Why Literacy Matters

Miriam Morales tackles challenges head on. Furloughed from her job as a dental assistant when the Covid-19 pandemic struck, she wanted financial stability and a better education to support her then three-year-old son.

Thinking outside the box is more than a goal at the Latino Academy of Workforce Development. In fact, innovation is a key part of the strategy aimed at connecting students with career pathways.

Mauro has come a long way – all the way from Mexico when he was 18, with limited English skills. His ability to speak English improved greatly in the past 40 years but reading and writing remained difficult. So, when he decided to become a U.S. citizen, he knew he’d need help. The civics test, comprised of 100 questions, is challenging even for those educated in the United States.

Partnerships are the key to success for One-to-One Literacy in Manitowoc. The Manitowoc Public Library Foundation provides support for the program, which was established in 2014. Lakeshore Technical College, which has a satellite campus in Manitowoc, partners with the program by referring students and sharing materials.

There is a spirit of determination found in every student at the Adult Learning Center in Milwaukee (ALC). Patricia, a student working towards her GED, took determination to a new level. Patricia never stopped focusing on her goal despite being seriously injured.

Like many other literacy agencies during the pandemic, the Adult Learning Center (ALC) in Milwaukee switched to offering virtual classes to their students. Even though ALC has since reopened its doors to in-person instruction, staff members have found that some students still prefer the flexibility of online classes.

Bruce is an example of perseverance. He struggled in school and eventually dropped out of high school in the 10th grade.

While completing his sentence at the Monroe County Detention Center, Bruce enrolled in Project Proven to gain his high school equivalency diploma (HSED).

When he returns to the community, Bruce will be equipped for success with the skills he learned. This is his story.

Sojourner’s Journey partners with Western Technical College to provide one-to-one tutoring to justice-involved students and provide college credits and HSEDs. Steph Gauger from Western Technical College says, “The tutors from Sojourners are excellent and have formed special bonds with these students.”

Sojourner’s Journey literacy program provides support and another chance at educational success. This is their story.

Danny and his tutor stuck through the difficulties of the pandemic and continue to put in three to four hours of instructional time a month. His hard work paid off because he has a job working at Mercury Marine and wants to become a bartender next.

Danny believes in the power of learning English and recruits other students to come to Fond du Lac Literacy Services (FLS). He shares with them how the one-to-one tutoring helped him gain confidence.

This is his story.

“I’ve noticed that people don't want to wait anymore. They don't want to just put off something [they] want and need to do. They just realize how much more they needed [English] because of not being able to do things face-to-face, having to use more of virtual platforms, and talking over the phone,” shared Juana Montes-Hernandez, Coordinator of Fond du Lac Literacy Services.

They are innovating with drop-in sessions and community resource fairs to meet the needs of immigrants and refugees in their area.

My name is Karin Monzón Krimmer, and I immigrated to the U.S. with my two children from Guatemala in December of 2002 in hopes of securing a better future for my family. Recently, I had the opportunity to become an American citizen and wanted to give back to those walking the same path as myself.

This is her story.

The Literacy Council of Green County’s (LCGC) warmth and sense of commitment to their community is palpable; you feel it when you walk through their doors or attend one of their events. LCGC tutors, board members, and learners form lifelong friendships beyond simply learning English and improving basic literacy skills. They share in each other’s lives and cultures.

This is their story

Dolores started learning English at Stateline Literacy Council (SLC) in the winter of 2019, just before the pandemic. She was very shy and would not say anything at first. Dolores shared, “I just felt like I couldn't express myself at all. I couldn't get my point across.”

Now, in 2021, Dolores has a different job making more per hour. She takes a business class because in Mexico she was a business owner.

This is her story.

Stateline Literacy Council (SLC) is a long-standing organization that provides English language classes as well as Spanish GED preparation serving a large population of non-native English speakers in the Beloit area.

SLC has created a tightknit community. Students share their motivations and inspire each other. The friendships continue beyond the classroom.

This is their story.

Jaime wanted to improve his reading for his job as custodian and maintenance worker at the local high school. He also dreamed of more career opportunities and someday becoming a U.S. Citizen.

His hard work has lifted up his literacy skills in 5 short months.

This is his story.

“Many studies say that the greatest predictor of someone's ability to achieve their goals and to achieve success is if they have hope,” shared Sarah.

ALC works with adults who want to communicate with their children’s teachers or practice interview questions to apply for their first job in the United States. They use TABE, a standardized adult basic education assessment, but also measure hope through goal assessment.

This is their story.

Francisco, a master electrician from Puerto Rico, moved to Wisconsin with his family a few years ago. Although he worked at the Walmart auto repair desk, he needed to learn English to work as an electrician.

Now, he can work toward an OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) license in Spanish.

"We strive to help people become self-sufficient - starting with combatting poverty. West CAP recognized that literacy and adult education is a part of that,” stated Stephanie Stark, Program Coordinator, West CAP Literacy & Skills Enhancement Program.

This is their story.

Nubia Torres immigrated to the USA in 2016 from Mexico when her husband, a work visa holder, relocated here with his family to work on a business project with one of the biggest manufacturing companies in Wisconsin. Nubia joined the Winnebago Area Literacy Council soon after her arrival and enrolled in both the ELL classes and Tutoring program.

She has a Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering, but wanted to work on her conversational skills and improve her employability.

This is her story.

"Strong communities rely on diverse backgrounds to ensure the health and vitality of all." says Tom Perry, Executive Director of Winnebago Area Literacy Council (WALC).

WALC strives to make sure all residents in Winnebago community thrive. Their Road to Work (RTW) provides refugees and immigrants with vocational literacy training to help them obtain employment. RTW helps program participants use their skills to reach their full potential in the workforce.

This is their story.

Olabisi Ajibade joined the Adult Learning Center (ALC)’s virtual GED classes earlier this year. She passed three GED tests in three months!

"It's improved my understanding of how to use computers," she noted about her virtual classes. Olabisi can earn her GED and learn practical life skills--like computer and technology basics.

This is her story.

The Adult Learning Center (ALC) successfully created and implemented online class instruction since the COVID pandemic started.

To bridge the technology gap their students faced, they provided basic computer and technology skills training and a safe and accessible environment for students to either use technology onsite or borrow what they need to participate from home.

This is their story.

Degly came to the Literacy Council of Sheboygan County to learn to read, write, and converse better in English. He worked with his tutor Larry for five years, showing perseverance and determination to achieve his goals.

This past year, Degly received several raises at his job, was promoted to foreman, and became the company interpreter. 

This is his story.

If you’ve ever traveled to a foreign country where you don’t speak the language, you know firsthand just how intimidating it can be. That struggle is the daily reality of many immigrants to the United States.

Luckily, there are incredible resources available. The Literacy Council of Sheboygan County serves as an international touchstone in their community, helping adults feel more at home.

This is their story.

Born in a refugee camp in Thailand, Sunday Paw immigrated to the United States when she was twenty years old. She studied for her citizenship test while her daughters played around her.

On March 5, 2020, she became a U.S. Citizen and voted for the first time last year.

Her determination inspired her daughter Julianna, a 4K student who insists on reading independently, creating the story as she goes.

This is Sunday's story.

Nestled in the heart of Milwaukee’s vibrant neighborhoods, the parishes of St. Michael’s and St. Rose combined their resources to nurture the souls, minds, and bodies of their community.

The literacy program focuses on the whole person - their family living, medical needs, and employment. Tutors work with adult students so that they can communicate with their children’s teachers, attend medical and dental appointments, and read business mail.

This is their story.

Having been raised working in the family business, Matt developed a strong work ethic from a young age, “I was very lucky to have that background from my parents making me work in that shop when we were young.” However, he was limited in opportunities to grow professionally.  

He went to Shawano County Literacy Council to improve his reading and writing, helping him to better manage his landscape and supplies business.

This is his story.

Shawano County Literacy Council, a volunteer run council nestled in rural Wisconsin, works with English language learners, farm workers, and adults who want to improve their reading and writing.

With volunteer dedication, they are 27 years strong. "I’m proud of the dedication of our tutors especially during the pandemic this past year. We navigated tutoring virtually with willingness and a can do spirit,” says Melody Boyd, Board Chair and tutor.

This is their story.

"It’s been rough to go back to school while taking care of two kids that are going through homeschool themselves, but Omega made it a lot easier," shared Natalia. Omega School provided her with study materials and helped her with an individualized learning plan for the GED.

This is her story.

"The students are the most important asset we have," shares Oscar Mireles, Executive Director of Omega School.

Omega School helps adults prepare for the GED who don’t have the skills, parental support, and financial support to take and pay for the test. They remove as many barrier as possible to help their students find success.

Click to read their story

Christine always wanted to advance herself. When her work closed down during the pandemic, she seized that opportunity to improve herself at Buffalo-Pepin Literacy Alliance.

She missed a lot of information during school because she didn't have hearing aids. Now, she's working on her writing and speech and gaining more self-confidence.

This is her story.

Our member spotlight shines on Buffalo-Pepin Literacy Alliance. Their "Do Good," positive attitude during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in growth of both volunteers and learners.

This rural literacy agency, formerly entirely in person, now has a virtual, digital learning option that will help parents now and close geographic barriers and serve more people in the future.

Watch their story

Joshua was having a hard time finding a job.

He didn’t know how best to represent himself during a job interview or have the skills to keep a job. At McLit (Marathon County Literacy Council), Joshua found the support he needed to change his life.

This is his story.

For McLit (Marathon County Literacy Council), literacy is not just about reading and writing, but about learning directly from the people served as well. “You get right in their lives when you are doing literacy. You can make a difference to change their lives for the good. That’s part of our mission.” Connie Heidemann, Executive Director of McLit said.

This is their story.

"Thank you for believing in me when I didn’t. . . Thank you for opening the door of endless opportunities for not just myself but for many others before me and the many that will come after," said Alma Lopez, HSED graduate from Literacy Green Bay/Northeast Wisconsin Technical College’s Children First Family Literacy Program, to LGB staff.

This is her story in her own words.

May Oo nods enthusiastically, “We need to learn English to understand this country [and] for this country to understand us."

May Oo arrived as a refugee from Myanmar with her 5-year old son in 2013. She began her journey in the United States like many other refugees, joining English Language classes like those offered at Neighborhood House's International Learning Program.

Later, she took citizenship classes all the while raising her son and growing her sushi franchise.

This is her story.

Neighborhood House's International Learning Program serves refugees from mostly war-torn countries.

Many students have never been to school nor held a pencil before. These students, even their elderly refugees 60 or older, are learning remotely with Google Classroom, online quizzes, and Zoom meetings.

"Digital literacy skills have never been put to more use than they are now," shares Cynthia Zarazua, Program Manager.

Watch their story.

Elin Noe Perez worked on the processing line at a meat packaging facility for ten years. The work started to affect his health, particularly the use of his hands. Although he tried to interview for a promotion, he was nervous and struggled with English, his second language.

Then, he decided to improve his English and study for his U.S. Citizenship at Fox Valley Literacy.

This is his story

Building relationships are key to FVL’s success. “Because we have a close relationship with people, they trust us in other matters, a resource to navigate the community,” Brian Leone Tracy, Executive Director, states.

This year, they will serve over 300 people through the close, personalized connection of tutors, and some small conversation groups.

This is their story

“Each and every person who goes to interview and passes is cause for celebration,” shares Pat Giese, tutor at Jefferson County Literacy Council who has guided students through U.S. citizenship preparation since 2010.  She identifies empathy as a powerful tool to connect with students and prepare for this important, life-changing goal.

Click her name to read her story.

For 20 years, Jefferson County Literacy Council (JCLC) delivered its literacy programs across eight different communities without interconnecting transportation.

JCLC rises to meet any challenge it faces - even the COVID pandemic.

Yannick, a student with Literacy Services of Wisconsin, arrived in the United States from Cameroon a few years ago.

He was hired to work on the floor at Penzey's Spices. As a native French speaker, he had trouble with the speed and content of American speech, so he enrolled at LSW. Yannick has a degree in Engineering, as well as experience in computer science. He and his tutor began to explore what he could offer his employer beyond the job description for which he was hired.

Listen to his story.

"We're trying to look at the broader impact of our work and how adult literacy is interconnected to so many issues. How it impacts families and communities when we engage adults in the different programs that we offer."

Holly McCoy, Executive Director of Literacy Services of Wisconsin, shares why adult literacy is essential to building stronger communities.

Listen to their story.

Lili Vera and Gordon Williams, her tutor, have met regularly for one and a half years and steadily Lili's life changed "totally - forever."

When COVID-19 closures shutdown in person meetings, Lili refused to quit. She knew that somehow they'd have to figure it out. Now, she and Gordon meet via Zoom for their one-on-one studies.

Click the link above to read more of their story.

With safety measures, shifting public health information, and local resurgences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the landscape of literacy tutoring is changing.

Kristy SeBlonka, Co-Director of PCLC (Portage County Literacy Council), chatted with us about tutoring and offering literacy support during the pandemic. PCLC adapted quickly. They shifted their fundraiser online and offered training and support transitioning learners and tutors to virtual connections - Zoom, Facebook Live, WhatsApp, and the classic telephone call.

Click the link to read more of their story

When Oanh came to Walworth County Literacy Council (WCLC), her goals were to be a good parent (she has sons ages 10 and 8), attain Citizenship, and improve her English.

The path to success wasn’t easy for Oanh. Click her name to read her story.

WCLC helps adults in Walworth County achieve their educational goals, primarily through one on one instruction meeting once or twice a week. These pairs work on reading, English as a second language, citizenship preparation, and G.E.D. preparation.

Click the name to read their story.

For 22 years, Lindsay Hyland has been an integral part of the Literacy Council of Green County. As a tutor and mentor, she offers her knowledge freely, with humility.

She shared her many skills with hundreds of learners and beyond to others connected to the Spanish speaking community in Monroe, Wisconsin.

This is her story.

"We do more than teach English," says Ellen Hossman, Executive Director of Literacy Council of Green County. "We encourage community building. . . most of our tutors become part of their learner's families."

Along with one-to-one and small group instruction, learners and tutors at the Council share each other's culture and each other's lives.

Listen to their story.

Joe Grignon of Keshena, Wisconsin is a graduate of Menominee Tribal Education’s GED Prep Program. His experience in high school was sometimes difficult. Joe fell behind and was not able to catch up in time to graduate with his peers.

The GED Prep Program gave him a chance to move forward in life.

Click his name to read his story

Journey House's THRIVE (Transforming, Healthy, Reliable, Inspiring, Valued, and Employable) Training and Internship Program prepares participants for careers in Banking, Culinary Arts/Hospitality/Barista, Retail, Construction & Architectural Design, Emergency Services, Manufacturing, Sports Turf Management & Landscaping, Food & Agriculture, Green Economy, and STEAM through industry recognized certificate training programs.

To learn more about the THRIVE program, go to http://www.journeyhouse.org/workforce.html

“I used to be depressed. I didn’t have a positive escape. I felt like I was always trapped at home, bored, always feeling sad, worried about what other people thought of me. Then, I came, I learned, and I succeeded!” Travis shared shortly after obtaining his 5.09 HSED (high school equivalency).

Click on his name to read his story

Deb Helquist, Coordinator of Sawyer County Adult Literacy, shares about the "very beautiful work."

This all-volunteer run literacy organization shares their passion to help learners earn their high school equivalency and improve their literacy skills in northwestern Wisconsin.

Listen to their story.

Ruth Riesch met a farmer in the Emergency Room in the hospital where she worked couldn't read enough to fill out his hospital form. That interaction stuck with her for years.

When she retired, she decided to do something to help literacy in her community and became a tutor at Marinette and Oconto Counties.

She has helped learners start their own businesses, learn the names of tools to communicate better at work, and practice speaking with staff at their children’s schools.

Click her photo to read her story.

It all started with healthcare. Janet Glime, President of Marinette and Oconto Counties Literacy Council, was working as a nurse when she started noticing hospital patients who struggled to read.

She checked local literacy rates and found that the highest need came from the rural areas.

The literacy council came to serve both Marinette and Oconto counties in Northeastern Wisconsin. The program uses one-to-one tutoring so that the learner and tutor can focus on the learner’s specific goals.

Click the name to read their story.

Reyna's son was diagnosed with Autism and she wanted to speak English to communicate with health care providers and the school.

After 6 years of tutoring and classes at Literacy Network of Dane County, Reyna is happy with her progress. She said, "I can fight for my children's rights and my rights too."

Click her name to her story.

Jeff Burkhart, Executive Director of Literacy Network of Dane County, says, "This is one of the biggest impacts that you can make in the community . . by being a tutor and supporting the programs that we offer."

Literacy Network of Dane County provides a wide range of programs including individualized tutoring and workplace literacy tailored to employer/employee needs.

Click photo to hear more about Literacy Network