FINDING PURPOSE, MEANING AND COMMUNITY: A Volunteer’s Story

A lifelong learner and educator finds a home at PRC

Patricia found PRC when she retired 19 years ago. As a teacher, she hoped to do something that would allow her to continue to do what she loved. She said PRC gave her opportunities to teach in different capacities, especially for adults learning English. When tutoring shifted to Zoom, she knew she needed to learn how to use it.

When Anum A., PRC’s adult literacy manager, met Patricia for the first time, it was over Zoom. She admits she was shocked and impressed. “She was so tech savvy,” Anum said. “She was the one telling others that they were muted or their cameras were off. She just knew what to do.”

At the same time, Patricia saw the need for food pantry volunteers and jumped right in. “The food pantry allowed me to be around people,” she said.

According to Dom S., Wheaton food pantry assistant, Patricia’s presence is so uplifting, you can tell when she’s not there. “She always has a smile.”

When PRC resumed in-person tutoring, Patricia was one of 5 volunteers who made the transition. Now, she tutors 11 students one-on-one and in groups! She tutors a group on Saturday mornings at the Wheaton library and facilitates another group over Zoom. Patricia still shows up faithfully in Wheaton nearly every Friday to sort produce – most notably the strawberries.

As much as Patricia has given to PRC, she feels PRC has given a lot to her. “PRC saved my life,” she said. “It gave me a home.”