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"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
~ Margaret Mead
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The Literacy Together community – YOU, our students, tutors, and board – is that group of thoughtful, committed citizens.
You care about our community.
Together, we have helped over 15,000 people reach their literacy goals in Buncombe County since our beginning 35 years ago. Children who were a part of our Youth Literacy program are now thriving as adults because they learned how to read and graduated high school or beyond. Hundreds of immigrants have improved their English skills and job prospects, and over 185 students passed the U.S. Naturalization exam to become citizens. Adults who never thought they would read found a second chance to learn and now read to their children or grandchildren.
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ESOL Initiative at Mills Manufacturing
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Tutor Art with students Olga and Olena
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Literacy Together began a partnership with Mills Manufacturing in Woodfin several months ago to launch an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program. Recognizing that over half of Mills' workforce consists of non-native English speakers and understanding the power of language, Mills reached out to us to request a collaboration. Today, the program consists of 30 Mills employees spread across six classes. Mills provides the space at their manufacturing plant while we provide the curriculum and our passionate volunteer tutors.
Students have so far made great improvements in not only language skills but also increased confidence, which is evident in their roles and interactions. Students report speaking English more with their co-workers and supervisors, fostering a more cohesive work environment. We have also been proud to see that many of our ESOL students are being celebrated as "Outstanding Employees" on Mills' public bulletin board, highlighting their progress and improved contributions to the workplace.
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Photos: Tutor Mary and her students and Tutor Ernie with students Anna, Margarita, Irina, Lorena and Vitalii
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National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week
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September 17–23 was National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week. These literacy facts sourced by Proliteracy help to illustrate how adult literacy services change lives::
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- 43 % of adults with low literacy skills live in poverty. If those adults have children, those children have a 72 % higher chance of being low-literate. What does this say about the cycle of generational poverty?
- 29 % of adult basic literacy students enter the programs reading at or below a third-grade level.
- A mother's reading skill is the most significant determinant of a child's academic success.
- Among immigrants, only 53 % are proficient English speakers.
- 75 % of state-incarcerated individuals did not complete high school or can be classified as low literate.
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Thank you for supporting us in our mission to transform lives and communities through the power of literacy!
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Aimee, our ESOL tutor and board member, talks about the joy of learning
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Aimee joined Literacy Together in 2017 as an ESOL tutor and is now a board member and an intern with the ESOL Program as part of her graduate education. She defines herself as "a massive language nerd," having spent 16,000 days on Duolingo learning and practicing foreign languages. She has a degree in Italian and is currently learning Spanish, Russian, and Arabic. "The obsession with language and learning in general makes this opportunity a really good fit for me, and I think my enthusiasm for the subject helps the student."
In this interview, she talks about the joy of learning and how rewarding her tutoring experience has been. Thanks for all you do, Aimee, and for sharing your passion for learning with the Literacy Together community!
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| We loved this sweet note from Rachel!
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We LOVE Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. All of my children have been a part of it. My youngest is 2, my husband signed him up the day he was born, and we have been getting books from the beginning. My oldest is almost 15; we still have some of the books from when he was little. They are worn and torn because we have read them so many times. The books we have received over the years are some of our most treasured family books and memories. Also, who doesn't love to get fun mail?
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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 5,200 registered children in Buncombe County.
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| We are grateful for our partners at Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe
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Do you love indie bookstores? We have one of the best in the country right here in Asheville! Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe hosts events (in person and online), offers excellent recommendations by staff, and you can order online to pick up or ship anywhere! Also, have you checked their adorable Instagram page "Malapups: A Literary Canine Compendium?"
Thanks, Malaprop's. We appreciate your support!
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| Upcoming Online Orientation Meetings
Tuesday, October 3rd, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Thursday, October 5th, 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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