Linden Ponds Tutoring Program Offers a World of Opportunities

Betty McIntyre and Mimi FitzGerald, residents of Linden Ponds, an Erickson Senior Living community in Hingham, Mass., recently helped make a staff member's dream come true. 

For nearly a year, they worked with Sandra Brandao, a member of the housekeeping staff, as she studied for her U.S. citizenship test.

"Betty and Mimi are wonderful," Brandao says. "They did a very, very good job, preparing me well for the exam."

Their meetings were part of Linden Ponds' highly respected resident-run tutoring program, offered to all staff members. The program ranges from English language skills, like literacy and reading, to U.S. citizenship applications and test preparation. 

Powerful partnership

A native of Cape Verde in Africa, Brandao has been working at Linden Ponds for two years. 

When she expressed a desire to work with resident tutors to improve her English language skills and prepare for the U.S. citizenship test, the program's leadership team--led by Jane Wagner and Denise Yess--paired her with Betty and Mimi. 

"Our tutors are open to help any employee that comes forward with a desire to learn," says Jane. "We work to match them with the tutor that is best for their individual needs."

The trio met for an hour every week to help her prepare for the test and interview. Brandao also received a citizenship preparation study book and financial support, funded by donations from residents, to help cover the naturalization fees. 

"I wanted to become a citizen so that I could vote. I'm very excited to do that," Brandao says.

Training the tutors

New tutors receive an orientation, training, materials, and mentoring from more experienced tutors before being paired up with an employee. 

"Although many of our tutors are former educators, teaching adults--especially those who may have limited English--is usually something new," notes Jane. "Or, teaching may be a new experience to them entirely. We try to provide support for all of our volunteers."

She adds, "Often, our tutors will mention that they get as much, or more, out of participating in the tutoring program than their students. It's a wonderful learning experience for both parties."

For Betty, a former middle and high school English teacher, working with Brandao was her first program pairing. Mimi quickly became an integral part of the trio.

A rewarding experience

"It's a rewarding experience to work with someone becoming a U.S. citizen," says Mimi. "Our Linden Ponds tutoring program is very unique. It's one of the most rewarding things we can do, volunteering our time and helping someone in such a meaningful way. Everyone comes out a winner."

Betty, who attended Brandao's citizenship ceremony, agrees.

"Both of my parents were immigrants and my father became a citizen before I was born," says Betty. 

"This was the first time that I'd been to a citizenship ceremony, and it is quite a celebration." 

She continues, "Working with Sandra was a wonderful experience. I'm so happy and proud of her. It's remarkable to witness what she has accomplished in just under a year. She is a special person, warm and loving. In addition to working, she cares for three little children, along with her husband, at home."

Continued achievements

Since her naturalization ceremony, Brandao has continued to meet weekly with Betty and Mimi to work on improving her English vocabulary, grammar, and conversation skills. 

"Our sessions are always fun. One of my favorite things is getting Sandra to laugh," says Betty. 

"I am very thankful for all the help. I am learning so much," says Brandao.

"One of the things I appreciate most about the tutoring program is the impact on community building," says Jane. "By working together, residents and staff are developing a special, different kind of relationship--one that helps them understand each other better."

"It's powerful to see the impact tutoring has on a person's life," adds Mimi. "Sandra appreciates the education she's received. She has ambitions not only for herself, but a dream for all three of her children to go to college." 

As Brandao continues her studies as a new U.S. citizen, the sky's the limit for what she can achieve in her life--and her career at Linden Ponds. 

"It is not unusual for employees in the tutoring program to experience a positive career change or promotion at Linden Ponds. Some have even moved up to supervisory levels. That's gratifying to all of us," says Jane. 

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