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Authors for Literacy 2024 was a big success!
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We had another fantastic edition of Authors for Literacy, our signature fundraising event. It was a pleasure to host New York Times bestselling author Lisa See! We are so grateful for everyone who came to support Literacy Together’s mission of changing lives and communities through the power of literacy. Special thanks to our adult learners Karima (Adult Literacy) and Fernanda (ESOL), who, accompanied by their incredible tutors, moved us to tears with their courageous, inspiring, funny testimonials. Here are some photos by the talented Jesse Kit Photography (thank you!). Thanks to Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe for being there selling books!
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To our sponsors: we couldn’t have done it without you! Thank you!
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We are excited to announce that Literacy Together has been chosen to be a beneficiary of the New Belgium Brewing Liquid Center Annual Donations Program!
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Guest donations are pooled and awarded to WNC area nonprofits throughout the year. Each beneficiary is an organization working for positive social change and connected to causes the Liquid Center team is passionate about supporting. We are SO honored and grateful! THANKS! Learn more about how New Belgium gives back to the community.
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Also, last month, we had our first ESOL Pint Night in several years. We went to New Belgium and had so much fun! They generously offered us an optional free brewery tour in gratitude for our volunteers’ work! It takes a village! Thank you to everyone who came, and thank you to New Belgium for all they do in the community!
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One of our students from Afghanistan and her family were granted asylum
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One of our students from Afghanistan and her family were granted asylum! We're so happy for them! Her incredible tutor, J.K., and her church organized a celebration party. There was ice cream, lots of yummy food, cake, and friends. However, our student's favorite part was communicating in English with her new community!
Our student, who we can't name for security reasons, came to the United States with her husband and two preschool daughters, fleeing her home country and the Taliban during the great international airlift of August 2021. After stops in Qatar, Germany, and New Mexico, the family arrived in Asheville in January 2022. She had no access to formal education in her home country and did not read or write in her native language. She's been taking English lessons twice a week since May 2022 and can now help her daughter with homework and be herself at parties and events. She enjoys cooking food from her home country, making beautiful embroidered dresses for her daughters, and creating colorful jewelry. She has big dreams about her family's future, and we're sure she'll accomplish them!
Thank you to her tutor for the continuous support! We love it when she comes to the office to tell us about her student's small and big wins! Our tutors do so much more than teaching English. They're cheerleaders, advocates, and friends.
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You can now listen to the episode of The Overlook with Matt Peiken Podcast featuring Literacy Together. Thank you, Matt, for having us!
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June is Pride Month! Literacy Together honors the courage and contributions of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI+) community. We recognize your path and achievements and join you in waving the pride flag throughout the year. To put it in our dear Dolly Parton’s words: Thank you for “finding out who you are and doing it on purpose.” Happy Pride Month!
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We have a new team photo and headshots!
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Thank you to our ESOL student, talented photographer, and friend, Sergio D., for gifting us these beautiful images! From left to right: LuAnn, Irina, Erin, Rebecca, Amanda, Linda (the three ladies in the back), Tiffany, Gigi, and Laura.
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Dollywood Foundation is excited to announce a new 100% Bilingual English/Spanish Imagination Library Book Collection in North Carolina!
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Starting in June 2024, new registrants can choose which collection of books they would like to receive. Additionally, existing registrations may also switch over to one of these options if they wish. The book selection committee specially selects both collections to inspire a love of reading, as they always have. Still, the goal is to pave the way to equitable access to high-quality children's books for Spanish-speaking families. Please send an email to Imaginationlibrary@lit-togeether.org if you have any questions. Thanks!
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We had the best time at several events around town!
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Dolly Parton's Imagination Library puts books into the hands and hearts of children worldwide. We're mailing a free book monthly to over 5,300 registered children in Buncombe County.
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78 people have attended our online volunteer orientation meetings in 2024 so far! We've modified the format of our online orientation meeting to be more inclusive. Everyone is welcome to join us, from prospective volunteer tutors to community members to local business owners and nonprofits wanting to learn more about Literacy Together's work. This is what one participant said after an orientation meeting this month:
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I was surprised to learn about the number of people in Buncombe County who cannot read. ~ Carol
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| Upcoming Online Orientation Meetings
Tuesday, July 9th, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Thursday, July 11th, 10:00 am - 11:00 am
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| Your generosity provides literacy services to our neighbors of every age.
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