Church donates its offerings to library's literacy program
Ventura County Star: August 23, 2004 by K Hibdon
Passing the plate at one Santa Paula church is helping to ensure the success of the Blanchard Library's Family Literacy: Aid In Reading program.
As part of its ongoing community outreach, the Universalist Unitarian Church of Santa Paula recently donated more than $600 to the F.L.A.I.R. program, library officials said.
In order to be a more vital participant in the local community, the church last year began designating funds collected from the "Sunday plate" on the first Sunday of each month as community service funds.
The money is donated to a different local organization each calendar quarter.
The F.L.A.I.R. and Families for Literacy programs are free and serve the entire family, said Kathryn Bornhauser, Literacy Services coordinator for the Blanchard Library.
"We teach English reading, writing, math and job market skills by providing one-to-one volunteer tutoring for adults who need instruction in all academic areas.
"We also offer computer instruction in reading, written language and math skills," Bornhauser said.
The family literacy component involves parents with children 2 to 5 and focuses on making reading a family fun activity while stressing the importance of parents as early teachers.
The library is also in partnership with the Santa Paula School District to train and provide in-school volunteer tutors for children at risk.
In addition, the library offers an English as a second language program, using small classes, tutors, and English-language tapes and computer programs.
The goal of the programs is to provide opportunities for participants to develop basic education, job-market and parenting skills that will increase their value in the work force and enhance the probability that their children will stay in school, Bornhauser added.
"It is through grants and donations such as this one just received from Universalist Unitarian Church that these programs can continue to operate," she said.
Wednesday, September 1, 2004
Thursday, April 1, 2004
Placentia Library - Library Celebrates Seuss Centennial
Library celebrates Seuss Centennial:
Party adds birthday cake to the menu with green eggs and ham.
The Orange County Register: March 4, 2004 by Veronica Rodriguez
With their mouths full of green eggs and ham, kids of all ages intently listened to the words of Dr. Seuss during the Seussical Centennial celebration Sunday in the Placentia Library.
The hourlong event marked the late Theodor ``Ted'' Seuss Geisel's 100th birthday and his legacy, as the famed author Dr. Seuss, for his work as a writer and illustrator of 44 children's books.
``This (event) is just an outreach for the community to get involved and understand the brains of a tremendous children's book writer,'' said Jim Roberts, literacy coordinator for Families for Literacy.
The group hosted the event, in celebration of Dr. Seuss' March 2 birthday, which coincided with the annual Read Across America event.
Families for Literacy members and volunteers were among those who read some of Dr. Seuss' most notable books, including ``Green Eggs and Ham,'' The Cat in the Hat'' and ``Hooray for Diffendoofer Day!'' to a crowd of almost 100 guests Sunday.
As readers turned pages, the children's curious voices interrupted storytellers with comments and often questioned ``Why?''
This interaction, according to Diane Martlaro, a library volunteer for four years, was a symbol of children's innocence and interest in the words of Dr. Seuss and of tremendous gratification for her service.
``When kids are asking questions, you know they're listening. They're interested. They're excited; and that is awesome,'' Martlaro said.
San Clemente resident Gloria Paoletti said she was baby-sitting and decided to bring her Placentia granddaughters -- Natalia, 11, Adriana, 9, Daniela, 6, and Katarina Balgojevic, 5 -- to the program. The oldest three are Golden Elementary School students.
``They are just enjoying the event thoroughly. ... They have had more than one serving of green eggs and ham.''
``No, two or three servings,'' interrupted Natalia as her grandmother giggled. ``Daniela had one and a half.''
Of course, the party couldn't end without a birthday cake.
Volunteers cut the cake and each child received a free copy of ``Gerald McBoing Boing,'' to encourage the continued exploration of Dr. Seuss' world full of entertainment and imagination.
Four-year-old Eliza Bruner of Placentia gets a front-row seat for the Seussical Centennial party Sunday, a Family for Literacy program at the Placentia Library. About 100 people marked the 100th anniversary of the author's birth.
Caitlyn Schrepfer, 7, of Placentia is wowed by a Dr. Seuss book being read Sunday at the Family for Literacy's Seussical Centennial at the Placentia Library.
Party adds birthday cake to the menu with green eggs and ham.
The Orange County Register: March 4, 2004 by Veronica Rodriguez
With their mouths full of green eggs and ham, kids of all ages intently listened to the words of Dr. Seuss during the Seussical Centennial celebration Sunday in the Placentia Library.
The hourlong event marked the late Theodor ``Ted'' Seuss Geisel's 100th birthday and his legacy, as the famed author Dr. Seuss, for his work as a writer and illustrator of 44 children's books.
``This (event) is just an outreach for the community to get involved and understand the brains of a tremendous children's book writer,'' said Jim Roberts, literacy coordinator for Families for Literacy.
The group hosted the event, in celebration of Dr. Seuss' March 2 birthday, which coincided with the annual Read Across America event.
Families for Literacy members and volunteers were among those who read some of Dr. Seuss' most notable books, including ``Green Eggs and Ham,'' The Cat in the Hat'' and ``Hooray for Diffendoofer Day!'' to a crowd of almost 100 guests Sunday.
As readers turned pages, the children's curious voices interrupted storytellers with comments and often questioned ``Why?''
This interaction, according to Diane Martlaro, a library volunteer for four years, was a symbol of children's innocence and interest in the words of Dr. Seuss and of tremendous gratification for her service.
``When kids are asking questions, you know they're listening. They're interested. They're excited; and that is awesome,'' Martlaro said.
San Clemente resident Gloria Paoletti said she was baby-sitting and decided to bring her Placentia granddaughters -- Natalia, 11, Adriana, 9, Daniela, 6, and Katarina Balgojevic, 5 -- to the program. The oldest three are Golden Elementary School students.
``They are just enjoying the event thoroughly. ... They have had more than one serving of green eggs and ham.''
``No, two or three servings,'' interrupted Natalia as her grandmother giggled. ``Daniela had one and a half.''
Of course, the party couldn't end without a birthday cake.
Volunteers cut the cake and each child received a free copy of ``Gerald McBoing Boing,'' to encourage the continued exploration of Dr. Seuss' world full of entertainment and imagination.
Four-year-old Eliza Bruner of Placentia gets a front-row seat for the Seussical Centennial party Sunday, a Family for Literacy program at the Placentia Library. About 100 people marked the 100th anniversary of the author's birth.
Caitlyn Schrepfer, 7, of Placentia is wowed by a Dr. Seuss book being read Sunday at the Family for Literacy's Seussical Centennial at the Placentia Library.
Sunday, February 1, 2004
Riverside County Library - Reading, writing English
Reading, writing English
Volunteers help people of all ages improve their skills through programs at county libraries
Desert Sun: January 17, 2004 by Nelsy Rodriguez
Gerardo Garcia was at the Indio branch library checking out some books when he noticed a group of people practicing the pronunciation of English words.
Curious, Garcia asked what was going on. It was an adult literacy class, he learned.
The literacy classes he had been taking at College of the Desert were demanding too much from his family time, the Indio man said, so he took down the information for the free classes.
He went at night when he could spare the time and worked out the foreign words until they didn't feel so forced. He even got a little tutoring in math.
Just recently, the 35-year-old man who came from Mexico four years ago earned his General Education Development certificate.
"They help us plenty to write, read and use vocabulary," Garcia said in Spanish. "The truth is, it has helped me a great deal."
The Riverside County Library Literacy Programs offer adult literacy and families for literacy programs at 10 local library branches.
"We have everything from basic English to conversational skills," said Sherry Martinez, Coachella Valley site supervisor. "Everything from how to write a check and work with forms to map reading."
The classes are free to anyone interested and each library has its own schedule of classes.
The sessions are run by volunteers who practice reading and pronouncing words with the students on an individual basis or in a group.
The program's success is dependent on the volunteers who make it happen.
People like Sally Shampine, a retired La Quinta woman who is one of about 85 volunteers in the Coachella Valley county library system.
"I didn't want to become a couch potato," Shampine said. "I could probably have slept all day and sat at home eating bonbons but I didn't want to do that."
Shampine is in her second year of volunteering two to three times a week in the desert.
She said she's worked with children and young adults, adults and people with learning disabilities.
"It's wonderful when you see something good's happening," Shampine said.
"You just have to not have any set ideas, be flexible because things don't always go the way you thought they were going to be going."
Shampine remembered how hard it was once to teach a dyslexic student but she said volunteering fulfills her.
And she's ready to help in any way she can.
"They kind of just point me to somebody or a group of people," she said. "We talk about words and what they mean, just whatever they need me to do."
Martinez said the program recently received a grant that may make it possible to add some English as a second language classes.
That would take more volunteers too, she said.
"We can always use more to help instructors," she said.
Martinez said while a teacher works with the bulk of a class, a teaching assistant could work with three or four individuals who may be struggling.
She said this method would greatly benefit the learning atmosphere as students could get more personal attention.
Volunteers to the program undergo a three-hour training seminar where they learn the techniques used by the program.
Martinez said the lessons rely primarily on written material, flash cards and scripts students can use to rehearse conversations.
She said volunteers who have a preference as to whether they would like to work with a group or an individual are likely to be accommodated.
The classes are drop-in for both the students and tutors.
Shampine said she likes the freedom of the schedule and prefers the group setting more than individual help because it frees her from obligation.
"When you're working with someone one on one it's like a commitment that you have to be there," she said. "I might miss and feel like I'd be letting them down."
When she does go she expends her energy and patience to help people like Garcia accomplish their goals.
"With what they've shown me I've learned a lot and it helps me at work," Garcia said.
"While I have time in the evenings I'm going to keep going, and I've also invited people I know to go," he said.
The Riverside County Library Literacy Programs offer adult literacy and families for literacy programs at the following library branches: Mecca, Coachella, Indio, Thousand Palms, La Quinta, Palm Desert, Cathedral City and Desert Hot Springs.
For information about taking a class, or volunteering to help teach one, call 342-2580
Volunteers help people of all ages improve their skills through programs at county libraries
Desert Sun: January 17, 2004 by Nelsy Rodriguez
Gerardo Garcia was at the Indio branch library checking out some books when he noticed a group of people practicing the pronunciation of English words.
Curious, Garcia asked what was going on. It was an adult literacy class, he learned.
The literacy classes he had been taking at College of the Desert were demanding too much from his family time, the Indio man said, so he took down the information for the free classes.
He went at night when he could spare the time and worked out the foreign words until they didn't feel so forced. He even got a little tutoring in math.
Just recently, the 35-year-old man who came from Mexico four years ago earned his General Education Development certificate.
"They help us plenty to write, read and use vocabulary," Garcia said in Spanish. "The truth is, it has helped me a great deal."
The Riverside County Library Literacy Programs offer adult literacy and families for literacy programs at 10 local library branches.
"We have everything from basic English to conversational skills," said Sherry Martinez, Coachella Valley site supervisor. "Everything from how to write a check and work with forms to map reading."
The classes are free to anyone interested and each library has its own schedule of classes.
The sessions are run by volunteers who practice reading and pronouncing words with the students on an individual basis or in a group.
The program's success is dependent on the volunteers who make it happen.
People like Sally Shampine, a retired La Quinta woman who is one of about 85 volunteers in the Coachella Valley county library system.
"I didn't want to become a couch potato," Shampine said. "I could probably have slept all day and sat at home eating bonbons but I didn't want to do that."
Shampine is in her second year of volunteering two to three times a week in the desert.
She said she's worked with children and young adults, adults and people with learning disabilities.
"It's wonderful when you see something good's happening," Shampine said.
"You just have to not have any set ideas, be flexible because things don't always go the way you thought they were going to be going."
Shampine remembered how hard it was once to teach a dyslexic student but she said volunteering fulfills her.
And she's ready to help in any way she can.
"They kind of just point me to somebody or a group of people," she said. "We talk about words and what they mean, just whatever they need me to do."
Martinez said the program recently received a grant that may make it possible to add some English as a second language classes.
That would take more volunteers too, she said.
"We can always use more to help instructors," she said.
Martinez said while a teacher works with the bulk of a class, a teaching assistant could work with three or four individuals who may be struggling.
She said this method would greatly benefit the learning atmosphere as students could get more personal attention.
Volunteers to the program undergo a three-hour training seminar where they learn the techniques used by the program.
Martinez said the lessons rely primarily on written material, flash cards and scripts students can use to rehearse conversations.
She said volunteers who have a preference as to whether they would like to work with a group or an individual are likely to be accommodated.
The classes are drop-in for both the students and tutors.
Shampine said she likes the freedom of the schedule and prefers the group setting more than individual help because it frees her from obligation.
"When you're working with someone one on one it's like a commitment that you have to be there," she said. "I might miss and feel like I'd be letting them down."
When she does go she expends her energy and patience to help people like Garcia accomplish their goals.
"With what they've shown me I've learned a lot and it helps me at work," Garcia said.
"While I have time in the evenings I'm going to keep going, and I've also invited people I know to go," he said.
The Riverside County Library Literacy Programs offer adult literacy and families for literacy programs at the following library branches: Mecca, Coachella, Indio, Thousand Palms, La Quinta, Palm Desert, Cathedral City and Desert Hot Springs.
For information about taking a class, or volunteering to help teach one, call 342-2580
Friday, January 30, 2004
Oceanside Library - Named "Outstanding Literacy Program" in California for 2004
Oceanside READS WinsOceanside Magazine: Winter 2004-05
Statewide Award for Literacy
Oceanside READS, the Oceanside Public Library's Literacy program, has been named "Outstanding Literacy Program" in California for 2004 by California Literacy. At the organization's annual meeting in San Francisco, Library Director Deborah Polich accepted the award, along with a gift of $500 for books from New Readers Press.
Literacy Coordinator Sandra Phillips notes, "California Literacy is the nation's oldest and largest statewide adult volunteer literacy organization. Our program was chosen among more than 250 literacy centers statewide, so this award is a very great honor."
Sandra Phillips and Literacy Assistant Corrie Miles lead an exceptional team of more than 55 volunteer tutors; they are all passionately dedicated to their work and to promoting literacy. Carol Naegele, Children's Services Manager, who recently announced her retirement, was also instrumental in the program's accomplishments.
Together they have formed strong partnerships with the community and with local businesses such as Starbucks, Wal-Mart, and the San Diego Union-Tribune, and with service clubs such as Oceanside Pacific Kiwanis. The program was recognized in part for developing innovative new literacy activities, and for providing the only literacy program in San Diego County which offers free tutoring for children in grades 1-12 in addition to adults.
Elvia, one of the adult learners, said, "Coming to Oceanside READS has changed my life. Thanks to my tutor, now I'm able to fill out job applications for employment, and I feel capable of voting in the upcoming election." More than 45 adults and 22 youth are currently being tutored in the program.
To learn more about California Literacy, visit their website at www.caliteracy.org.
To find out more about Oceanside READS or to volunteer as a tutor or enroll a learner, call 760-435-5683. All tutoring is free and confidential.
Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Orange Co Library - READ/Orange County - National Association of Counties 2003 Acts of Caring Award Winner
National Association of Counties
2003 Acts of Caring Award Winners: Libraries
Orange Co.,CA: Families for Literacy/Smart Start
READ/Orange County Public Library
The Families for Literacy/Smart Start Program is a component of READ/Orange County, the adult literacy services of the Orange County Public Library. READ/OC, begun in 1991, provides no-cost, direct one-to-one and small group tutoring in basic reading, writing, and English skills to non-reading residents in the county.
The Families for Literacy component was instituted in January 1997 to address the intergenerational cycle of illiteracy and provide services to adults who have at least one child under the age of five. One benefit of the program is that adults, by increasing their literacy skills, become more informed community members and more capable to assist their children to gain literacy skills. In June 2001, the family literacy program expanded to include Smart Start, a component that provides direct service to children ages 0 – 5 and the skills necessary to ensure success in school.
Twenty-seven volunteers are involved with the program, working with nearly 500 adults and 350 children. The dollar value of the volunteer time is nearly $75,000.
Literacy skills are so tightly woven into every facet of a person’s life—civic, professional and personal. The program’s emphasis on literacy as a family issue, providing both parent and child with an enhanced awareness of the value of reading, assures a long-term, positive impact on the community.
Contact: Marcia Tungate, Literacy Services Coordinator
Phone: 714/566-3070
Wednesday, October 1, 2003
San Diego Public Library - READ San Diego - Bonding with books: Program tries to help families break cycle of illiteracy
Bonding with books:
Program tries to help families break cycle of illiteracy
San Diego Union-Tribune: September 14, 2003 by Linda McIntosh
Every week a father met with his reading tutor and brought along his 4-year-old daughter.
"He told me he wanted her to see him doing homework so she would know how important it is," said tutor Jackie Abrams, a co-founder of Friends of READ/San Diego.
The man also told Abrams he never wanted his daughter to be in his situation.
That was more than 10 years ago. He went on to open a business.
"That's what the literacy program is about -- breaking the cycle," Abrams said.
READ/San Diego offers free tutoring for adults to improve their reading and writing.
In addition to the Adult Literacy Program, city and county libraries offer programs to encourage families to read together.
"We tell parents they are their children's first and most important teacher. It's important to read together as a family," said Kim Moore, Families for Literacy assistant.
At a recent Families for Literacy meeting at the Vista branch library, Moore read "Van Gogh's World of Color" and "More Bugs in Boxes" to a group of preschoolers.
Children eagerly answered questions about the books.
Little fingers traced the letter of the day in the air and larger hands helped out. Everyone sounded out "O."
During the 1 1/2-hour program, kids participated in literacy activities and sang songs. Families made color wheels.
At the end of the program, each family took home two free new books to read and keep.
"Some parents came back and told us their kids couldn't put the book down," said Kelli Sandman-Hurley, Families for Literacy coordinator.
Many families come back month after month.
Volunteers also return to help out. Some help with the family literacy programs,and some serve as tutors in the adult learning program.
Tutors generally meet with their students for about 60 to 90 minutes twice a week at a local library.
The initial commitment is six months.
But Abrams does not know anyone who has left after only six months.
"You learn a lot more than you teach," said Abrams, who has served as president of Friends of READ/San Diego since it began 13 years ago to raise money for the literacy programs.
"You gain respect for how hard they work, and they respect you for what you teach," Abrams said.
Tutors are being trained at the Vista branch library, 700 Eucalyptus Ave. For information about the programs and volunteer training, call (619) 527-5475 or (800) 576-1176
Program tries to help families break cycle of illiteracy
San Diego Union-Tribune: September 14, 2003 by Linda McIntosh
Every week a father met with his reading tutor and brought along his 4-year-old daughter.
"He told me he wanted her to see him doing homework so she would know how important it is," said tutor Jackie Abrams, a co-founder of Friends of READ/San Diego.
The man also told Abrams he never wanted his daughter to be in his situation.
That was more than 10 years ago. He went on to open a business.
"That's what the literacy program is about -- breaking the cycle," Abrams said.
READ/San Diego offers free tutoring for adults to improve their reading and writing.
In addition to the Adult Literacy Program, city and county libraries offer programs to encourage families to read together.
"We tell parents they are their children's first and most important teacher. It's important to read together as a family," said Kim Moore, Families for Literacy assistant.
At a recent Families for Literacy meeting at the Vista branch library, Moore read "Van Gogh's World of Color" and "More Bugs in Boxes" to a group of preschoolers.
Children eagerly answered questions about the books.
Little fingers traced the letter of the day in the air and larger hands helped out. Everyone sounded out "O."
During the 1 1/2-hour program, kids participated in literacy activities and sang songs. Families made color wheels.
At the end of the program, each family took home two free new books to read and keep.
"Some parents came back and told us their kids couldn't put the book down," said Kelli Sandman-Hurley, Families for Literacy coordinator.
Many families come back month after month.
Volunteers also return to help out. Some help with the family literacy programs,and some serve as tutors in the adult learning program.
Tutors generally meet with their students for about 60 to 90 minutes twice a week at a local library.
The initial commitment is six months.
But Abrams does not know anyone who has left after only six months.
"You learn a lot more than you teach," said Abrams, who has served as president of Friends of READ/San Diego since it began 13 years ago to raise money for the literacy programs.
"You gain respect for how hard they work, and they respect you for what you teach," Abrams said.
Tutors are being trained at the Vista branch library, 700 Eucalyptus Ave. For information about the programs and volunteer training, call (619) 527-5475 or (800) 576-1176
Monday, September 1, 2003
Orange Co Library - Locals donate time as literacy tutors
Locals donate time as literacy tutorsThe Orange County Register: August 14, 2003 by Jeffrey Chang
Brean Glenn Rolbiecki spends a few hours every Monday at the James A. Musick Correctional Facility in Irvine, helping inmates learn how to read.
Rolbiecki, 71, is a volunteer tutor for READ/Orange County, an adult literacy service operated through the Orange County Public Library.
Shereen Shoulders, READ/OC volunteer coordinator, said one in four adults -- about 400,000 people in Orange County -- either can't read or reads at a low skill level.
The goal of the program is to educate willing learners and improve their reading, writing and speaking skills, allowing them to prepare for the competitive job market, Shoulders said.
``The focus of our program is to prepare adults for the future,'' she added.
Rolbiecki, a retired truck driver, wanted to give back to the community in his spare time. He learned about READ/OC through his local library. Most tutoring sessions are held at library branches throughout the county.
Volunteer coordinator Bob West said many tutors are motivated by their love of reading.
``Generally, we find that these people enjoy reading, and when they find out how many people can't read they're blown away,'' he said.
La Habra resident and volunteer Viktoria Henry, 58, said, ``I love to read and I really wanted to teach someone so they can love to read.''
Volunteers must go through three hours of orientation with READ/OC staff to determine whether they are suitable to become tutors. Teaching expe rience isn't required but volunteers must understand basic grammar and spelling concepts and be willing to invest the time to teach someone to read. After orientation, volunteers must complete 17 hours of classroom training to learn effective teaching methods, such as using visual aids.
They are then assigned a learner, and after four of five weeks of tutoring, tutors are assessed by READ/OC staff and must complete one last three-hour course before they are certified.
``The training is intense,'' Henry said, but it ``helps you tailor the way you structure the lesson to fit the student's need.''
The core curriculum consists of tutoring sessions, either one-on-one or in small groups, structured around what the learner wants.
Sessions utilize ``all authentic materials used in real life,'' said Shoulders, such as newspapers, books and magazines.
Rolbiecki, who has been a tutor since March, chose to participate in the Working for Inmate Literacy Now program, or WIN. He said this particular component of READ/OC allows him to work one-on-one with inmates, helping them to become more productive members of society. He recently started working with his third learner.
``I'm really enjoying it,'' he said, ``and the inmates really appreciate it.''
WIN provides basic literacy service to pre-screened inmates in the Orange County jail system. WIN tutors don't have additional training but must receive clearance to work in the jails.
Henry works in the Families for Literacy, or FFL, component of READ/OC. FFL involves parents and children in an effort to break the cycle of illiteracy in families. While the tutors do work with the children, the focus is always on adults, said Shoulders.
Henry has been a volunteer literacy tutor for two years and has helped 15 learners.
Another part of the program, English Level Civics, provides English assistance for adult non-native speakers. Tutors provide not only reading skills but teach learners how to gain access to family health care, nutrition and employment skills. ``The program is very focused on literacy because literacy is so essential to be able to move on in society and improve yourself,'' Henry said.
READ/Orange County is a free service offered to adults ages 16 and older who are not in a high-school environment. Residents throughout Orange County are served.
Volunteer literacy tutors must commit to an additional 50 hours of service after being certified. They must also attend two in-service programs throughout the year to maintain their training.
Since the program's inception, more than 1,000 volunteer literacy tutors have been certified and more than 1,500 learners have received help reading. For information, call (714) 566-3070 or visit www.readoc.org .
Brean Glenn Rolbiecki spends a few hours every Monday at the James A. Musick Correctional Facility in Irvine, helping inmates learn how to read.
Rolbiecki, 71, is a volunteer tutor for READ/Orange County, an adult literacy service operated through the Orange County Public Library.
Shereen Shoulders, READ/OC volunteer coordinator, said one in four adults -- about 400,000 people in Orange County -- either can't read or reads at a low skill level.
The goal of the program is to educate willing learners and improve their reading, writing and speaking skills, allowing them to prepare for the competitive job market, Shoulders said.
``The focus of our program is to prepare adults for the future,'' she added.
Rolbiecki, a retired truck driver, wanted to give back to the community in his spare time. He learned about READ/OC through his local library. Most tutoring sessions are held at library branches throughout the county.
Volunteer coordinator Bob West said many tutors are motivated by their love of reading.
``Generally, we find that these people enjoy reading, and when they find out how many people can't read they're blown away,'' he said.
La Habra resident and volunteer Viktoria Henry, 58, said, ``I love to read and I really wanted to teach someone so they can love to read.''
Volunteers must go through three hours of orientation with READ/OC staff to determine whether they are suitable to become tutors. Teaching expe rience isn't required but volunteers must understand basic grammar and spelling concepts and be willing to invest the time to teach someone to read. After orientation, volunteers must complete 17 hours of classroom training to learn effective teaching methods, such as using visual aids.
They are then assigned a learner, and after four of five weeks of tutoring, tutors are assessed by READ/OC staff and must complete one last three-hour course before they are certified.
``The training is intense,'' Henry said, but it ``helps you tailor the way you structure the lesson to fit the student's need.''
The core curriculum consists of tutoring sessions, either one-on-one or in small groups, structured around what the learner wants.
Sessions utilize ``all authentic materials used in real life,'' said Shoulders, such as newspapers, books and magazines.
Rolbiecki, who has been a tutor since March, chose to participate in the Working for Inmate Literacy Now program, or WIN. He said this particular component of READ/OC allows him to work one-on-one with inmates, helping them to become more productive members of society. He recently started working with his third learner.
``I'm really enjoying it,'' he said, ``and the inmates really appreciate it.''
WIN provides basic literacy service to pre-screened inmates in the Orange County jail system. WIN tutors don't have additional training but must receive clearance to work in the jails.
Henry works in the Families for Literacy, or FFL, component of READ/OC. FFL involves parents and children in an effort to break the cycle of illiteracy in families. While the tutors do work with the children, the focus is always on adults, said Shoulders.
Henry has been a volunteer literacy tutor for two years and has helped 15 learners.
Another part of the program, English Level Civics, provides English assistance for adult non-native speakers. Tutors provide not only reading skills but teach learners how to gain access to family health care, nutrition and employment skills. ``The program is very focused on literacy because literacy is so essential to be able to move on in society and improve yourself,'' Henry said.
READ/Orange County is a free service offered to adults ages 16 and older who are not in a high-school environment. Residents throughout Orange County are served.
Volunteer literacy tutors must commit to an additional 50 hours of service after being certified. They must also attend two in-service programs throughout the year to maintain their training.
Since the program's inception, more than 1,000 volunteer literacy tutors have been certified and more than 1,500 learners have received help reading. For information, call (714) 566-3070 or visit www.readoc.org .
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