Open Door English Celebrates 5 years!

Open Door English, located in the First Presbyterian Church at 315 N. Cayuga St., is celebrating 5 years of providing English classes (and so much more) for immigrants and refugees.

Liz Susmann, Co-Director, said, “This year, our enrollment doubled, and we are serving more refugees and other low-income immigrants than we ever have before. So much is happening in the world, and our students arrive here seeking safety and the opportunity to live and work and raise families in peace.”

“New students are coming from Central and South America—Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Nicaragua, Guatemala, but also from Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Haiti…We remain committed to welcoming every student who comes to us.”

“Many of our students this year have arrived with very little or no English. As a result, enrollment in our beginner level classes has tripled…Some days our class for beginners has been so full we couldn’t fit another chair inside the classroom–standing room only!”

“Childcare can be a barrier to accessing classes for our students. We partner closely with Global Roots Play School, a project of Ithaca Welcomes Refugees, which is located just a couple blocks away. Having safe, lively childcare provided by sympathetic adults is a huge support for the nearby ODE parents learning English, to prepare for future employment and community integration.”

“We know we have many students who are suffering from and coping with trauma and depression, as a result from having to leave their home, their culture, family, and friends under terrifying circumstances. Many have escaped or been driven out of a country at war. The relationships and community fostered in our program are hugely important and cathartic for our students. One student told me how grateful she was to come to ODE every day because of how crazy she would feel if she had to stay home trapped in her anxiety over the war in her home country and fear for her family members still there.”

 “One of our teachers, Melissa Zarem, recently began an Art to Open Doors class, now offered to ODE students. Melissa created this class to provide a space where students don’t need language to express themselves, where students can experience the solace of being with others while creating. Relaxing, having fun, countering loneliness are universal longings. Something we can all savor. Something we can all understand.”

Melissa Zarem, an accomplished artist, with experience teaching English as a Second Language as well, shares what led her to start an art class at Open Doors English: 

Melissa: “In my class we have almost as many nationalities as we have individual stories. Some people are escaping war, poverty, and violence, while others are getting advanced academic degrees. No matter the story, it seemed apparent that this group could use a venue for artistic expression; art can be a great tool for processing hard things. It can also connect us to people in ways that words alone cannot. And it alleviates loneliness.”

“Art to Open Doors is an expressive art class that allows students to simultaneously practice both visual and verbal communication.  Students get experience using a wide range of materials, while trying printmaking, painting, drawing, book making, and fiber arts. We have a lot of fun together!”

“While making art at any level can help people heal, learn, and connect to others, sharing art can be instrumental in making the shift from coping to thriving.”

This year, Open Doors English is celebrating 5 years of serving Ithaca’s immigrants and refugees! They invite all of us to celebrate with them on Saturday, May 4th, at the First Presbyterian Church, where a delicious birthday dinner at 5:30 PM will be served, followed by a fabulous benefit concert at 7:00 PM..

Liz tells us the celebration begins with a sit-down dinner. ODE is preparing a Latin American menu in honor of their many students from that region. Seating is limited, so be sure to reserve seats by April 30^th by emailing Liz: esusmann.ode@gmail.com

Following the dinner, all are invited to enjoy a concert by Cascadilla Creek, a women’s ensemble performing Celtic, Swedish, Northern European, Irish, Scottish, and New England music. 

This concert is free and open to the public, and will include a bake sale of homemade international treats at intermission.

ODE hopes to welcome you on May 4. 

5:30 p.m.: Dinner! Reserve your seat by April 30.

7 p.m.: Concert/Bake Sale: Open to all!

For more information about this evening of food, connection, and music contact: Liz Susmann, esusmann.ode@gmail.com, 607-319-5051

Liz: “ODE is the vibrant, joyful program it is not only because of the love, dedication, and sacrifice of its teachers and staff, but because of the outpouring of community support that encircles us. Every contribution to our work is an investment in the future–not only the future of ODE, but the collective future we envision together.”

Checks can be mailed to: Center for Transformative Action, PO Box 760, Ithaca, NY 14851. Checks should be made out to “CTA” with “Open Doors English” in the memo line.

To give online, please contact Liz Susmann: esusmann.ode@gmail.com for instructions.

Open Doors English is a project of the Center for Transformative Action, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, which accepts all funds on our behalf.