Riverside County Library :: To Increase Literacy Among Nonliterate Latino Adults

Riverside County Library System to Increase Literacy Among Nonliterate Latino Adults

Riverside County Library Press Release: 3.08.2016

The Literacy Headquarters, located at the Louis Robidoux Library, has been selected as one of five libraries across California to pilot LeamosTM (Let’s Read) @ the Library.  Centro Latino for Literacy (Centro Latino), a nonprofit organization headquartered in Los Angeles, launched the project to bring its online literacy course to the state’s non-literate Spanish speakers, which number 573,866 (2009-2011 ACS, PERE pooled file).  The two-year pilot project is supported by a grant awarded by the James Irvine Foundation to Centro Latino to explore partnerships with public libraries. Greg Lucas, California State Librarian said, “In a state which in 2014 gained a Latino plurality, it seems at a minimum good common sense to encourage programs like Leamos™.  Without literacy skills in their native language, proficiency in English becomes significantly harder, if not impossible to attain.”

Public libraries will incorporate the use of Leamos™ as an effective strategy to both promote reading at its most basic level and to effectively outreach to Spanish-speakers in their communities. “Public libraries are a natural ally in fulfilling our mission of creating innovative solutions that transform lives through literacy.  Leamos™ @ the Library is the portal for nonliterate Spanish speakers to close both the basic and digital literacy gaps and to increase civic engagement,” stated Mari Riddle, Centro Latino President and CEO.  “Learning to read and write is ground zero. Many students have described learning to read and write as being able to see after a lifetime of being blind – ‘Ya tengo ojos (Now I have eyes)’”.  READ MORE @

Camarena Library :: Selected to Pilot Spanish Literacy Course Across California

Camarena Memorial Library To Increase Among Non-Literate Latino Adults Selected to Pilot Spanish Literacy Course Across California

Desert Review: 7.20.2016

The Camarena Memorial Library has been selected as one of nine libraries across California to join a pilot program – LeamosTM (Let’s Read) @ the Library. Centro Latino for Literacy (Centro Latino), a nonprofit organization headquartered in Los Angeles, launched the project to bring its online literacy course to the state’s non-literate Spanish speakers, which number 573,866 (2009-2011 ACS, PERE pooled file). The two-year pilot project is supported by a grant awarded by the James Irvine Foundation to Centro Latino to explore partnerships with public libraries. Greg Lucas, California State Librarian said, “In a state which gained a Latino plurality [in 2014], it seems at a minimum good common sense to encourage programs like Leamos. Without literacy skills in their native language, proficiency in English becomes significantly harder, if not impossible, to attain.”

Public libraries will incorporate the use of Leamos™ as an effective strategy to both promote reading at its most basic level and to effectively outreach to Spanish-speakers in their communities. “Leamos @ the Library is the portal for non-literate Spanish speakers to close both the basic and digital literacy gaps and to increase civic engagement,” stated AnaMaria Ruiz, Centro Latino Board Liaison, pointing out that a key initiative of the James Irvine Foundation is to increase civic engagement. “Learning to read and write is ground zero. Many students have described learning to read and write as being able to see after a lifetime of being blind – ‘Ya tengo ojos (Now I have eyes)’”.

Library literacy staff involved with the Southern California Library Literacy Network (SCLLN) have encountered this need in their communities, but have lacked the resources to address it. 

Meanwhile, Centro Latino for Literacy (Centro Latino) has been teaching basic literacy skills to Spanish speakers since 1991 and in 2004 transferred its course to an online platform to make it available beyond its Los Angeles classrooms. Now operating as a social enterprise, Centro Latino licenses its proprietary LeamosTM (Let's Read) Basic online course to workforce development organizations, parent engagement groups, community colleges, public libraries and more.  In March 2015 the James Irvine Foundation awarded a two-year grant to Centro Latino to deepen its impact statewide; Centro Latino chose to focus this effort on partnerships with public libraries.  They have recruited five libraries for year one of the project (Roseville, Salinas, Santa Barbara, Riverside, and Covina), and  the library systems which already partner with Centro Latino will also participate in this project to bring the broadest possible perspectives and learning experiences together.  The five libraries currently involved are:  Azusa, Los Angeles County-Huntington Park branch, Los Angeles City Library, Huntington Beach, and Anaheim. Together these ten libraries will pilot using Leamos Basic as a tool for public libraries to teach literacy skills to Spanish speakers and their experience will be documented and guide an additional ten California libraries to provide Spanish literacy in their communities in year two of the Irvine grant. 

SCLLN has designed this LSTA proposal as a companion piece to leverage the James Irvine Foundation award to Centro Latino to strengthen its focus on public libraries as a community anchor – a “zocalo” (public square) familiar to Latin America immigrants.

Azusa Library :: Latinos Overcome the Barrier of Illiteracy

Latinos vencen la barrera del analfabetismo

Existen decenas de programas en el condado de LA para Inmigrantes que no leen o escriben bien en español

Latinos overcome the barrier of illiteracy

There are dozens of programs in LA County for immigrants who do not read or write in Spanish

La Opinion: 8.20.2015 by Marvelia Alpizar

Miguel Gomez had to choose between going to school as a child, or stay home to help his mother and grandparents in farm work.

"When I came here [US] did not even write my name," said the Mexican, 49, who failed to finish or the second grade.  "To sign the checks, put the finger thumbprint," recalls Gómez, until his wife taught him to write his name.

Pastor Francisca, an immigrant who dominates over the Quiche language of Mayan origin still used in various departments of western Guatemala, had to ask for help to understand the ads in Spanish and not end up lost somewhere in Los Angeles.

Both immigrants are part of a large number of adults who live in Los Angeles County that have the challenge of living in a country without being able to read and write in Spanish.

Most of them come to this country, they are dedicated to work and have no time to study or know about the places where they can receive classes.

According to the American Community Survey the years 2009-11, there in California 573.866 Spanish-speaking adults who do not read or write in any language.

However, a year and a half Gomez came to Azusa Library, where he has learned to read through the program Leamos the Centro Latino for Literacy. He is currently on the second level of literacy.

"I want to keep learning.  To all my friends, at work, I say 'now no one can stop me. "Viera how nice it feels when I go down the street and I can read street names or signs!' 'Said Gomez, who works in a packing of vitamins.  To carry out their work, using his memory to learn the names of labels.  READ MORE !

Azusa Library - Centro Latino for Literacy :: Azusa library offers literacy program in Spanish

No solo ofrecen libros, también enseñan a leer

Biblioteca de Azusa ofrece programa de alfabetización en español

Not only offer books also they teach reading

Azusa library offers literacy program in Spanish

LaRaza: 8.02.2015 by Marvelia Alpizar

Many immigrants who come to this country have the desire to learn English faster to adapt to society.  However, those who never learned to read and write in their first language find it difficult to learn a second language.

It is one of the reasons why the city library is offering Azusa literacy programs to people who speak Spanish and want to learn to read and write in that language or strengthen those skills.

Cathay Reta, program coordinator Adult Literacy Library Azusa, said that about 11.6 percent of Spanish-speaking immigrants in Los Angeles County can not read or write in Spanish or do not master this skill properly.

"When people attend ESL (English as a Second Language) and can not read or write in Spanish, not find ways to keep pace with the rest of the class, and drop the course," Reta said, who has It was also a teacher of adult literacy for approximately thirty years and has observed this phenomenon in community centers where he worked. READ MORE !

Centro Latino for Literacy : : Literacy Mixer June 3

Leamos, Tacos, y Tequila Literacy Mixer

June 3

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Centro Latino for Literacy

Centro Latino for Literacy :: Open House : : Volunteer Recognition | April 16

Centro Latino for Literacy

Open House : : Volunteer Recognition

April 16

Centro Latino For Literacy :: Leamos, Mole, y Mezcal Literacy Mixer

Leamos, Mole, y Mezcal Literacy Mixer

Centro Latino for Literacy 

March 19, 2015

6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Centro Latino for Literacy - Helping Generations of Latinos Become Bi-Literate

Centro Latino for Literacy Helping Generations of Latinos Become Bi-Literate

Adelante: 1.2015 p12

Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce

For the past four and a half years Riddle has served as the president and Chief Executive Officer of Centro Latino for Literacy (Centro Latino), a Los Angeles-based nonprofit. She has a take-no-prisoners attitude when it comes to the programs and services offered through the organization.

“Literacy matters for those in our community looking to move ahead,” said Riddle. “Being able to read, write, and function in our text and technology driven world allows individuals to build upon some of the most basic, yet critical, skills employers require.”

Since its opening in 1991, Centro Latino for Literacy has taught nearly 6,000 non-literate working age adults basic grammar, math, and personal finances.

Researchers at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development found that a mother’s reading skill is the greatest determinant of her child’s future academic success (Oct 2010).

According to SpanishTranslation.US, reading skills among children of Latino decent [sic] are at an all-time low and that U.S. Hispanic children would significantly benefit from programs that promote literacy readiness prior to entering the school system.

Newly literate parents at Centro Latino now help their children with homework, are no longer embarrassed to speak to their children’s teacher or get involved in their schools.

Core components of Centro’s preliteracy courses are Leamos™ (Let’s Read) Basic, Leamos Grammar, and Listos™ (Ready) Math and Financial Education. These courses meet the CA adult content standards for PreESL and have been used successfully by individuals, adult education programs, libraries, and employee training programs.

LALCC’s Inaugural Non Profit Organization Awards: Nov. 14, 2014 (p4)

Winners Are: Rising Star: Centro Latino for Literacy Centro Latino

teaches Latino immigrants to read and write in Spanish (L1), giving them the essential skills and confidence to participate more fully and independently in society, and uplift themselves and their families into more promising lives for generations to come. As of Oct. 31, 2014 Centro Latino has taught Pre-ESL literacy skills, including basic math, grammar, and financial literacy to 5,614 non-literate youth and adults. In addition, ESL, computer skills and job readiness skills have been taught to 9,682 low-income adults at our 8th Street classrooms through education partners.  READ MORE !

Azusa Library :: American Dream Starts @ Your Library

The American Dream Starts @ Your Library

Literacy Update, Azusa Library: Jan/Feb 2015

. . . at the Azusa City Library, to be exact.  The American Library Association and Dollar General Literacy Foundation awarded a 2014 American Dream Starts @ Your Library grant to the Azusa City Library. This national program helps immigrants to learn English to continue their education, help their children in school, get better jobs and become American citizens.

The award will help to expand tutoring for Spanish-speaking adults who are not literate in their native language. According to the American Community Survey 2009-2011, 11.6 percent of adult Spanish-speaking immigrants in Los Angeles County cannot read or write in any language, creating a barrier to learning English.  The Institute for Work and the Economy’s 2006 report, The Integration of Immigrants in the Workplace, states that an estimated 32 percent of adults enrolled in ESL (English as a Second Language) classes lack basic literacy skills in their native language, making them "slower in learning a second language than their literate counterparts."

Through the library’s partnership with Centro Latino for Literacy, the dedication of Leamos (Let’s Read) volunteer Monica Mejia, and with support from the American Dream grant, adults will be able to gain basic literacy skills in Spanish in approximately 150 hours of study. They can then successfully transition into English classes and find themselves well on their way to achieving their American Dream.

If you know a Spanish speaker who needs to improve their skills, call Cathay Reta at the literacy office:  626-812-5266.

Centro Latino for Literacy - Mixer

Leamos, Tacos, y Tequila Literacy Mixer

Centro Latino for Literacy

6.06.2014

WOW!

We had a great turnout on Wednesday, June 4th at our inaugural Pasadena literacy mixer – 150 people attended! We celebrated adult literacy, honored Judge Fernando Olguín, and launched our “Let’s Read with Literacy Partners” campaign (crowdrise.com/letsread).

A good time was had by all. A special thanks to those that contributed to our mission of transforming lives through literacy. Shout out to Centro Latino’s Fund Development & Marketing Committee for bringing this together along with the talented staff of Centro Latino. Volunteers – thanks for making guests feel welcome!

Missed it? See pictures here.

Centro Latino for Literacy :: Leamos, Tacos, y Tequila Mixer

Leamos, Tacos, y Tequila

#LiteracyMixer

June 4

Centro Latino for Literacy

Join Centro Latino for Literacy: celebrate adult literacy and recognize the Honorable Fernando M. Olguín, past Centro Latino for Literacy Board Member and now U.S. District Judge, Central District of CA.

Come and enjoy delicious tacos and tasty tequila/margaritas while learning about literacy!

Mijares Mexican Restaurant

145 Palmetto Dr - Pasadena

Please RSVP

SCLLN Literacy Videos @ Pinterest

Southern California Library Literacy Network

Literacy Videos

of Adult Learners and Tutors

have been pinned on

Pinterest

Azusa City Library
Carlsbad City Library
Centro Latino for Literacy
Chula Vista Library
Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library
Newport Beach Library
Rancho Cucamonga Library
A K Smiley Redlands Library
San Diego County Library

Videos of Learner Stories and Tutor Stories can also be seen at

California Library Literacy Services

National Education and Family Literacy Week - Part 2

National Education and Family Literacy Week
September 23 - 29

Raises public awareness of adult education and family literacy, assists adult learners in need of literacy services, leverages local resources, and supports increased access to adult education and family literacy programs. Use opportunity to elevate adult education and family literacy nationwide with policymakers, the media, and the community.

#AEFLWeek Twitter Fact Fest

Follow @NCLAdvocacy and #AEFLWeek
Tweet facts about adult education and family literacy. Raise awareness of adult education and family literacy. Share what you are doing to raise awareness and:

ReTweet !

Some SCLLN Facts - watch for more !

Azusa City Library Literacy
Violence, Crime and Literacy: What’s the Connection?  Did you know that —

60% of America’s inmates read below a fourth-grade reading level
   (U.S. Department of Education)
70% is the recidivism rate for inmates who do not receive literacy help in prison — but if inmates do receive literacy help while incarcerated, their rate of returning to prison drops to 16%
   (Penal Institution Records)
85% of all juvenile offenders have reading problems
   (U.S. Department of Education)
2/3 of students who cannot read proficiently by the end of 4th grade will end up in jail or on welfare
    (One World Literacy Foundation)

Centro Latino for Literacy

congratulates 129 newly literate adults at their 7th Annual Manos Amigas/Helping Hands Celebration.

Corona Library

  Zickefoose was functionally illiterate, unable to read a prescription label, his children's report cards or a menu. He was diagnosed as a young boy with dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and didn't learn to read and write until he was 35.
  That's when everything changed. He became a poster boy for the Corona library's adult reading program, began to speak publicly about his own struggles and was named the library's literacy director. He founded a nonprofit youth organization.
  And on Dec. 7, Zickefoose, 52, was sworn in as a member of the Corona-Norco Unified School District Board of Education.

Centro Latino for Literacy: Manos Amigas/Helping Hands - congratulating 129 newly literate

Centro Latino for Literacy congratulating 129 newly literate
BlogTalkRadio: 9.20.2013 @ 6pm
by Latino Role Models - Success in Business

Centro Latino for Literacy is congratulating 129 newly literate adults at their 7th Annual Manos Amigas/Helping Hands Celebration.

Event is being co-chaired by Paul Garza, Jr., Centro Latino for Literacy Board Chair and Gil Vazquez, Principal at Vazquez & Company, LLP. For twenty-two years now, Centro Latino has been transforming lives by teaching literacy skills to non-literate Spanish speakers.

These 129 adults will graduate from the Leamos and Listos courses, where they learned reading and writing, math, grammar, and financial literacy.

Thanks to our major sponsors First Credit Bank Community Bank, Barker Management, Inc., CHAPA (CA Housing Assistance Program), Wells Fargo Bank, Telemundo, Union Bank, Southern California Gas Company/Sempra Energy, California Bank and Trust, The California Endowment, and Jeff Tsuji Design & Photography. Their support not only impacts our students’ lives, but it also impacts their families, workplace, health and the entire well being of the community.

Tweet Spots: Manos Amigas/Helping Hands

LBC‏@CalGoBears1h
@centrolatino graduation! @NCLR Affiliate that teaches adults #reading #writing #education #America #newlife pic.twitter.com/WuuFJYvelE

Centro Latino ‏@centrolatino2h
Inspirational and moving words delivered to our graduates by our keynote speaker @octaviopescador #MA2013 pic.twitter.com/NGfyzXZ8GL

Centro Latino ‏@centrolatino3h
Enjoying the wonderful company of CLL contributors with catering by @LaGuelaguetza #MA2013 pic.twitter.com/YdxBBByMqx

Centro Latino for Literacy - April Newsletter

Centro Latino for Literacy
May 2013 eNewsletter

April was quite busy - we're coming up for air. I'm excited to share Centro Latino's involvement in the community with you. Thanks to our great partners for spreading Literacy First!
Saludos,
Mari Riddle, President & CEO

Manufacturers Bank sponsors Centro Latino's Open House &; Volunteer Recognition during National Volunteer Week and Financial Literacy Month. Current and former volunteers met for the first time and shared what it means to volunteer. Ms. Nancy Huntington of Manufacturers Bank invited attendees to spread and support Literacy First!

AnaMaria Ruiz, VP Customer Relations, and I spoke to Latino professionals attending the ALPFA Los Angeles Leadership Summit where Centro Latino was a community partner. Congratulations to Carmen Palafox, ALPFA-Los Angeles Chapter President on a successful event!

Centro Latino and Leamos were very visible at the 22nd Annual National Conference on Family Literacy in Kentucky. AnaMaria presented an English and Spanish workshop on Leamos: Pre-ESL Online Literacy Solution and I was a panelist with national colleagues on Bringing in new Resources and Collective Impact: Great Cities Model.

Congratulations to President &; CEO, Mari Riddle, on her recent Nonprofit Leadership Impact Award! Thank you to all supporters!

Center for Nonprofit Management

Centro Latino for Literacy - L.A. Has Work to Do on Literacy

L.A. Has Work to Do on Literacy
LA Business Journal: February 25 – March 3, 2013, p. 75
Op-Ed written by Mari Riddle
(president and chief executive of Centro Latino for Literacy)
on Centro Latino for Literacy Website - Media

In recent national speeches, President Obama has outlined a series of principles on the need for comprehensive immigration reform. While immigration remains a key issue in a global city like Los Angeles, the current local elections and its victors will steward our vibrant city in this highly competitive, complex and interconnected world.

To remain competitive, we – as elected officials, business executives and non-profit leaders – must focus our efforts to maintain and produce an educated and skilled workforce not only in the formal economy, but also in the informal economy. By the informal economy, I’m referring to unregulated and unreported economic activity.

According to a 2005 Economic Roundtable report, “Hopeful Workers, Marginal Jobs: L.A.’s Off-the-Books Labor Force,” an estimated 16 percent of the city’s workforce is employed in the informal economy. This represents $3.6 billion in annual payroll, if we assume an annualized wage of $12,000. At the Los Angeles County level, this annual payroll amount rises to $8 billion.

For many individuals who experience lack of upward mobility in the formal economy due to lack of human capital, English proficiency and basic literacy skills, the informal economy remains a viable option for them to pursue economic opportunities. While informal workers lack basic governmental regulations and protections in the workplace, they also fail to report income during tax season.

To help integrate these informal workers into the mainstream, we first need to address the high rate of nonliteracy among many of these individuals, particularly among Spanish speaking adults. In the county, for instance, the U.S. census’ 2011 American Community Survey finds that more than 220,000 adult Spanish speakers are functionally nonliterate in either Spanish or English. By increasing literacy among these individuals, we will increase the level of human capital and economic productivity in our local economy.  READ MORE !

Centro Latino for Literacy - PBS Community Champion Hispanic Heritage Month

PBS Community Champion
Hispanic Heritage Month

PBS SoCal showcased Centro Latino during a 3-minute video, part of the American Graduate: Let's Make it Happen Initiative. Board, students and staff were featured in this video creating a good feeling all around.

Click here to see the video.

Centro Latino for Literacy - Manos Amigas/Helping Hands Graduation

Manos Amigas/Helping Hands
Centro Latino for Literacy
Graduation

On Friday, September 28th, joy and excitement were in the room as the 6th Manos Amigas/Helping Hands Celebration got under way.

This was a celebration of firsts!  This was the first time that:

- 155 adults completed either Leamos, Listos, or Leamos/Listos literacy courses. What a sense of accomplishment!
- Each student not only received a certificate of completion from Centro Latino, but also received a personalized City of Los Angeles Certificate for "their commitment to learn which inspires us all in the Latino community" signed by Councilmember Ed P. Reyes, 1st District.
- Manos Amigas graduation was held in Spanish, with simultaneous translation available for all the non-Spanish speakers in the room; and
- Manos Amigas was podcast live.

Memorable moments of the evening:
Inspiring oratory from Octavio A. Pescador, Ph.D., Keynote Speaker
Moving remarks by Councilmember Ed P. Reyes
Encouraging words from Melody Nava, Adult Literacy Champion
Loads of smiling faces and our gracious MC, Claudia Botero