Oceanside READS
Celebrates 10th Anniversary !Newsletter: Fall 2007 by Suzanne McGowan,
Youth Services and Literacy Supv.
As we move forward in our day to day routines, we don’t always take the time to stop and look at our accomplishments. Milestone years are great for taking the time to reflect on the changes and happenings over a period of time. As
Oceanside READS celebrates ten years of service, I am honored to reflect on its many success stories.
Oceanside READS began as an adult literacy program in July 1997. The inaugural year served thirty-two learners with thirty-three active tutors. Ten years later, READS is a busy center that provides literacy services for adults as well as for children. This past year, Oceanside READS served ninety-one children and adult learners, with over seventy active tutors. The tutors display incredible commitment, as they not only work one-on-one with learners, meeting weekly for a minimum of six months, but they also prepare lessons, review materials, research and implement current trends and methodology, and take part in outreach programs. In 2006/2007, the topnotch tutors of Oceanside READS dedicated over four thousand volunteer hours. Although we can measure their hours of service, the value of those hours is priceless.
It is impossible to share the success stories of the READS program without mentioning Sandy Phillips and Corrie Miles. Humbly, they work with a dedication that is unrivaled. Their styles balance one another perfectly and they are a phenomenal team. Together they work to assess the needs of every learner that walks through the door. They recruit, train, schedule, match, and supervise tutors. They review materials and resources to assist the tutors with a variety of educational needs. Books & Bagels, the literacy book discussion group, is in its fifth year. READS partnered with Starbucks for three years of Sipping Stories. They host brown bag lunches and volunteer trainings as well as provide access to state and regional workshops and conferences.
The program has produced three scholarship winners, Writer to Writer award winners, and hundreds of success stories. Thank you to all of the people who have contributed to the success of Oceanside READS over the last ten years. If you would like to be a part of a first-rate literacy organization, please do not hesitate to contact Oceanside READS to find out how you can help.
Changing Lives One Word At A Time
New literacy labs will be focus of library open house
California Library Association's
