Catholic Charities Providing help. Creating hope.

Citizenship Program offers guidance
to students looking to pass test

By Judy Bokorney, Web Site Editor

Bradenton—Arcelia Sanchez is telling all her friends about the Citizenship Program at Catholic Charities of Manatee County. She came to the program because she heard that she could receive tutoring for the rigorous United States citizenship exam.

“They did everything to help me to pass the test,” Sanchez said. “It was very important to me to be a citizen and they took that very seriously.”

Catholic Charities of Manatee County recently held a graduation ceremony for 14 students of their Citizenship Program. The program is only a year old and already has worked with over 40 clients.

According to Sister Carolyn Glynn, S.P., organizer of the tutoring program, immigrants who take the test must be able to write, read and speak in English. They also must complete a 100-question exam on U.S. history and civics and fill out a lengthy immigration form.  “We try to have all our students extremely well prepared before they take their test so they have the confidence they need to pass the exam,” Sr. Glynn said.

“One of my students took the exam six times before passing it. That is determination,” said Everett LaPorte, a volunteer tutor for the program. “I admire her. She is an asset to this country. Our country may be good for those seeking to become new citizens but I know these new citizens are definitely good for our country,” he said.

Romelia Hernandez just passed her exam and said she felt ready for the test after working with Sr. Glynn. “She told me I must believe I can do it and to have courage,” she said. Hernandez is now going to Manatee Technical Institute to study to be a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

Most students do their tutoring after a full day of work, said Sr. Glynn. Volunteer tutors set up appointments according to a student’s work schedule. “They have such tenacity,” she said.

Sr. Glynn said the volunteers develop a mentoring relationship with their students. “By the time we go through all the tutoring sessions and witness their hard work, we feel like they belong to us here at Catholic Charities. We can’t wait to hear the good news that they have passed the test,” she said. “They always bring us back something in appreciation like a pan of enchiladas or a bouquet of flowers. The United States is so enriched by its new citizens,” said Sr. Glynn.

Anyone interested in the Citizenship Program can call Catholic Charities of Manatee County at 941-714-7829.

Photo: Sister Carolyn Glynn (left), S.P., congratulates Romelia Hernandez on becoming a United States citizen at a celebration at Catholic Charities of Manatee County.