Carmen’s Story

My name is Carmen and I have been in the program more than 3 years. I am a wife, mother and grandmother. I met my tutor, Carol, and Stephanie before I was in the program at a lunch event. They were nice and told me to call. They told me the program and books were free. That was good for me. I did not read English before I started, but now I want to write my own story. I want people to know where my family and I came from and what we can do. I think that helping other people makes you feel better about yourself. So, I talk to others about the program and becoming a tutor. I think, why not? The worst is they just say no, but they might say yes!

When I first started in the literacy program, I could not read English and I could speak only a little. I was shy and scared. Now I am happy and want to learn more! I want to study business, and I have an idea to turn my art into posters to teach children. I want to stay in the program so I can learn more vocabulary and work on my writing.

Now I can go shopping for food, read medicine labels, talk on the phone and make appointments. I won a learner award called Writer-to-Writer, and I feel good about myself. My husband thinks it’s good to be in the program because now I can take care of the house, pay bills and run things. I hope to learn more about the computer in the future.

I think the literacy program is way more than just reading and we are lucky to have it. Thank you for the literacy program.

Lina’s Story

Hello! My name is Lina. I have been in the literacy program for 4 years. When my daughter was in preschool, I thought ahead. I wanted to help my daughter with her homework and I wanted to be able to talk with her teacher.

The first step was to learn to read and write English. My first language is Spanish. I heard about the program from a family member, also a learner in the program and I went to the library. I met Stephanie. She was nice and a good person. She told me that the program is free and that was important to me. One of the things I wanted to do was get a better job. Also, I wanted to fill out registrations, communicate with the doctors and read medicine labels.

I feel good trying to do things. I went to my daughter’s school and spoke with the teacher and principal. I have learned computer skills and now have my own computer at home. Now I am able to talk with the doctors and make appointments. I can help my husband do lots of things. I like to pay bills.

One-to-one tutoring is important. I am comfortable, not afraid and embarrassed.  My family wants me to continue because of the positive changes.

Thank you for letting me tell my story.