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Grisely Hernandez is learning English. She’s already made good progress thanks to her teachers, retired residents at Broadview at Purchase College.

Grisely, who emigrated here from the Dominican Republic, is one of ten Broadview employees currently learning English in a new English as a Second Language class being taught by Broadview residents. The program provides weekly English lessons for employees, helping them enhance their communication skills, build confidence, and feel more integrated into the community.

Broadview resident Tessie Miquelon, who is originally from the Philippines, taught ESL at the College of Staten Island and other schools before retiring to Broadview, which opened last December on the campus of Purchase College. Tessie answered the call of the program’s organizer, Alyce Kaufman, who came up with the idea. Kaufman, a retired elementary school teacher, recruited volunteers like Tessie and MJ Karger, who volunteered at a similar program run by her church.

“I was very comfortable with the concept, having done this for my church years ago, so when Alyce was looking for volunteers, I jumped at the chance,’’ said Karger.

Kate Abate, Director of Community Life & Intergenerational Development, said the class was just one of the many connections that residents are making in their new community, from activities with college students to auditing classes at Purchase College, to volunteering.

The program, she said, is funded by Broadview’s Community Life Department, and is well worth the $500 cost of books and supplies, and a graduation ceremony.

“This modest investment has a significant impact on the sense of community, employee morale, and intergenerational connection at Broadview. The ESL program not only improves the lives of our staff but also strengthens the bonds between residents and employees, ‘’ said Abate.

Visit https://broadviewseniorliving.org/ for more information.

Visit lifecareservicesLCS.com for more information.