LVCA student Ebru at her IX Farmers' Market stall, Avegutto Micro Bakery

Dear Friend,

"Hope," Dr. Jane Goodall said, "is not passive." She reminded us that real hope "requires action and engagement." It is what we desire to happen, but we have to work hard to get it. When we look through the list of student accomplishments for this year, we see Dr. Goodall's definition of hope realized. Month by month, students chip away at their goals, going forward, even if it is slow, because they believe in a better future. 

We see hope in students like Ebru. If you visit IX Farmers Market, there is a good chance you will see a line next to Avegutto Micro Bakery. Here, Ebru says that she sells, "a variety of high-quality, handmade products such as sourdough breads, pastries, Japanese-style melon pan, Berliner, and cinnamon rolls." She often sells out. 

But the story of Ebru's bakery is a story of resilience and hope. Reading through her accomplishments for the year, we see how small steps lead to big rewards. She completed a ServSafe Food Handler class, attended meetings at her children's school, helped with homework, volunteered, completed the ServSave Food Handler certification, obtained a second farmers' market booth at Pen Park, purchased a commercial mixer, and added an additional farmers' market location. 

Hope has a way of multiplying its effects. As Ebru's English grew, so did her confidence. "My English has improved enough that I can now handle daily tasks on my own—such as school communication, banking, hospital visits, and shopping," she said. "Being able to do these things independently makes me feel like I am truly part of this community and helps me understand my responsibilities more clearly."

We see daily that hope grows best when you have someone to share it with. For Ebru, her tutor, Anna, has been instrumental in helping her navigate these career changes. "Anna," she said, "has supported me at every moment. Her guidance, including understanding American food habits and cultural details, has helped me grow both personally and in my business." She continued, "Her knowledge, worldview, and way of thinking opened new doors in my life. I am deeply grateful for everything she has done." 

The feeling is mutual. "Ebru is such a delight to be with," Anna said. "I've looked forward to our weekly meetings. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to get to know her. She is an asset to our community."

We hear this story again and again, how tutors and students grow together and form meaningful relationships. We see how hope grows through literacy empowerment. We see the power that comes when people claim the opportunity to better themselves through education. Walk through our office, and you will see the power of hope. This holiday season give the gift of hope. 

P.S. While donations are critical in helping keep our doors open, we always are recruiting folks to donate their time as a volunteer tutor. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a volunteer tutor, consider signing up here for our next virtual volunteer information session on Thursday, January 8 at 12pm. Learn more about becoming a volunteer tutor here.