For over 30 years,
REEP (Arlington Education and Employment Program) has brought
Arlingtonians from around the world together through the medium of
English. Founded in 1976, the program served a largely Indo-Chinese
population, before it was expanded to include all refugees and
immigrants in Arlington a few years later. Since then, REEP has
provided English classes to over 40,000 limited English speakers that
hail from more than 200 countries.
REEP volunteers have a desire to help
immigrants from all cultures and backgrounds gain the tools that allow them
to thrive in a new country. By sharing their everyday knowledge, volunteers
make a profound difference in immigrant students' lives in America. At the same
time, volunteers gain a rare insight into a different part of their community
and the chance to interact with people from a variety of countries and cultures.
REEP also allows its volunteers to explore teaching as a profession and to develop
skills that can enhance other aspects of their careers. Finally, REEP volunteers
know that the few hours they spend preparing for and teaching classes makes
a positive difference in their community.
News Flash: The
REEP Outreach Program has been awarded the President's Volunteer Service Award
for 2008. To see the official news release and the names of the volunteers that
were honored in a special ceremony at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building
on September 17, click here.
