The mission of Refugee & Immigrant Services & Empowerment (RISE) is to connect immigrant populations with the quality services, resources and lifelong learning opportunities of the Library through outreach, education, and advocacy.
Contact RISE
RISE Email Newsletter
To sign up, visit this page, enter your email address, click 'select email preferences' and choose the checkbox for the RISE newsletter.
Volunteering
RISE thanks all potential volunteers for their interest in working with us. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we are able to offer limited virtual classes (listed below). With limited capacity, we require less volunteer assistance at this time. We encourage you to please continue to apply - if we have no immediate need, we will keep your application on file. When we are able to safely accept more volunteers, we will reach out to you. Thank you for your understanding.
Access the volunteer portal to log your volunteer hours.
Programs
English 1
RISE is offering a new English class!
A general English language class held on Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m. Students will learn basic verb tenses and receive grammar instruction through culturally relevant units.
English in Action
A few partners are now meeting online!
For intermediate to advanced English language learners. Learners are paired with a mentor with whom they can practice conversational fluency for 1-2 hours each week online.
English for Citizenship
Now offered online! English for Citizenship will be held via Zoom on Wednesday evenings.
This course is designed to help develop the language skills necessary to pass the USCIS naturalization test. Students will be taught the vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation found on the N-400 form and the 100 civics questions.
Citizenship Interview Practice
Nervous about your Naturalization Interview? You can practice your interview for FREE at any of our ten library locations.
Volunteers are standing by to help you practice speaking, reading and writing English along with correctly answering the 100 USCIS Civics Questions.
Conversation Club
Conversation Club will be held via Zoom on Tuesday evenings from 6-7 p.m.
Come and practice speaking English! We focus on increasing fluency, vocabulary, grammar, and confidence.
Saturday Conversation Club
Saturday Conversation Club will be held on Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Come and practice speaking English! We focus on increasing fluency, vocabulary, grammar, and confidence.
Money Smart Kansas City
Money Smart Kansas City offers information and links to several area resources for immigrants and refugees.
English for Trades - Carpentry
Due to limited programming, English for Vocational Trades - Carpentry is not offered at this time.
This is a class for nonnative English speakers who would like to learn the English and math skills necessary to pass the KC/STL Carpenters Regional Council Apprenticeship program entry exam.
Partners
