our "communication club":
discovering joy through the written word

Led by volunteer, Beverly Sanderson, the "Communication Club" at Samaritan Community began to meet in April 2015 to focus on reading, writing, and listening skills. The members recognize that thinking and reflecting are two of the most important parts of communication. Everyone in the group shares their stories and connects to other stories in books and poetry. The focus is on the group's participants, who are the real energy of this endeavor. 

Beverly, a former Baltimore County educator, partnered with Dr. Ann Bain, a learning disability specialist, to design an assessment and tutoring program for Samaritan Community members. But, the club has gone beyond the initial design, to become an avenue for community members to learn about and value themselves, as they discover a wider world. 

Sometimes the morning meeting may include a discussion concerning different aspects of language, like an investigation of metaphors. 

"Homework" assignments usually reflect the week's focus. Participants may write a poem about their thoughts, following a group discussion, and others may be asked to think about what they want to say, and how they would say it so that they can dictate their ideas at the next meeting. Most impressively, some members have begun, on their own, to read for pleasure. 

"I am awed to be in the company of these wonderful people," says Beverly. 

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