Connect Centerville

The Connect Centerville initiative aims to link current Centerville residents with immigrant families in the community. The goal is to increase engagement between these groups in an effort to promote community and help recently arrived families adjust to their new home. On this page, you will find information about events and programs that are part of the initiative.

The Connect Centerville program is made possible through a grant from the Heren Foundation, a charitable organization started by Fuyao Global Chairman Cho Tak Wong.

Host Family Program

Host Families Needed

We are in need of more families to participate as host families in the Host Family Program for Recently Arrived Families!

The purpose of this program is to increase engagement between local families and families who have recently arrived in Centerville from other countries. It provides informal opportunities for immigrant families to connect with volunteer host families in the Centerville community. Families and hosts build relationships that best fit their needs, meeting at mutually convenient times.

Click on the + next to Join Us for a link to the interest form.

Tell Me More

download a flyer about the Host Family program

The purpose of the Host Family Program for Recently Arrived Families is to increase engagement between local families and families who have recently arrived in Centerville from other countries. It provides informal opportunities for immigrant families to connect with volunteer host families in the Centerville community, agreeing to get together several times over the course of the year. Families and hosts build relationships that best fit their needs, meeting at mutually convenient times.

The program gives recently arrived families the opportunity to explore the Centerville community with their hosts, engage in meaningful dialogue, practice their English, and generally enjoy a connection to the community that they might not otherwise experience.

Please note that this is not a homestay program and financial support from host families is prohibited. The intent is for Centerville students to engage with host families along with their parent or guardian. The host family opportunity is open to all families regardless of whether or not they have students enrolled in Centerville Schools.

Join Us!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we need host families?

In recent years, a number of families have moved from outside the United States to Centerville. Through surveys with families of students in our school district, we have discovered that families are eager to explore the Centerville community, engage in meaningful dialogue, practice their English, and generally enjoy a connection to our community that they might not otherwise experience.

What can I do?

Volunteer to become a host family and get to know your new neighbors! There is no cost involved -- we just ask that you and your family become friendly faces in the community, helping these new families get adjusted and learn about things do in the Centerville area.

How do I sign up?

It’s easy! Just complete an interest form (see "Join Us!" above) and watch this website for more Connect Centerville events!

What happens once we’ve signed up for the program?

You will receive an email confirmation that your interest form has been received. A staff member from our Central Office will contact you with follow-up information and to connect you with a recently arrived family. Please note that our goal is to match families with similar interests and/or children or grandchildren who are the same ages or attending the same schools.

What if we cannot speak a foreign language?

Please don’t let that deter you from joining the program! We will provide tips and suggestions for communicating. School-age children pick up English fairly quickly, and these families are looking for ways to practice their English. At first, you can plan activities together and then have more conversations as you get more comfortable with each other.

I’m willing to help. Can you give us ideas for activities?

Of course! Here are a few suggestions of things to do:

Meet them at one of the Connect Centerville events.
Help your new neighbors sign up for a library card.
Show them the nearest Centerville park.
Sit with them at school events.
Invite them to your home for dinner.
Take them to your favorite local restaurant.
Go to a Dayton Dragons game together.
Visit one of the museums in the Dayton area.
Invite them to community events such as the tree lighting.

I still have questions. Who should I contact?

This is a new program being launched for the 2018-19 school year. If you have additional questions, please contact our district English Language Learner Coach, Megan LeMaster, at 937-433-8841.