Open Doors English speaks for itself, and the message is uplifting

Ithaca’s much loved First Presbyterian Church, home to Open Doors English, was the venue for the premiere of a short film about ODE on April 13, 2025. On a rare sunny Sunday afternoon, the large meeting room in the beautiful church was packed, with every seat filled and standing room only.

Open Door English students arriving from 40 different countries have been coming to the Presbyterian Church on weekdays since September 2019 to learn or enhance their ability to speak English. Around 300 students take classes each year. ODE students moved the audience with their description of this program:

 “This is a safe place, where I am welcomed. My fellow students are now my community, here, so far away from home…Before I understood English, I was like an invisible person. Now I can be part of the community in Ithaca.”

Open Doors English co-directors, Elizabeth Susmann and Hilary Boyer, explained that students may come here as permanent residents, temporary residents, refugees, asylum seekers, or fellowship awardees. Students may be trying to improve their English skills, find work, obtain a driver’s license, or achieve a certification. Whatever brings them to ODE, they are welcomed. Elizabeth: “Open Doors English is more than just a language school; it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Our students demonstrate the power of human resilience every day and come together to give and receive kindness and support.” 

Current ODE students described Open Doors English as their refuge in the time of their lives when they needed it the most:

“Here I can connect with people. We learn and we explore, and we have fun. When we left our home country, we didn’t expect that…Here, we can go on field trips and visit the library, Ithaca Community Gardens, the Sciencenter, and many other places. Some of us volunteer where extra hands are needed…As we receive help, and then help others, we become a part of this wonderful Ithaca community.”

“We each arrived as strangers, and we have become friends. For life.”

“Open Doors English is not just a school; this is a family. We encourage each other so we can all make a better life.”

“I had a dream—to learn English, and now I can speak with my co-workers, I can ask questions and answer questions. Open Doors English made my dream possible.”  

One student’s journey began with P. not knowing a word of English. In her home country she had attended only a little school. While busily parenting children and finding her way in a new, unfamiliar country, she signed up for the introductory level of classes at ODE. Over the years, whenever she could attend, she did, and she remained determined to learn as much as she could.

P. mastered English and she obtained her GED. She graduated from TC3 and is now employed as a medical interpreter. She helps others who are not proficient in English understand and communicate with medical practitioners. Once a person who could not communicate in English, she is now a translator for others, who are in the situation she has gone beyond, through her hard work and Open Doors English’s continual support.

Many ODE students come to Ithaca because of tragic circumstances—a civil war or governmental collapse in their home country. Some arrive from countries in which they never had the chance to receive any formal education. Most of the students are far away from their families of origin. So many ODE students  arrive experiencing overwhelming fears, trauma, and  feelings of loss. As students at ODE gain mastery of English, they can share those feelings with others, although they arrived from different countries, speaking different languages. Their English makes their important connections possible, not just for employment or the ability to help their children settle in a new land, but also to be able to lay down the burdens of their heart with friends who understand.

 “We can begin to reconcile our past lives, to describe our loss of home, family, culture, with others who know what that means… Thank you Open Doors English for being here for me. Ithaca is peaceful and beautiful and the people in Ithaca are kind and generous.”

“We left our country to come here as part of Ithaca’s City of Asylum. I heard about Open Doors English when I saw a poster for an ODE Language Café. All Ithacans are invited to come and practice their language with ODE students at the Language Cafés. If there are no Ithacans who speak my language, I instead practice my English. We also learn about other programs we can join—to work in healthcare or hospitality, for example. “

“Melissa, one of our teachers, is an artist. She taught English as a Second Language, so she understands our studies at ODE. We make art projects together and it is a time of sharing, fun, relaxation.”

 On Sunday April 13^th many people came to see the ODE film. New York State Assemblymember Anna Kelles spoke about her valiant work to protect immigration, and the many ways she supports ODE. The large audience and ODE students clapped and cheered Anna’s efforts.

“Being a part of Open Doors English is incredibly precious,” said one student. “Here I belong. I am a part of something special. Coming here gives me hope.”

Open Doors English will hold a community dinner on Saturday, May 3rd at 5:30PM at the First Presbyterian Church (315 N Cayuga St). The food will be various vegetarian dishes from Afghanistan and international desserts. The dinner will be in-person, sit-down style. Seating will be limited; reserve seats at opendoorsenglish.org/events from April 1st-25th.