Changing Lives Through Language
Every Thursday, volunteer John Cleary stands at the front of a classroom at El Centro in Trenton, helping people learn English. The number of students may vary, but John is always there, ready to teach. El Centro, a program of Children and Family Services, supports Mercer County’s Latino community.
“John is someone we can really count on,” said Roberto Hernandez, Program Director at El Centro. “He’s kind of like the Post Office here in rain, snow, or shine. Ready to go. And he’s been doing this for almost 20 years.”
Finding Service to Others as a Second Act
A mathematician in his professional life, John worked in Philadelphia as an actuary for a consulting firm that created pension plans. When he retired, he looked for ways to “keep off the couch.” He began volunteering with Meals on Wheels and trained as an English as a Second Language (ESL) instructor with the Literacy Volunteers of Mercer County. Eventually, John found his way to El Centro, where students were plentiful.
“Teaching seemed like something I might enjoy doing,” he said. Some weeks there are only two or three students; other weeks the classroom is filled with 20. “The students are all at different levels,” John explained. “Some don’t understand English at all, and some are pretty far along. I work with them where they are.”
John bases his classes on an ESL workbook but enriches lessons with practical information. A unit on the library, for example, becomes a discussion about the services available there. He also explains cultural references and answers questions as they arise. “John really thinks about his lessons and the everyday use of language. He includes practical information about the way things work in the United States,” said Hernandez. “Many of his students go on to take citizenship classes here, so he incorporates a little history and civics too.”
Part of El Centro’s Family
After nearly two decades of volunteering, John has taught multiple generations of families. “He has actually taught the children of former students,” said Hernandez. “The students call him Abuelo, which means grandfather, that gives you an idea of the affection they have for him.”
“John is a really good guy, and he’s so dedicated to this community,” Hernandez added. “I think he likes the atmosphere here. It may be one of the reasons he keeps coming back. He knows he’s part of our family.”
John’s story shows how one person’s dedication can ripple across generations. If you’d like to make a difference like John, El Centro welcomes new volunteers. New students are also welcome. Evening classes are offered Monday through Friday. Classes are free, open to all.
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John’s students call him Abuelo, which means grandfather.
For more information about ESL or Citizenship classes at El Centro, call 609-394-2056.
To learn about volunteering with Catholic Charities, contact Tracy Gillespie at [email protected] or call 609-394-5181 x1126.