Community Resources
Check out a variety of services for Washington State residents, especially immigrants, including ESL courses, citizenship classes, BFET, personal essentials, food pantries, housing assistance, and DSHS support programs.
Online ESL Schools
The demand for online ESL courses has been increasing. Washington State offers both in-person and online ESL courses through colleges and non-profit organizations. Colleges typically require students to take the in-person CASAS reading test as part of the registration process. Quarterly enrollment costs $25. If you have a BFET card, you can present it to the school staff to waive the tuition fee.
South Seattle College offers online evening ESL courses for levels 5 and 6.
South Seattle College offers online evening ESL courses for levels 5 and 6. Visit the website.
Green River College
Green River College has campuses in Auburn and Kent. Please visit the campuses for the registration form.
Edmonds College
Edmonds College in Lynnwood offers six levels of English: Literacy, Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced. They provide in-person, online, and hybrid classes
Renton Technical College
Renton Technical College offers levels 1-6 classes in the morning, afternoon, evening, and on Saturdays, as well as online. Visit the website.
ReWA
ReWA offers employment-related English classes (ESL, ELL) to help clients transition to life in the U.S. and secure long-term employment. Classes online and in-person.
The Seattle Public Library
Virtual English Conversation Circle. This class is for adult English language learners levels 2 and up (beginner/intermediate).
Literacy Source
Enroll to learn English: ESOL 1, ESOL 2, ESOL 3, ESOL 4-5. Enroll to practice speaking and listening: ESOL 2-6
Food Banks
We understand the challenges immigrant families face and recommend these food pantries across Washington State for free food and support.
The Auburn Food Bank
2804 Auburn Way North Auburn WA 98002
253-833-8925 https://www.theauburnfoodbank.org/
Des Moines Food Bank
22225 9th Avenue South
Des Moines, Washington 98198
206-878-2660
[email protected]
http://www.myfoodbank.org/
Food is Free Washington
1001 S M Street, Tacoma, WA 98405
253-213-0748 https://foodisfreewashington.org/
Kent Food Bank and Emergency Services
Visit the Kent Food Bank
515 W Harrison St. Suite 107, Kent WA 98032
253-520-3550
[email protected] https://www.kentfoodbank.org/
Tukwila Pantry
3118 S 140th St
Tukwila, WA 98168
206-431-8293
[email protected]
http://www.tukwilapantry.org
White Center Food Bank
White Center Food Bank, 10016 16th Avenue Southwest, Seattle, WA, 98146, United States 206-762-2848 https://www.whitecenterfoodbank.org/
Citizenship Help
The Seattle Public Library provides free classes and resources to help you prepare for U.S. citizenship. They also offer free English learning classes and online tools. Additionally, they have books, CDs, and DVDs in multiple languages to assist with studying for the citizenship test.
Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
The Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is a state government agency that provides many types of services and benefits to people who live in Washington State who need support to be safe and healthy.
Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET)
BFET is a DSHS requirement to access childcare. Contact Career Path Services for any BFET questions.
Things to do in Seattle
Seattle, known as the "Emerald City," is celebrated for its lush green landscapes and vibrant urban life. This nickname, adopted officially in 1982, highlights the city's abundant evergreen trees and its status as a jewel in the Pacific Northwest. From the iconic Space Needle to the bustling Pike Place Market, Seattle offers a blend of cultural landmarks and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers.