CHURCH HILL CLASSICS HOSTS ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE CLASSES FOR EMPLOYEES
Church Hill Classics, assisted by Western Connecticut Adult Education and the Northwest Regional Workforce Development Board, provides its employees with ESL classes!

/Connecticut News Articles/ - DANBURY, CT, September 29, 2006 - Church Hill Classics, a custom diploma frame and certificate frame manufacturer in Danbury, CT, is proud to announce its first English as a Second Language class graduation. In a cooperative effort to improve growth potential and communication skills for its Hispanic workers, CHC asked the Northwest Regional Workforce Development Board for assistance. With the help of this organization and Western Connecticut Adult Education (WERACE), CHC has noticed not only increased communication throughout its staff, but also, and most importantly, elevated confidence in all who graduated the program.

After many weeks of organization, Church Hill Classics hosted its very first ESL class on July 10th, 2006. Classes were 1 ½ hours a day, 5 days a week for 5 weeks, taught by Joanne Markosky, a certified teacher from Danbury, CT. The Director or WERACE, Sis Mitchell, explains, "Our goal, essentially, was to better improve the workforce. The content of each class centered on the workplace. We integrated colors, and state names, along with text, grammar and punctuation." In fact, WERACE helps over 1,400 students a year with not only English as a second language, but also adult basic education, high school completion and citizenship.

The vast majority of Spanish and Portuguese-speaking employees at Church Hill Classics volunteered for the program. Their attendance records were exemplary as each participant arrived on-time daily for the early morning sessions. When asked how this group of students is doing now, Heidi Bennett, CHC Production Manager, stated, "I have seen a huge difference in communication on the floor. Some of my employees who would always have others interpret for them come directly to me now. I am so proud of them!"

Graduation took place on September 1, 2006. Each student was presented with a certificate of completion from both Sis Mitchell and Epy Lawson, the ESL Facilitator for the WERACE ESL program. Both women commented that this is a terrific program and a fantastic opportunity for Church Hill Classics to have utilized. Not only has it given these CHC employees a valuable communication tool, but it has made a much more efficient working environment, and may potentially open doors to grow within the company. Cathy Awwad, Executive Director of Northwest Regional Workforce Development Board, explained, "Incumbent worker training is vital to the continued growth and success of Connecticut's economy. Church Hill Classic is a prime example of business providing opportunities for its employee to improve their skills. This makes for a more efficient and productive workplace and keeps Church Hill Classics competitive in a global economy. We look forward to assisting other area manufacturer's in similar efforts."

If you would like to learn more about WERACE (Western Connecticut Adult Education) call (203) 797-4731, or for more information on ESL programs call (203) 731-8290.

Press Release Contact Information:

Jill Swiatowicz
Church Hill Classics
Web Marketing Coordinator
22 Shelter Rock Lane
Danbury, CT
USA 06810
Voice: 800-477-9005
Fax: 203-778-0177
Website: Visit Our Website