B5

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Strangers to Friends: Refugees in the Tri-Cities yesterday evening. It was such a special evening learning about the refugee program in the United States, listening to the story of Adnan's family and their journey to the Tri-Cities, and meeting people who work to make this community a welcoming place for all.

A special thank you to Somer Mediterranean, food and Bakery for providing delicious treats, and to World Relief Tri-Cities, Indivisibletricitieswa, League of Women Voters of Benton & Franklin Counties, Washington, and Tri-Cities Immigrant Coalition for providing resources and an answer to that question of "What can I do?"

We hope to see you TONIGHT!

Interested in learning more about the Refugee Resettlement Program? Join B5 on Thursday, June 25, to learn about the history of refugee resettlement in the United States and an update on the current program.

After the event, there will be time to learn more about agencies working to create a welcoming community in the Tri-Cities.

This event is free and open to all!

Learning is serious work—but that doesn't mean it can't be fun!

In our introductory classes at B5, students are building the foundational skills that lead to literacy. Our teacher noticed that by the third hour of class, energy and focus naturally begin to fade. To keep students engaged, she started incorporating simple learning games into lessons—and the difference has been remarkable!

Research consistently shows that when learners are actively engaged and enjoying the learning process, they are more likely to retain new information. Games can increase attention, motivation, participation, and memory by creating positive emotional connections to learning.

At B5, we're committed to finding creative, research-based ways to help students succeed. Sometimes, a little fun is more than just fun—it's a powerful tool for learning!

A special thank you to Stacy Hall, one of our amazing volunteers, retired teacher, and literacy guru, for her generous donation of children's books to B5!

Our adult English language learners were thrilled to choose books to take home and share with their children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Several students from our B5 Youth Program also got to select books to take home and enjoy.

Access to books at home helps build language and literacy skills, strengthen family connections, and foster a love of reading across generations. Research consistently shows that children who engage in reading during the summer are better prepared to return to school in the fall and are less likely to experience "summer slide."

These books arrived just in time to provide reading opportunities while local schools are on summer break.

The good news? Learning doesn't stop at B5! Both our Adult and Youth programs will continue throughout the summer, providing opportunities for students of all ages to continue to learn, grow, and connect.

Thank you, Stacy, for helping put books into the hands of families and supporting literacy beyond the classroom. ❤️📚