Blanca Gallardo, has earned an MA in Linguistic Studies with a concentration in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Syracuse University. She has applied this preparation and previous experience to helping adult newcomers of many national origins and personal backgrounds to gain the benefit of English language proficiency for such purposes as workplace success, university studies, and social living skills. For the past three years, she has dedicated herself to the Gather Around program at Interfaith Works of Central New York, an offering that aims to assist older refugees to make a new life in the United States by improving their English language skills so that they may participate in activities of everyday life, become engaged in their community, and make a start on preparing for the US citizenship examination. Witnessing the learners' dedication, breakthroughs, and progress toward fuller participation in their new society is a reward in itself.