What we do
Adult ESL
We have served over 500 students in the area throughout our program's history. Students continue to report obtaining new jobs and promotions, having an easier time interacting with their children's teachers, and feeling like a more involved and entrenched part of the community with their English speaking neighbors.
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If you or someone you know would like to join us: Click Here
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Classes are currently every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday on the first floor of the Parish Center of St Lawrence O'Toole Church in Brewster.
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No prior registration is required. Just come to class with a paper and pen and be ready to learn!
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Tutoring & Literacy
We also offer an opportunity for academic growth for children of adult Spanish speakers through our Tutoring & Literacy program. We served over 50 students in the past academic year, whose parents and teachers report improvements in performance and enthusiasm in their schoolwork.
Our 2023-2024 season has begun. Tutoring sessions are 5:15pm - 6:00pm and 6:00pm - 6:45pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Sign your child up for a session here.
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If you are interested in volunteering for tutoring, please email Barbara, our Director of Tutoring, at Barbara.brewstercares@gmail.com.
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Overnight Winter Sleep System
We are the last line of defense against homelessness in Putnam County during the cold winter months. Through our partnerships with St Lawrence O'Toole and Trinity Lutheran Church, we provide shelter to Putnam County's unhoused population from December to May. Our staff and network of volunteers help us to provide hot meals, a safe place to sleep, a place to bathe and launder clothes, and a communal atmosphere to those who do not have shelter for the winter. We work with Social Services to find permanent housing solutions and provide services for our guests, as well as help them apply for jobs and connect with local employers.
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If find yourself without housing this winter, please reach out to 845-279-6146 or meet us at 468 N Main St in Brewster at 8:30pm between December and March.
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To volunteer for the upcoming season, please click here
Daytime Warming Center
Once we took over the overnight sleep system, we saw a need to provide a safe, warm area for our unhoused population during the daytime hours. Our warming center provides a haven for warmth, shelter, a place to launder clothes and bathe, to charge phones, and to find respite from the harsh environment of living on the streets. Guests help us clean and maintain the center as we strive to create a community atmosphere.
Located at 468 N Main St in Brewster, the center is open 7 days a week during the winter, and once a week on Fridays during the rest of the year.
Supper Hugs
Through our Supper Hugs programs, we connect local restaurants to families in the community in need of a meal. Whether a family is having financial difficulties, illness, a death in the family, or anything else bringing them down, we want to be sure they know their community supports them. We have delivered 1,000 meals to families through this program so far.
Please be sure to patronize and thank Aversano's, Mezza Luna, Las Mañanitas, Carmel Diner, Southeast Grill and Sinapi’s for participating in this community serving program.
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If you know of a family who could use a meal, please Click Here.
Esperanza
We support the only Spanish speaking AA meeting in Putnam County at our warming center.
If you know of any Spanish speakers looking for support with substance abuse issues, please recommend our program, Esperanza, at 468 N Main St (use the back door) on Mondays from 7-8pm. There is always hope.