Friday, May 20, 2011

Carlsbad Library - Volunteer Proclamation at City Hall

Volunteer Proclamation at City Hall
Carlsbad Literacy Newsletter: May/June 2011

The City Council issued two proclamations on Tuesday, April 5: one recognizing National Volunteer Week April 10-16, and the other in honor of National Library Week and Carlsbad Reads Together.

Councilwoman Farrah Douglas read the proclamation that honored Carlsbad Literacy Services volunteers. Last year, 106 volunteers spent 12,869 hours helping 110 adults learn how to read. That equates to around $300,000 worth of services.

Carrie Scott, the community outreach supervisor for the literacy program, said, “We not only change the lives of the people we serve, but we change the lives of our volunteers.” She explained that the program has helped learners get better jobs, read to their children, and use computers.

Meli Barrett, volunteer tutor in Literacy Services, said she thought learners would want to be able to read books and newspapers, but found out they had difficulties doing everyday things such as reading contracts, street signs, and directions for medications. “I have been matched with an adult learner for about eight months, and in that time, I’ve seen him earn a license, get certification pertaining to his job ... get two job promotions and a separate job offer.”

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