ESL in-home program holding fundraiser

The ESL In-Home Program of Northern Nevada is holding a fundraiser Aug. 28 from 5-8 p.m.

The event at the Governor’s Mansion will feature music, dancing, food and beverages as well as a wine bottle toss, silent auction and raffle.

Tickets in advance are $20 per person or $30 per couple. Send check or money order to 1894 E. William St. No. 4-125, Carson City, 89701, or call 775-888-2021. To pay cash, send a text to 714-745-8843.

Tickets will be $27 and $37 at the door.

The program provides free, in-home tutoring to adult individuals to learn or improve their English language skills, for GED preparation, and to study for the U.S. citizenship exam.

The program is also looking for help to pay U.S. citizenship exam fees for its students. The exam fee is $725, which includes $85 for a background check.

Adults who have completed the ESL program are waiting to take their tests so the program has started the Citizenship Fund. Donations are tax deductible and can be made online at www.eslinhome.org/donations.

“We will send you a bio and photo of the students you have helped,” said Florence Phillips, founder and executive director of the program.

The test consists of 100 questions on American history and government and an interview, both of which have to be conducted in English.

“The U.S. citizenship exam is not easy,” said Phillips. “Many Americans, as well as myself, could not pass the history and civics questions so I failed the exam.”

The program is also looking for volunteers to tutor one to two hours per week. Tutors don’t need to speak another language or have teaching experience.

To find out more, contact Phillips at 775-888-2021 or eslinhomennv@gmail.com.