The Front Range Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, honored Helen Rothwell with the DAR Community Service Award for her outstanding volunteer work helping adults learn to speak, understand, read, and write English.

For the past ten years, Mrs. Rothwell has been Director of the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program at Arvada United Methodist Church. Previously, she taught ESL classed at foreign military posts where her husband was stationed

The ESL program initially had three students, and has grown dramatically. It now enrolls about 45 students each year, and has a waiting list. Since its inception, it has served students from at least 44 nations.

Mrs. Rothwell spends about 30 - 35 hours a week supervising and teaching, recruiting volunteer tutors from the Church and the community, holding group and individual tutor training sessions, coordinating activities of students with their one-on-one tutors, and soliciting financial and grant support.

Through her efforts, the ESL program has become a member of the Jefferson County Literacy Coalition, from which the tutors are eligible to receive additional training. Tutors are also trained to help students prepare for United States citizenship.

There is no charge to the students, and books are provided free of charge for those who cannot afford to buy them. The class term coincides with the public school year, from September through May.

To learn more about the important role ESL tutors play in our community, please contact Mrs. Rothwell at the Arvada United Methodist Church.