Good News Tucson - A Family Values Magazine

Literally Literacy:
In the Beginning was the Word by Don Blascak

If you can read this article you probably don’t need the help provided by the Literacy Volunteers of Tucson. But--- you can help by volunteering and helping those who struggle day to day to read and be able to comprehend. It is somewhat hard to conceive in this day and age that one out of five adults, 18 and older are reading at or below the 6th grade level.

Literacy Volunteers of Tucson work to amend and lower that statistic. Since 1969 this non-profit agency which numbers 250 multi-generational and diverse volunteers has attacked functional illiteracy with a vengeance and rightful pride in their accomplishments. At present there are 500 adults – young and old – that they number as clients.

They meet in public locations throughout the city in one-on-one classes and in group environments such as congregations and community centers. School District Wellness Centers from schools such as Nash, Hollaway and Kelling encourage parents to take English Language Acquisition (formerly ESL) and submit referrals. This strategy re-enforces the parent’s esteem and contributes to overall family confidence, wellbeing and parenting. In these instructional tutoring environments young adults and older adults progress from basic literacy to conversational training which increases understanding and comprehension.

Literacy volunteers range in age from 19 to 90 and passionately seek to pass to others skills that have brought them learning and entertainment.

Should you consider joining this well developed community improving organization go to www.lovetoread.org or e-mail Lisa Kemper at lkemper@lovetoread.com.

You may also call Lisa at (520) 882-8006. An opportunity to be part of a positive and rewarding, life changing endeavor waits.

Remember it’s one person at a time.