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two images are side by side. on the left, there is a square photo of a woman holding her citizenship certificate and an American flag. next to that, there is a group image taken during a celebration of citizenship

Welcoming Immigrants &Solving Staffing Crises

The Goodwin Living Citizenship Program

With the U.S. facing a staffing crisis in several industries, including in senior living and health care, Goodwin Living set out to find solutions. One unique solution is built on an idea from a resident who was inspired to support team members wishing to seek U.S. citizenship.

In 2018, Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads resident Rita Siebenaler recognized that the price of citizenship application fees was increasingly out of reach for team members. She encouraged the Goodwin Living Foundation to consider funding the fees, with residents and other team members providing tutoring to prepare for the civics test required for all applicants. Little did she know, Rita started something that would grow and impact many lives.

Today, the Goodwin Living Citizenship Program is available to organizations across the country, from faith-based not-for-profits to private and public companies. Conveniently organized into a playbook, the program can be easily adapted to all types of workplaces.

Download a complimentary copy of the Goodwin Living Citizenship Playbook and take the steps to being a workplace of welcome for immigrant workers seeking U.S. citizenship!

Celebrated by the Ad Council

Goodwin Living was deeply honored when the U.S. Ad Council presented the citizenship program as one of four stories of impact at its 2022 annual awards gala, December 1, in New York City! The Ad Council featured the citizenship journey of Goodwin Living team member Ngoc Nyugen (at right in both photos) and her tutor, Goodwin House Alexandria resident Sandy Connolly (at left in both photos).

Capturing Media Headlines

At Goodwin Living, nearly 27% of our team members do not have U.S. citizenship. Throughout our organization, you will find stories of immigrants who came into this country seeking a better life for themselves. One such story was told by writer Alexandra Moe in a piece published by Politico. The story featured Goodwin Living team member Momah Wolapaye, his passion for serving older adults through the pandemic and his dreams of becoming a U.S. citizen.

Momah is not alone.

According to PHI National, one in four direct care workers is an immigrant, which gives rise to our passion to support those who seek citizenship. Our passion, the determination of the team members and the support of residents to tutor them is also captured in these media pieces by The Washington Post and Voice of America.

Each year, we hold celebrations honoring our team members and their family members who have participated in the Goodwin Living Citizenship Program. Click here to read about these celebrations and the inspiring stories of team members pursuing citizenship and their resident tutors.

Rita's story

Visit our blog to read more about Rita Siebenaler’s story and how the Goodwin Living Citizenship Program came to be. Or, click to download your complimentary copy of our playbook.

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Lending Your Support to Aspiring Citizens

Join others who donate to the Goodwin Living Foundation to fund the $725 citizenship application fee and study books for team members and their family members seeking their U.S. citizenship! Give the gift of citizenship today!

Let's Connect

If you have questions or would like to talk with our team about the Goodwin Living Citizenship Program, please fill out the form to the right. Our team will contact you within one business day. We look forward to hearing from you.

Citizenship Guide

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