English as a Second Language
Our classes are called HOPE, which stands for Helping Others Practice English. Our goal is to help students learn practical conversation skills and make meaningful connections.
We are followers of Jesus. We want to obey Jesus because we believe he is God. In the Bible, Jesus tells us to love and welcome our neighbors. You are our neighbor! We care about you and want to help you learn English and be successful in America.
Our English teachers are trained volunteers. From September to May we have two semesters of English classes for adults. Classes are once a week for two hours. Our classes focus on conversation, learning to understand and speak English. We have beginner to advanced classes and students are encouraged to start any time.
Classes are held at four locations around the city of Erie, some meet during the day and some at night. Check back for dates and times!
CLASS INFORMATION
Registration
Help Erie Refugees This Christmas
HOPE Ministry does more than just teach English, we offer hope! Part of our English class is investing in the lives of our students, leaning into the hard and lonely moments as they transition to a new country. We meet practical needs like English, but also unseen needs, like friendship. Our sewing class offers community fellowship amongst Muslim women who are lonely and stuck at home. We work on projects but also take time for tea and bible stories.
Our driving class meets a huge need and is very popular, especially amongst those who are illiterate. It’s very difficult to get a driver’s permit when you can’t read the manual so we have developed a curriculum to meet that need. Just as important is the need of a driving simulator to give students time to practice. We all want save drivers on the road and many immigrant families only have one driver in the family because the women never get over the fear of getting behind a wheel. We provide the opportunity and the time needed so they can be independent and successful in America.
This Christmas, ServErie is partnering with three organizations to help raise money for Erie refugees. At Christmas at the Warner, they will be announcing a variety of projects, including some benefiting the sewing and driving classes of HOPE Ministry. If you want to financially support HOPE visit their giving website at https://catw2025.square.site/. To support HOPE, choose the sewing machines or driving simulator projects. This giving opportunity ends December 31. For more information, contact Amy McCullough at amccullough@facerie.org
Morning Classes
Vietnamese Alliance Church
Date: weekly on Tuesdays
Time: 9:30–11:30am
Place: 722 E 6th St, Erie, PA 16507
English class levels: 0, 1, 2, 3
Grandview Alliance Church
Childcare is available for ages 0–6.
Date: weekly on Thursdays
Time: 9:30–11:30am
Place: 1102 E Gore Rd | Erie, PA 16504
English class levels: 0, 1, 2, 4, 5
Afternoon Classes
McKinley Elementary School
Children’s program with tutoring for ages 6–12.
Date: weekly on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays
Time: 3:45-5:30pm
Place: 933 E 22nd St | Erie, PA 16503
Room: 34 (Upstairs)
English class levels: 0, 1, 2
Evening Classes
First Alliance Church
Childcare is available for ages 3-11
Date: weekly on Tuesdays
Time: 7:00-9:00pm
Place: 2939 Zimmerly Rd | Erie, PA 16506
English class levels: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and Advanced
Open House: Tuesday, January 27
NO CLASS January 2026
Class starts Tuesday, February 3
Driving Class
Next Session: Spring 2026
Prepare for the drivers permit exam by learning the written and unwritten rules of the road. Practical driving practice on a realistic computer simulator. Class is designed for those who can not read the PA Manual in English or their native language.
Citizenship Class
Next Session: Spring 2026
Are you preparing for the citizenship exam? Join us next session to learn and review the material needed for the 100 questions.
English levels 3 and above
Sewing Class
Next Session: Summer 2026
GET CONNECTED
HOPE Volunteers
Interested in serving with HOPE Ministry? There are so many opportunities! You don’t need to speak a foreign language or have professional experience. If you love Jesus and love people, you can volunteer! Service hours are available upon request.
There are so many opportunities to get involved, both in and outside of the classroom. We have morning, afternoon and evening classes at 4 locations around Erie. Most volunteers serve one day a week for 2 hours. Training is available. Request more information and an application below.
HOPE Newsletter
Want to stay connected? Sign up for our monthly newsletter for volunteers and supporters of HOPE Ministry.
Want to learn more?
If you are interested in more information about HOPE, fill out the form below to get in touch with our HOPE ministry leader, Amy McCullough.
amccullough@facerie.org | 814-833-9862 x241