Louise Phillips - 50 Stories for 50 Years (Story # 14)
In 2023, after the pandemic kept people apart, Louise Phillips wanted to reconnect with her community. Louise lives in Mount Pleasant, so she was happy to find volunteer opportunities at her local Neighborhood House. She looked forward to using her English as a Second Language (ESL) teaching skills with more learners.
Louise met Morie, Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House’s Family Literacy Outreach Coordinator, and started tutoring online. Soon it was clear that Louise brought more than teaching experience to her sessions. She understood on a personal level why language matters.
Louise’s Ukrainian grandmother lived in Canada but never learned to read or write in English. Louise recalls watching her grandmother’s world get smaller as she aged because of language barriers.
“I really care about language acquisition,” she explains. “I don’t see how anyone living in Canada can have a good life if they can’t communicate.”
Morie asked Louise to lead MPNH’s English Conversation Circle for Seniors, a weekly program for senior newcomers to practice English conversation skills. Louise was happy to teach in person again and began preparing lessons. But when she met her new students, she noticed a problem.
The students did not speak. Louise understood that speaking a new language can feel strange and intimidating. But this group's silence was a habit. They had been meeting this way for years. Even with Louise's expertise, she could not get them to participate instead of just watching.
Louise reached out to the Literacy Outreach Coordinator, who listened thoughtfully to her concerns and connected her with other staff members. Together, they started working to help the seniors feel comfortable speaking.
With support from MPHN staff, Louise’s activities began to work. Her students started to speak, laughed as they made mistakes, and encouraged each other to try again.
“It takes a lot of effort to learn a language,” Louise admits. “I really appreciated what they did, and I continued because of that.”
And Louise found even more to appreciate about MPNH. Working with Morie and the MPNH staff was both personally and professionally validating.
“It’s the kind of feeling of belonging and being valued,” Louise says. “That’s what makes the difference. The difference about Mount Pleasant Neighborhood House is it’s a community.”
Louise hopes MPNH’s English language learning programs will continue to grow and meet the diverse needs of newcomers. She wants MPNH staff to know they are supported in their work so they can continue their outstanding support throughout the community. And most of all, Louise wants more people to experience what she found at MPNH: meaningful connection and purpose in a space where people are heard, valued, and believed in.
Story written by Carrie Keen through an interview with the participant during her practicum placement at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House.
50 Stories for 50 Years at MPNH is a collection of meaningful stories that celebrate the lasting impact our Neighbourhood House has had over the years. These stories come from long-time participants, families, youth, volunteers, community members, and regular visitors whose lives have been touched, supported, or transformed through our programs, services, and connections at the House.
