Grisely Hernandez is learning English. She’s already made good progress thanks to her teachers: Retired residents at Broadview at Purchase College. An immigrant from the Dominican Republic, Hernandez is one of 10 Broadview employees currently learning English in a new “English as a Second Language” (ESL) 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 in 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. She 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 Miquelon 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.
Broadview Senior Living is a university-based retirement community located on the Purchase College, SUNY campus in Purchase, New York. The design for Broadview hinges on lifelong learning and intergenerational friendships, as residents will be able to audit courses and attend performances, lectures, events and more, all on the Purchase College campus. Broadview will comprise 220 living apartments and villas for seniors ages 62 and older, as well as offer assisted living apartments and memory care suites onsite.
Life Care Services, an LCS Company, has the experience required to boost community financial performance, increase occupancy and develop new lifestyle and health initiatives to meet consumer expectations and help communities thrive. With a long track record of excellence, Life Care Services sets itself apart from other senior living companies with its unique, comprehensive portfolio of support services. Life Care Services is the nation’s second-largest operator of senior living communities and has expertise in the management of both Life Plan and Rental communities.
