Lexington Volunteer Honored by the New England Patriots

English At Large is proud to announce that long-time volunteer and Lexington resident Phyllis Brooks has been recognized by the New England Patriots as a 2021 Difference Maker! Phyllis is one of 17 volunteers from across Massachusetts to receive this honor, which was celebrated at the Pats game on January 2nd at Foxboro Stadium.

Csilla Tambor, English At Large Director of Volunteer Engagement, nominated Phyllis for this honor to recognize her remarkable service. “Phyllis joined EAL in 2004 as a volunteer English tutor for local immigrants and newcomers’” she explains. “As EAL's longest-serving volunteer tutor, Phyllis has tirelessly provided 17 years and more than 1,200 hours of individual instruction to English learners who would not otherwise have access to high-quality service.”

Reflecting on her volunteer service, Phyllis states “Working with English at Large has been a very significant part of my life … I am full of respect for these learners who often work several jobs and then fit in English instruction as well. Volunteering with them serves as a real bonding experience between countries. I learn as they do.”

As an English At Large volunteer, Phyllis has positively impacted the lives of her learners and their families through her patient instruction and guidance. Her volunteer service has helped her learners gain the skills and confidence they need to join in their communities and achieve their life goals, including employment, attaining citizenship, obtaining training and education, and communicating with their doctors, children's teachers and with their neighbors. Through her weekly service as a volunteer tutor, Phyllis has helped her learners gain the English language and cultural understanding they need to take advantage of opportunity and reach their full potential here in the United States. The true impact of her service is immeasurable.

About English At Large

English At Large is a nonprofit organization that helps adult immigrants gain greater understanding of English language and U.S. culture through personalized instructional programs designed to support their highest aspirations. Our learners benefit from a large network of volunteers and community partners in Greater Boston committed to their success. We envision a world in which all people have the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to take advantage of opportunity, enrich their communities, and achieve their life goals. Learn more about EAL at www.englishatlarge.org.

About the New England Patriots Foundation Celebrate Volunteerism Initiative

Each week, the Kraft family and Foundation recognizes one outstanding volunteer as the "Patriots Difference Maker of the Week." Throughout the season, seventeen outstanding volunteers are named as a Patriots Difference Maker of the Week and are featured on patriots.com. As part of this recognition, the Foundation will present a $5,000 donation to English At Large in honor of Phyllis and her volunteer service. This marks the 11th season that the Kraft family and the Patriots Foundation has presented their Patriots Difference Maker of the Week Award to volunteers from all across New England. Since its inception, 150 individuals have received this award and more than $675,000 has been donated to local nonprofit organizations.