Catholic Charities North ELLA Teacher’s Patience, Humility Leads to Service Award Nomination

At Catholic Charities North’s English Language Learning Academy (ELLA) 2025 graduation, a student named Simlorne spoke about the incredible dedication of the program’s instructors. When he talked about Lorraine Sanborn, he described her patience and tenderness as a great motivator for the students. 

When Patricia Kennedy, ELLA’s program director, talks about what makes Sanborn a great teacher, the first thing she says is “her patience. 

“She doesn’t rush anyone or judge anyone,” Kennedy added. 

That patience, her 15 years as a volunteer teacher with Catholic Charities, and unwavering humility led in part to Sanborn recently being named a finalist for the 2026 Peter J. Gomes Service Award, which recognizes local changemakers across Massachusetts’ North Shore. 

“I’m appreciative,” Sanborn said of the nomination. “I just love what I am doing. The students are very inspirational. I have to give them all the credit because (learning a new language) is a very hard thing to do.” 

Sanborn and the other award finalists will attend an event on Tuesday, Sept. 29, to hear the winner announced. The award is named for the Rev. Professor Peter Gomes, who served for nearly 40 years at Harvard University’s Memorial Church. It is presented by U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, D-6, a mentee of Gomes. 

Sanborn started volunteering with Catholic Charities at the Salem Senior Center, helping visitors there learn English so they could participate more in the center’s programs and events. 

“Lorraine was the perfect person for that class,” Kennedy said. “They warmed up to her right away. And the students started to integrate more, attending dance classes, painting classes, and meals. They integrated so well that the class size really went down.” 

Following the pandemic, Sanborn has taught ELLA’s beginner course in Lynn. In addition to helping students learn a new language, Sanborn said she focuses on building their confidence. In many cases, rather than having students speak in front of the whole class, Sanborn makes a point to stand close to them and have more one-on-one conversations. 

“Having them speak just to me really does build their confidence,” Sanborn said. “It is going to take years for them to accomplish the goals they set for themselves. They all try very hard. I wish I could give all of them awards.”