COVID-19 UPDATE: We are offering virtual conversation groups to all residents of DuPage County through our partner libraries.
Information is below on how to join remotely.
Please feel free to contact us at 331-472-7160 or lwickramasinghe@literacydupage.org for more information.
Conversation Groups
Conversation groups give intermediate level and above adult English as a Second Language (ESL) learners more practice speaking English in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. There is no charge for attendance. Registration is required to attend a group. Use the links below to register for one or more groups.
All adult English learners—and their tutors—are welcome!
Schedule of Conversation Groups
Addison Public Library
4 Friendship Plaza, Addison, IL 60101
Every Monday of every month
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Register at: https://addisonlibrary.libcal.com/calendar/events?cid=1391&t=d&d=2020-12-07&cal=1391&inc=0
For more information, contact: Guest Services at 630-543-3617
Indian Prairie Public Library
401 Plainfield Rd, Darien, IL 60561
Every Wednesday of every month
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Register at: https://ippl.info/calendar-events/online-programs
For more information, contact: Adult Services at 630-887-8760 ext. 240
Itasca Community Library
500 W Irving Park Rd, Itasca, IL 60143
Every Wednesday of every month
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Register at: https://www.itascalibrary.org/libcal_adult/
For more information, contact: Adult Services at 630-773-1699
West Chicago Public Library
118 W. Washington Street, West Chicago, IL 60185
Every Thursday of every month
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Register at: http://westchicago.evanced.info/signup/Calendar
For more information, contact: Information Desk at 630-231-1552
Wheaton Public Library
225 N Cross St, Wheaton, IL 60187
Every Saturday of every month
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Register at: https://www.wheatonlibrary.org/events/all?field_age_group_tid%5B%5D=42
For more information, contact: Adult Services at 630-868-7520
Woodridge Public Library
3 Plaza Dr, Woodridge, IL 60517
Every Tuesday of every month
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Register at: https://www.woodridgelibrary.org/virtual-esl-conversation-group-8
For more information, contact: Adult Services at 630-961-4100 ext. 2212
For more information, please contact us via email at lwickramasinghe@literacydupage.org or by calling 331-472-7160.
Websites
- Activities for ESL Students site offers a wide variety of interactive quizzes, tests, exercises, and puzzles for ESL learners. a4esl.org
- Applying Research in Reading Instruction for Adults offers First Steps for Teachers, which was developed by the National Institute for Literacy for Basic Literacy learners. lincs.ed.gov/publications/html/mcshane
- Aunt Bertha connects people and programs through its millions of users to Community Based Organizations, hospitals, health plans, governments, and school. This online database covers every ZIP Code in the United States. Begin by typing in your Zip Code and search for free or reduced-cost services like medical care, food, job training, and more.
- Bridging Refugee Youth & Children’s Services site offers a booklet titled, Raising Children in a New Country: An Illustrated Handbook. This resource can help foreign born parents adjust to the different laws, norms and practices related to raising children in the United States. brycs.org
- Center For Adult English Language Acquisition (CAELA) site has a collection of articles based on research that are called digests on many diverse topics for ESL and BL tutors. cal.org/caela/esl_resources/digests.html
- Dave’s ESL Cafe is one of the best sites for tutors and students. Includes many links, activities, teacher tips, and lesson plans. Great starting point for teachers. www.daveseslcafe.com
- English as a Second Language (ESL) Special Collection is the LINCS (Literacy Information and Communication System of the National Institute for Literacy (NIFL)) site for ESL teachers and students with articles and links to numerous other useful ESL sites. literacynet.org/esl
- EnglishPage.com site provides free English lessons and exercises. It also offers links to a variety of ESL reading and listening resources. englishpage.com
- GCFLearnFree.org is a site that provides step-by-step instructions on a variety of math skills and computer topics. This site requires a good amount of reading, but may be a good resource for higher-level students and tutors. gcflearnfree.org
- The Internet Picture Dictionary site offers a free, multilingual picture dictionary designed for students and beginning English, French German, Spanish, and Italian language learners of all ages. pdictionary.com
- LEARN – Libraries’ English and Reading Network comprises mainly library and nonprofit organization staff members interested in providing materials and services to adults learning to read, speak and understand English. The group shares ideas about providing and marketing service, maintains a database of organizations that offer those services, and investigates and publicizes joint funding opportunities. adultslearnenglish.org
- Learning Vocabulary Fun site has a variety of word games to develop vocabulary skills. vocabulary.co.il
- Logical Games and Puzzles site offers a collection of free math puzzles and brainteasers to provide practice for students in math and critical thinking skills. Download the three “logic” files at the bottom of the page, and then run them to unlock a multitude of games. archives.math.utk.edu
- Safe Kids Worldwide offers easy-to-read materials about an assortment of safety topics. safekids.org/library
- SpellingCity.com site allows one to enter spelling lists, play games to practice the words, and take online spelling tests. www.spellingcity.com
- Utah Education Network: Thinkfinity Literacy Network Course Catalog offers free online courses. www.uen.org/thinkfinity
Resource agencies
- Adult Learning Resource Center (ALRC) supports excellent workshops for tutors on a variety of topics. thecenterweb.org/alrc
- Community Career Center provides a variety of services for job seekers. communitycareercenter.org
- LINCS Literacy Information and Communication System is a national leadership initiative of the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) to expand evidence-based practice in the field of adult education. https://learner.lincs.ed.gov/
- Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) provides information on immigrant and refugee issues, services, and programs. icirr.org
- US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is a US government website with information on citizenship. uscis.gov
- workNet DuPage Career Center is DuPage County’s premier location for training, developing, and connecting the local workforce. The Center houses representation from several partner agencies who share the common goal of providing job seekers with the tools necessary for successful employment, as well as assisting employers in strengthening their workforce. worknetdupage.org
Social service agencies
There are a large number of community agencies that provide a wide range of social services.
Literacy DuPage has compiled a list which provides contact information for food pantries, shelter, domestic abuse victims, medical resources, and much more.
Community Services for Learners & Tutors
General Information
DuPage County Human Services, Information and Referral
630-407-6500
Career Counseling & Job Training
Goodwill/Workforce Connection Center
630-576-4661
Jane Adams Resource Corporation (JARC — Metro West)
773-728-9769
People’s Resource Center
630-682-5402
Power Connection
630-679-6899
Women Employed
312-782-3902
workNet DuPage Career Center
630-955-2030
YMCA of Metro Chicago- Training Alliance
312-932-1200
Domestic Abuse
Child Abuse Hotline
800-252-2873
Community Crisis Center
847-697-2380
Family Shelter Services
630-221-8290
DuPage County Children’s Advocacy Center
630-407-2750
Child Care
YWCA Child Care Resource and Referral
630-790-8137
Child Care Information Line for Illinois
877-202-4453
Clothing Closets
People’s Resource Center
630-682-5402
Power Connection
630-679-6899
Goodwill/Workforce Connection Center
630-576-4661
College of DuPage
Adult Basic Education, ESL, Computer Labs, Library (www.cod.edu)
630-942-3697
Computers & Computer Classes
People’s Resource Center
630-682-5402
Power Connection
630-679-6899
Goodwill/Workforce Connection Center
630-576-4661
Driver's License Bureau
Secretary of State Driver Facilities
(www.cyberdriveillinois.com)
800-252-8980
Food
Catholic Charities
630-495-9850
DuPage County Human Services
630-407-6500
People’s Resource Center
630-682-5402
Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry
630-355-3663
Health Resource Info & Referral
Access DuPage (affordable health insurance)
630-510-8720
College of DuPage Dental Hygiene Clinic
630-942-3250
DCHD Dental Care Referral
630-682-7400
All Kids (health insurance for children) 866-255-5437
DuPage County Health Department
630-682-7400
DuPage County Human Services: Information and Referral
800-942-9412
Housing Assistance
Bridge Communities
630-247-5636
DuPage County Human Services: Housing
630-407-6500
DuPage County Human Services: Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
630-407-6500
People’s Resource Center
630-682-5402
Hope Fair Housing Center
630-690-6500
DuPage Home Ownership Center
630-260-2500
Immigration & Naturalization Services
World Relief Refugee Service of DuPage
630-462-7566
Legal Services
Prairie State Legal Services
800-690-2130
DuPage Bar Legal Aid Service
630-653-6212
Metropolitan Family Services DuPage
630-784-4800
www.Metrofamily.org
Illinois Legal Aid Online
www.illinoislegalaid.org
Mental Health Services
DuPage County Health Department (Crisis Unit 24 Hr.)
630-627-1700
Metropolitan Family Services DuPage
630-784-4800
Parenting
Family Focus DuPage
630-521-8808
Head Start of Metropolitan Family Services DuPage
630-784-4800
Metropolitan Family Services- Parents as Teachers (PAT)
630-784-4800
Teen Parent Connection
630-790-8433
Public Assistance
Illinois Department of Human Services
630-530-1120
Shelter
Community Crisis Center
847-697-2380
DuPage County Health Department (Crisis Unit 24 Hr.)
630-627-1700
P.A.D.S. of DuPage
630-682-3846
The Salvation Army
630-629-4948
Substance Abuse
DuPage County Health Department
630-627-1700