Intergenerational program enhances learning for adult immigrant students

As English language learners from the Adult Academic Program honed their English speaking and writing skills with newfound friends at Covenant Village of Golden Valley, a continuing care retirement community, the group spanning several generations and representing several countries made life a bit warmer for local families in need.

As part of a year-long Elder Care Employment & Civics Education Program provided by the Adult Academic Program of Robbinsdale Area Schools, adult students and seniors from Covenant Village assembled eight fleece-tied blankets to donate to PRISM, a local organization that helps meet the basic needs of food, clothing, and housing for area low-income children, adults, and seniors. The blankets are part of the community service portion of the program designed to help students improve their English speaking and writing skills and learn about American history, civics.

“Through storytelling and conversation, students not only practice their English speaking, but they also have a front-row seat to American history,” said Jim Angell, executive director at Covenant Village of Golden Valley. “Our residents are a treasure trove of experiences and stories. What better way to learn about history than from the people who experienced it?” In return, Angell said, residents learn about new cultures, make new friends, and find purpose by helping students acclimate to life in the United States.

For resident Ruth Clemmons, a retired teacher who taught in places like South America and Thailand, the program lets her continue her love of teaching and learning. “I’ve always had a passion for learning new things or going new places,” she said. “I can’t travel like I used to, but the program brings the people and places to me,” she said.

The program also introduces students to career opportunities in the senior care industry. With the number of older adults expected to double by 2030, there is a growing demand for qualified health care workers.

“Students learn about aging in the U.S. and develop empathy and appreciation for older adults,” said Julie Kleve, special projects coordinator for the Adult Academic Program. “They’re connecting and learning from one another; but there's laughter, too. They’re having fun and creating friendships. This program introduces them to a world where they may find their life’s calling.”

Students are between the ages of 18 and 80 and study English reading, writing, and listening skills in the Level 3 EL and Level 1 Basic Skills classes. The grant-funded program is in its third year. The new class session begins in January 2017.

For more information about the Elder Care Employment & Civics Education Program, call 763-504-8367. For more information about Covenant Village of Golden Valley, call (877) 804-7017 or visit www.CovenantVillageofGoldenValley.org

About Covenant Village of Golden Valley
Covenant Village of Golden Valley, a faith-based, not-for-profit, continuing care retirement community administered by Covenant Retirement Communities, one of the nation’s largest
not-for-profit senior services providers. Covenant Retirement Communities serves 5,000
residents at 15 retirement communities nationwide and is a ministry of the Evangelical Covenant Church. For more information on Covenant Village of Golden Valley, call (877) 804-7017 or visit www.CovenantVillageofGoldenValley.org.