Just over 3 years ago, Barbara Friedman contacted the Greater Boston Jewish Coalition for Literacy (GBJCL) to inquire about the 1:1 literacy tutoring program. As Director of Intergenerational Programming at the Jewish Community Housing for the Elderly in Newton, she works to provide enriching and engaging opportunities for the residents of the JCHE network. As it turns out, Barbara had a cadre of energetic and skilled residents who wanted to give back to the community by volunteering in schools. Some of the residents had been teachers, some had other careers, and some worked full time to raise their families. But they all had one thing in common:  the commitment to helping young students learn how to read.

The GBJCL found a very willing and creative partner in the Edward Everett School in Dorchester, and the JCHE/Edward Everett School partnership was born.

Three years later, the JCHE/Everett partnership is thriving.

The partnership is very unique within the Coalition.  The JCHE volunteers are the only ones who travel to the school together as a team (via the agency van).  The van ride provides the volunteers with a sense of unity and a chance to reflect on their common mission and goals.  Their average age is about 80 years old, and residents view this as truly advantageous. Barbara observes that “The residents have a natural ability with children and understand their needs” and in turn, the students are attentive, respectful, engaged and eager to be with their tutors each week”.

A former educator, Barbara also serves as the literacy team leader and coordinates scheduling and tutor assignments with Alyce Collins, the stellar Everett School liaison.  Alyce and school personnel are extremely welcoming to the JCHE tutors and value their important work with Everett students. The volunteers are paired with the students and given some guidance from Alyce, but also have the freedom to adapt to their students’ needs.  Communication with teachers flows freely, which adds to the atmosphere of collaboration between JCHE and the school personnel.

“This is not just a job, it’s a great way to spend the day,” Barbara comments, “The residents like knowing that they are part of something bigger.” Tutors and their students develop meaningful bonds and become an important part of each others’ lives. Barbara recalls when one resident unintentionally referred to her tutee as her grandchild, showing the depth of connection she felt towards her student.  And as one student commented, “Today I read a book for the 2nd time, but it was better this time because I read it with Miss Selma.”

What more need be said?

Nickname
Location
Comment
Enter this word:	Change