig, program director of Erie's language exchange program.

                Tutoring is designed for anyone who wants to improve their English reading and writing skills, not just for immigrants or those who speak English as a second language. “There are people, unfortunately, who attended our public schools who don’t necessarily have the level of English they would like,” said Hellwig.

                Others, such as Maria Figueroa, are English as a second language (ESL) students who want to learn the language and improve their skills. When asked if she knew English before taking classes at Erie House in April, Figueroa said, “Not really.”

                Tutoring is funded by Illinois Secretary of State and 27th Ward Committeeman Jesse White's Community Literacy Program. It differs from standard ESL classes because of its volunteer staff; standard ESL classes are taught by certified teachers, often in libraries.

                Volunteers attend a 12-hour training program (two six-hour classes held on Saturdays) plus a two-hour orientation and pledge to teach at least two hours a week. They typically spend a year with Erie House, though many remain with the program for years. Others, such as college students, may stay only for a college semester.

                Erie House opened in 1870 to serve a mostly German and Swedish population. As that group moved on, Italians and Poles came, followed by Latinos after World War II. Hellwig said Latino immigrants continue to come to Erie House because of it reputation and because they constitute much of West Town’s current immigrant population.

To help serve that population, “We reach out to churches and schools,” said Alvarez. Also, Erie opened a satellite center in Little Village, which has the largest Mexican population in the Midwest. Besides expanding services in that area, Erie is renovating a former cookie factory in partnership with the Little Village Community Development Corp. to create the Little Village Immigrant Resource Center. Today, “There are 300 students in West Town and 150 in Little Village,” said Alvarez, who noted many tutors work with more than one student.

                The original West Town location will continue to operate. “There are advantages to being in this area,” said Hellwig, such as being near downtown and the expressways.

                “The main difference we have had in West Town is our after school program, said Hellwig. "The local public school populations are greatly reduced, so we have to reach out farther. We may have to think of providing transportation.”

                Erie's other adult services include ESL classes at public schools and other locations, Spanish classes for native speakers, citizenship and immigration services including help applying for citizenship, and referrals for legal services. Erie House also provides children’s services such as day care, after school programs, and college readiness programs.

Most services are free, and Erie significantly discounts the cost of day care for parents who show proof of income. In addition, Erie provides technology access and training to the community, runs a charter school in Humboldt Park, and provides emergency services including a food kitchen.

                For more information, call Oswaldo Alvarez at (312) 432-2259 or e-mail him oalvarez@eriehouse.org or log on to www.eriehouse.org. Erie locations are 1347 W. Erie St., 1701 W. Superior St., 2510 W. Cortez St., and 4225 W. 25th St.