Mary Ellen with Emma, the elder whom she and Rick have been mentoring for over two years!
How did you get involved with the Refugee Elder Program?
We have been supporters of KRM from its beginning 20 years ago, but since we worked full-time, our volunteer time was limited. When we learned about the mentoring project to support the Elder Program, we thought it might be a good fit for us. We were interested not only in English tutoring, but in helping elders prepare for the citizenship test in a few short years.
How often do you typically volunteer and how long have you been volunteering?
We have a one-hour tutoring session once a week in our elder's home. We've been volunteering for over two years, and have rarely missed a week except for vacation or sickness. Occasionally we're also gone on some of the Elder Program's field trips, such as to the Federal Building. Now that we are no longer working, we both do more community volunteering, including Mary Ellen tutoring and substitute teaching in KRM's ESL program.
What do you enjoy the most about volunteering with the refugee elders?
We enjoy the friendship we have developed with Emma and others in her family. We admire her positive attitude and joy of life. We've had fun adding some special activities- an evening visit to Waterfront Park, a wine-tasting, going to an ice cream shop to celebrate a birthday, and a field trip to Abraham Lincoln's birthplace.
What is the most challenging aspect about volunteering with the refugee elders?
Learning a new language is never easy, but retention of new grammar and vocabulary as well as listening comprehension seems far more difficult for our older refugee arrivals. The elders are isolated in their homes and do not have the advantage of a workplace or school for daily practice of English.
How has this experience changed you?
It has given us a broader understanding of the challenges of teaching a second language. Upon retirement, we have both become certified in teaching English as a Second Language, so our tutoring gives us firsthand practice. We hope to teach ESL abroad in the future.
Please give us some background information about yourself (career, family, hobbies, etc)...
Rick and Mary Ellen are married with adult children and just retired at the end of 2010. Mary Ellen had been Executive Directive of GuardiaCare Services, a non-profit agency serving seniors and the families who care for them; she began her career as a university advisor to international students. After an earlier career in banking, RIck was an email administrator for MMC, a large global corporation in Louisville for the last ten years. Rick is also active in the Rotary and Scouting. Together, Mary Ellen and Rick have hosted many foreign visitors and have traveled to many part of the world. On nice days, you'll find them kayaking!
Anything else you would like to share about the program or elders?
The resilience and adaptability of the elders is inspiring! We have such administration for the hard work, creativity and dedication of the Refugee Elder Program's staff and volunteers. The support provided by this program is absolutely essential to help our older refugees succeed in adjusting to their new country!
Rick and Emma celebrating her birthday!
Thanks Rick and Mary Ellen for your long-term service! And on a personal note, I'm always excited to see Mary Ellen when she is able to spot by the office for a visit- she is always so encouraging! If you would like to meet more of our volunteers, be sure to read our Volunteer Spotlight series!
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