English classes have become lifelines in immigrant communities.

Bussers, table runners, and line cooks from the famous Tony C’s and Temazcal, who previously studied English at work through classes supported by the State’s Workforce Training Fund Program, are now learning virtually, with an eye toward re-employment and advancement. Their employer, Rebel Restaurants also distributes weekly groceries, which were recently paired with donated Chromebooks. Other companies that partnered with English for New Bostonians on workplace English — manufacturers and grocery chains — had to put classes on hold, but plan to restart when possible…