Though she was born in Peru, Francesca Bernal has lived in the U.S. since she was 11. 

She has worked hard for her place here and her story is like those of countless others. Immigrants and refugees give up everything they know—homes, jobs, possessions and even family—for a chance at a better life for themselves and loved ones. Many flee persecution and violence only to be bombarded with legal and logistical nightmares in a foreign language when they arrive. 

Bernal and husband Nefi know better than many that it is next to impossible to integrate and become self-reliant without help. The couple, who received congressional awards from Congressman Burgess Owens for their service, helps immigrants and refugees register for classes at Herriman’s Columbus Adult Education Center, which teaches English for free to the immigrant community. 

“When my husband and I started helping out, so many immigrants just needed things like beds, but the needs are different now,” Bernal said. 

Just some of the needs of Herriman’s sizable immigrant population include food, jobs, medical and dental care, legal assistance, help learning how to live in the U.S. and help with English. 

“Every time we have food at the center, it’s gone quickly. Some take food to share with neighbors who have no jobs. It’s hard when you don’t speak the language,” Bernal said. 

The 100% volunteer-run Columbus Center also helps its students use their fledgling English skills to search for employment. 

“I have tears in my eyes,” Bernal said. “English opens so many doors. Our students say that in interviews, ‘I was able to speak and they understood me! I didn’t always know the right word, but they could tell that I’m trying, so they gave me the job!’”

Navigating the world of medical and dental care can be tricky for anyone. But for those who can’t speak the language and come from a country with a vastly different healthcare system, it’s almost insurmountable. “We need people to help them with insurance, getting care, things like that,” Bernal said. 

She says most immigrants can’t pay the hefty price of obtaining work authorization. “Reduced rates for legal help would be tremendous,” she said. “It would be nice to have the resources of something like Catholic Community Services closer to our community.”

Immigrants also need life education about everyday things as mundane as getting a driver’s license, registering children for school or finding car insurance. “A young immigrant asked me for help because he got a traffic ticket,” Bernal said. “The police officer claimed he had no car insurance, but the young man said he did. It turns out that the car dealer had sold him an extended warranty, and he thought it was car insurance.”

The center had planned to offer life education classes in addition to English, but they haven’t had enough volunteers to teach this yet. It is a constant struggle just to get enough volunteers to teach English. Except those trying to sell something, the center welcomes anyone willing to teach English or a life class or who has an idea for a workshop. No qualifications are required. 

“We do also need a naturalization or citizenship class taught by someone who is familiar with the process, but other classes could be taught by anybody,” Bernal said. 

Currently, classes are suspended for the summer, but center leaders are nervous about finding English teachers for the fall. Classes meet two mornings a week from 9:30 a.m. to noon and two evenings a week from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Even if volunteers can only teach once a month, they are encouraged to contact the center because they can rotate with others.

“We have over 350 on our waiting list, and only about 25 of those will get in because of returning students from last semester,” Bernal said. But if the center does not get enough volunteers, it will have to turn away even more prospective students. 

In addition, Center Director Shandra Madsen will soon move out of town, leaving a gaping administrative hole. “She’s the glue to everything!” Bernal said. “We are looking for multiple people to absorb Shandra’s position.”

Supervisors and leaders are also needed to help coordinate teachers and perform tasks such as taking roll for Monday and Thursday nights. “For most of the time, supervisors and leaders can do other work, bring a book or chit-chat. It’s pretty chill, pretty relaxed,” she said. 

All in all, Bernal estimates that roughly 200 volunteers are needed, so every volunteer counts. 

“I have faith that people will come to help. We see that this program works. The students work so hard. Some work graveyard and still come for the morning classes,” Bernal said. “I would tell any immigrants that I know it’s hard, but don’t give up. Don’t give up. Stick with it, and you will get it.”

For more information about volunteering or making donations, visit “Herriman Columbus Education Center - Volunteers” on Facebook or scan the included QR code.λ