Staff Stories - September 23, 2024

Celebrating Citizenship: A Heartfelt Commitment to Community and Care at Goodwin Living

By Timaeus Reed

At Goodwin Living, we believe every journey toward belonging deserves a celebration. Last week, we came together to honor the remarkable achievements of our team members who have recently gained U.S. citizenship. With ceremonies across our three Life Plan Communities—The View Alexandria, Goodwin House Alexandria and Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads—this event was not just a milestone; it was a heartfelt tribute to the power of community, support and the dream of living and thriving in the U.S.

Empowering Careers in Senior Living and Healthcare

Since the launch of the Citizenship Application Fee Program in 2018, we have gratefully supported more than 200 team members and their families on their journeys to citizenship. This calendar year alone, 24 recipients—18 dedicated team members and six family members—have benefitted from this initiative.

Rob Liebreich, our President and CEO, shared, “At Goodwin Living, our goal is to uplift older adults and their caregivers regardless of their citizenship status.” With 40% of our workforce representing diverse global backgrounds, we’re committed to creating a supportive environment that enriches those pursuing careers in senior living and healthcare.

A Community of Support

During our 6th Annual Citizenship Celebration, held the week of September 16, 2024, we heard inspiring stories from our newest citizens, who shared their journeys and the joy of voting for the first time in a general election. These moments reminded us of the incredible impact of becoming U.S. citizens.

We’re honored to share a bit about three team members who recently earned citizenship.

The View Alexandria Life Enrichment Assistant Rambjet Kamara came to the U.S. at 25 from Sierra Leone, a country famous for its beautiful mountain fields and tropical climate. While in the States, Rambjet spent more than eight years apart from her son, who was only four years old when she left Sierra Leone. Throughout the many years apart, she worked tirelessly to become a citizen and bring her son to join her.

“Studying for my citizenship exam was a challenge, but I found support in the Goodwin Living community,” she shared. “I even practiced trivia questions with the residents I usually play with!” Rambjet’s determination shines brightly and her joy was palpable when she spoke of finally reuniting with her son after so many years apart.

Goodwin Living Sales Counselor Ioana Munteanu grew up a short pace from Dracula’s castle in Transylvania before leaving Romania (and its summer tomatoes) at 22 years old. Ioana was introduced to Goodwin Living long before becoming a Move-In Coordinator in 2022. She first met the organization while working at a moving firm that helped older adults in their move into Goodwin Living campuses. After she got her green card and began working at Goodwin Living, news of the citizenship program excited Ioana to pursue a path to citizenship.

“I’m so grateful I no longer have to visit the DMV every six months! And now I can help my family pursue citizenship, too, if they ever come,” she said, a smile lighting up her face. Her excitement about the ease of visiting her family back in Romania was evident, and she expressed deep gratitude for the Foundation’s support: “It made my journey to citizenship possible, and I feel incredibly grateful and supported in ways I never have before.”

Goodwin House Alexandria Housekeeping Supervisor Awetash Abdu came to the U.S. 32 years ago with her husband and has worked with Goodwin Living for nearly 20 years. Though born in Ethiopia, Awetash was raised in Sudan and misses the delicious okra and kebob from home. She had dreamed of coming to the United States and raising a family here since childhood. But when her husband passed away, it became nearly impossible for her to afford a path to citizenship.

“Without the Foundation and Goodwin Living, I don’t know what I would have done,” Awetash said. “I’m so thankful for them making me part of their family.”

As a widow and mother of six, Awetash prepared for her citizenship exam secretly, using flashcards to study without stressing out her kids. “I didn’t tell them until I received my certificate. They didn’t believe me until I showed them the picture!” she recalled, her laughter infectious.

Honoring Our Community with Local Leaders

We were honored to have elected officials and their representatives attend the celebrations, celebrating the significance of citizenship and community support. Their presence underscored the importance of our mission and the collective efforts to uplift our team members and their families. Special thanks to representatives from the offices of U.S. Senator Mark Warner and U.S. Representative Don Beyer as well as Virginia House Delegate Charniele Herring and Fairfax County Mason District Supervisor Andrew Jimeniz for joining us to celebrate the new citizens!

Building a Brighter Future Together

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, our Citizenship Program continues to flourish. Since September 2023, 15 of our team members have proudly achieved U.S. citizenship!

We’re thrilled to announce that the generosity of donors to the Goodwin Living Foundation has made it possible to expand our team member benefits to include English language classes, helping team members build their language skills and confidence. Additionally, we now assist with the renewal fees for green cards and work permits.

As we celebrate these milestones, we invite you to learn more about Goodwin Living and how we can support you or your loved ones in achieving their dreams. Together, we’re not just building careers in senior living and healthcare; we’re creating a vibrant, inclusive community that uplifts everyone.

For more information about Goodwin Living, visit GoodwinLiving.org. Here’s to many more journeys filled with hope, perseverance and belonging!

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Timaeus Reed is a Marketing and Communications Specialist at Goodwin Living. He plans, writes and designs for internal and external campaigns that support all areas of the organization. He relocated to D.C. to join the team in the summer of 2021. When he isn’t getting lost in traffic, Timaeus loves listening to live Go-Go music and stand-up comedy.