Although Elizabeth Hartman has a master’s degree, she had never done a PowerPoint presentation, but didn’t let her lack of technological know-how get in the way of her vision. 

 At age 75, Hartman, of Norristown, enrolled in the Human Services course of study at Montgomery County Community College. In May 2018, she graduated with an Addictions Certificate following two years of mostly online course work.  

I wasn’t sure I could do it at my age and I wasn’t sure I could function online,” Hartman, now 77, said. “I had tremendous help and support from the Montco Technical Desk; they’re so willing to help you along."

And she found a community among her college peers.  

“There are a lot of discussion group activities in the online courses so you get to know people,” she said, adding that she had taken classes with three of the eight people she participated in field experiences with. “Those three people I felt like I knew really well. I have so much respect for the young people who want to go into this field.” 

A retired teacher, Hartman had spent the five years prior to enrolling at the College volunteering at the Norristown Hospitality Center, a day shelter that provides basic needs and social services to people experiencing homelessness and poverty. During many of her volunteer shifts, Hartman saw case workers interacting with people and was inspired to broaden her educational horizon. 

“I thought, ‘I can do that,’” Hartman recalled.  

She completed an internship at the Hospitality Center and led a 16-week instruction program there called Getting Ahead in a Just Getting By World. The course helps people who are struggling to learn how to make better choices, creating a better life for themselves and the whole community. 

Participants are paid during the four-month course as if they are going to work every day, “because they are,” she said. After completing the course, “They are ready to get a job. They have worked together, supported each other and know how to do it now. They can perform,” she added. 

During her teaching career, Hartman worked at several area Catholic schools and retired as the director of religious education at St. Matthew Parish in Conshohocken. When she found the Norristown Hospitality Center, Hartman said she was compelled to serve. 

“I’ve always felt that God was directing me,” Hartman said. “I walked in and thought, ‘This is where I want to be.’ You just know.” 

Hartman said she felt that same sense of belonging at Montgomery County Community College.  

“Every course I started out thinking ‘I don’t think I can do this. This is too hard,’ and it really wasn’t,” she said. “You just have to take it step by step. Every professor I had was stimulating and opened my eyes to new things. I especially benefited from Professor Rose, Professor Ellis, Professor Keesler, Professor Davidson and Professor Hoy. It was a very good experience and a blessing.” She adds that she always encourages her friends to check out Montco online and she will recommend further education to the people in her program at the center. 

“There are so many positive experiences people can find in getting more education,” she said. “Montco’s the perfect place.”