About GROW

Who We Are

Serving Our Neighbors

GROW is a Christian non-profit based in Northeast Philadelphia dedicated to helping immigrants and refugees thrive through a holistic approach of teaching ESL, life skills, and friendship. Our program offers six levels of conversational English classes designed to increase fluency, alongside a curriculum focused on practical life applications—such as navigating medical appointments and job interviews. Every lesson is led by our dedicated volunteer instructors who are passionate about helping our students succeed. Beyond education, GROW fosters a welcoming community where students and their families can develop authentic, caring relationships, fulfilling a vision to see neighbors experiencing the love of Jesus while thriving together in the community. Currently, we host classes at three program sites in Northeast Philadelphia. Over the years, we have served over 3400 students from 79 different nations.

Our Story
A group of three GROW teachers standing next to each other and smiling

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in."

Matthew 25:35
A Message from Leadership

"Teaching English addresses one of the greatest felt needs our immigrant neighbors face."

"Through teaching language, we help our students navigate life in the U.S. and move forward with hope. God radically loves our immigrant neighbors, and we are honored to walk with them as they build their lives in the USA. We are often inspired by their hard work and resilience."

Rachel Conley

GROW Executive Director

Professional photo of Rachel Conley, executive director at GROW.

Our Class Levels

We offer six levels of conversational English, using the globally-recognized Cambridge Ventures curriculum. Ventures takes an integrated-skills based approach, encompassing reading, writing, speaking, and grammar components while focusing on application of language in real-life scenarios.

GROW’s literacy level (“ABC” class) is for students who are learning the English alphabet and who are just beginning to study English. Students will learn how to read, write and pronounce correctly English words and simple sentences. Greetings, helpful phrases, and information giving are part of the daily conversation practice. The ABC class is foundational for the Level 1 class.

GROW’s Level 1 class is our low beginner class for students who are able to read and write basic words in English although they may not know the meaning of the words. Level 1 students are able to verbally answer simple questions. Level 1 teaches introductions and conversation about self, family and everyday activities and objects. Basic present, past, and future tenses are presented.

GROW’s Level 2 class is our high beginner class for students who are comfortable in using simple present, past and future tenses. Level 2 students are able to verbally answer a variety of questions and understand up to 50% of what is first said to them. Level 2 continues conversation about everyday activities including shopping, eating out, making appointments, giving opinions, discussing plans and offering help. Adverbs, comparatives, and past and future continuous tenses are presented.

GROW’s Level 3 class is our low intermediate class for students who are comfortable in using both simple and continuous present, past and future tenses as well as a variety of adverbs and comparatives. Level 3 students are able to verbally answer most questions asked to them and understand up to 75% of what is first said. Level 3 practices conversation about past experiences and future plans, asking for favors, making recommendations, and talking about schedules, intentions, and obligations. Gerunds, phrasal verbs, and present and past perfect tenses are presented.

GROW’s Level 4 class is our high intermediate class for students who are familiar with phrasal verbs and gerunds, proficient in all of the simple tenses, and are able to identify and correctly use continuous present and past perfect tenses most of the time. Level 4 students are able to verbally answer most questions asked to them and understand up to 90% of what is first said.

GROW’s Level 5 class is our advanced class for students who are proficient in all of the tenses, simple, continuous and perfect, as well as in modal use. Level 5 students are able to verbally answer nearly every question asked to them and understand about 95% of what is first said to them. Contemporary idioms, professional writing and public speaking are covered.
A group of students listening to an ESL lesson with their workbooks open in front of them.

See Our Impact in the Community

Discover how your support helps our learners master English, unlock new opportunities, and build confidence this past year.

Download Our Annual Report
PDF Format • 15.7 MB
GET INVOLVED

Volunteering with GROW

At GROW, our mission is powered by 144 weekly volunteers who generously give their time to ensure every student knows they belong. This past year, our team contributed over 12,330 hours—serving as teachers, childcare helpers, and door greeters across 64 represented churches. Beyond the classroom, our volunteers celebrate life's milestones with students, from birthdays to citizenship parties, fostering authentic relationships and sharing God’s love through meaningful connection.

Volunteer with Us
A large group photo of all GROW volunteers

Committed to Transparency

We are deeply committed to financial transparency and stewardship, ensuring our resources directly impact our students while maintaining a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming environment for every individual. In accordance with our values, GROW maintains a strict non-discrimination policy, providing services to all neighbors regardless of race, religion, or background, and fostering a sanctuary of belonging where every person is valued, heard, and empowered.

Statement of Transparency Anti-Discrimination Policy
Join Us

Join us in what GROW is doing

GROW is more than a classroom—it’s a community. Whether you share your time as a volunteer, give a gift to support our students, or simply want to learn more, your involvement makes a lasting impact in Northeast Philly.

Volunteer Donate

Have questions? Contact our team.