By Belen Quellet
Rita Siebenaler, a long-time reader of the Falls Church News-Press and resident at Goodwin Living Bailey’s Crossroads, approached the administration with an idea rooted in her family’s immigrant history. Her maternal grandmother left Ireland at the age of 19 to work as a maid in New York, navigating a path to U.S. citizenship that was much simpler and less costly than today. When Rita discovered that the current application fee exceeds $700, she was shocked by the financial burden it creates for many aspiring citizens.
Determined to help, Rita proposed that the staff at Goodwin Living—who care for residents like herself—should receive assistance in their efforts to become U.S. citizens. She believed it was essential to create a community that values and supports everyone, no matter their role. Though her initial proposal wasn’t met with enthusiasm, Rita persisted. She knew this was the right thing to do, and it paid off. The U.S. Citizenship Program was launched and has been running successfully for six years.
“The U.S. is a nation built by seekers,” Rita explained. “All of us, share a common legacy of people seeking better lives. By helping others, we’re honoring our ancestors and contributing to a stronger America.”
Rita’s vision quickly turned into action. Within two weeks, the Program was up and running, and $40,000 had already been raised to support the staff. But it didn’t stop at just financial assistance. It also connected staff members with residents who volunteered to tutor them as they prepared for the U.S. citizenship exam. The response from the community was so positive that a “playbook, was developed to help other organizations replicate the program and offer the same support to their employees.
On September 18, The Goodwin Living Foundation held its latest Annual Citizenship Celebration. The event celebrated 15 staff members who recently became U.S. citizens through the program. In the six years since its inception, the program has awarded 199 grants, and 107 individuals have completed the citizenship process.
Valerie Burke, Chief Philanthropy Officer of The Goodwin Living Foundation, delivered opening remarks at the event, emphasizing the significance of hosting the celebration around Constitution Day. “The timing highlights the importance of citizenship and the principles enshrined in our Constitution,” Burke said. “It also serves to foster a sense of community among new and existing U.S. citizens.”
Rob Liebreich, President and CEO of Goodwin Living, also addressed the attendees, underscoring the essential role that immigrant staff members play in the success of Goodwin Living. He shared that 40 percent of the organization’s workforce comes from outside the U.S., with one in four not being U.S. citizens. Liebreich praised the sacrifices and determination of immigrants who seek a better life for themselves and their families, often facing great uncertainty. He also highlighted the program’s resident-led tutoring initiative, which has contributed to lower staff turnover rates, keeping Goodwin Living’s rate at half the industry standard.
The heart of the event came during a panel discussion featuring three new U.S. citizens: Rambjet Kamara from Sierra Leone, Awetash Abdu from Ethiopia, and Ioana Munteanu from Romania. The panelists shared their journeys, reflecting on the emotional and logistical challenges they faced, from leaving family behind to navigating the complexities of immigration.
Rambjet’s story particularly moved the audience. She shared how, despite her best efforts, she struggled to save for the citizenship application fee, often having to spend her savings to support her mother and sister. She also found it difficult to study at home due to her busy schedule. However, the residents she cared for at Goodwin became her allies, turning into tutors who helped quiz her on the citizenship test questions during her workday.
The audience erupted in applause when Rambjet recounted her most joyous moment: after seven years of separation, she was finally able to reunite with her son in the U.S. following her citizenship approval. Her voice was filled with emotion as she shared how much it meant to have her family together again.
All three panelists are now registered voters, a fact that they wore with pride as they spoke about the impact the U.S. Citizenship Program had on their lives. Ioana Munteanu reflected on the significance of having an organization that truly values its workers and their diverse cultural backgrounds, calling it a testament to Goodwin’s commitment to its community.
At the event, the melodies of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful,” resonated with the values of courage, resilience, and unity that were echoed throughout the celebration. The U.S. Citizenship Program at Goodwin Living continues to stand as a model for how organizations can uplift their employees and create stronger, more inclusive communities.