English Conversation for Immigrant Women in the US

Thanks to your support, Ladies Let's Talk continues to connect immigrant and refugee women with English-speaking volunteers across the United States. As we enter the final months of our 2025-26 program year, we project that by August we will have hosted 144 online English Conversation sessions, generating more than 2,000 small-group breakout room conversations. These sessions will serve approximately 750 learners and 570 volunteers. In addition, our English Practice Partner program will create an estimated 648 one-on-one matches between learners and volunteers, while our Pronunciation Workshops will provide specialized instruction to more than 49 learners with the help of 23 volunteer teachers. Today, nearly 5,500 women are registered with Ladies Let's Talk, including 2,957 learners and 2,479 volunteers from all 50 states and more than 100 countries.

One learner who illustrates the impact of these programs is "Maria." When Maria first joined Ladies Let's Talk, she was hesitant to speak English and struggled to navigate life in her new country. Through regular participation in conversation groups and relationships with volunteers, she gradually gained confidence using English in everyday situations. Over time, she earned her high school diploma, completed a childcare certification, became a U.S. citizen, purchased a home, and began pursuing an associate's degree. Maria's accomplishments are her own, but she often credits the encouragement, friendship, and language practice she found through Ladies Let's Talk as an important part of her journey.

Our recent Spring 2026 participant survey confirms that Maria's experience is not unique. Sixty-five percent of learners reported feeling more welcomed and accepted in the United States, 63% reported greater confidence using English in daily life, and 40% said they felt better prepared for work, school, or volunteering. More than half reported using their English skills at work, school, medical appointments, while shopping, or in their children's activities. Perhaps most encouraging, 98% said they would participate again. Survey results also showed significant gains in learners' confidence in understanding different English accents and in feeling prepared for work, classes, and volunteer opportunities.

None of this would be possible without our volunteers. By the end of August, we estimate that volunteers will contribute more than 9,500 hours of service, representing over $318,000 in donated value. More importantly, they provide something that cannot be measured in dollars: friendship, encouragement, and a welcoming community for women building new lives in the United States. Thank you for helping make these connections possible.

Links:

• LLT Founder Recognized for Immigrant Women's Impact