The mission of LINC North Texas is to transform lives and communities, especially of those that immediately surround us. Spanish speakers are a substantial demographic force within our proximity, many of whom speak little to no English. According to a 2010 survey by DFW International, in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch area alone the Latino populations are 49% and 28% of the total, respectively (13,459 in Carrollton and 14,053 in Farmers Branch). Moreover, in 35.3% of homes in Carrollton, English is not the language spoken. Similarly, this is the case for 46% of homes in Farmers Branch. A full 24.5% of Carrollton’s entire population, as well as 28% of Farmers Branch’s, are immigrants or foreign born.
These statistics mean that this community is ripe for growth and mission. We find that a Latino community that is able to speak English is not only empowered - open to more numerous and greater opportunities as well as to deeper relationships within their communities and families - but more importantly, open to hearing a message. Our ESL program will become a base around which we can instill this message. In order to develop communities, people must build relationships with people. We believe in programs that simultaneously offer benefit to people while building those relationships. That's why we teach character, leadership, and parenting to public school families, and why we are starting ESL. Through these efforts, LINC North Texas can grow and foster new and strong relationships among unreached groups around the metroplex.
If any of your family or friends might benefit from this, we'd love to give them more information. We are also looking for volunteers to help facilitate the program. Please contact Brandon Garcia at brandon@lincnt.org or call our offices at 972-417-5950 for more details.
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