In Oliver, a Scrabble group was developed in 2013 as a way to enhance language learning through a word game: Scrabble. One of clients saw an opportunity to bring newcomers into the office and provide them with informal contact with English-speakers. Working with staff, a daily Scrabble hour is instituted during which newcomers and volunteers are invited to drop in for a friendly game. Multiple clients have taken part in these games and the settings encourage those with low levels of English and teach them how to look for words and how to use a dictionary. The conversation that occurs during the Scrabble games draws everyone in and motivates clients to return. Some clients have purchased their own games and dictionaries for use at home.
The group began, in part, to take advantage of early arriving students and is now scheduled daily during the hour before LINC class begins.