Marilyn Cortes, former Literacy Together Board Chair and literacy champion, shares her powerful “why”

As a healthcare worker, Marilyn witnessed firsthand how literacy directly impacts individuals’ health and well-being.

“Fat, flu, pill, allergic, jaundice, anemia, fatigue, directed, colitis, constipation, osteoporosis. These are the words in a screening tool called the REALM-R that healthcare workers use to screen for literacy. The results of this short screening tool help us to determine the best way to educate our patients on their post-surgery instructions, medications, sliding scale for diabetes management, and home care instructions. The first three words technically aren’t part of the score and are only there to make the individual more comfortable.

As a healthcare worker, it was hard to see how many of my patients couldn’t read the words on this scale, even the first three words. These are people that aren’t able to read the label on their medication bottle, post-op instructions, and red flags, when and where their appointments are. These are people that are at a higher risk of hospitalization and they need our help.

This was what inspired me to join Literacy Together in their efforts to help the literacy crisis in our community. I’ve seen the life-changing (and potentially life-saving) work that they do. There are multiple ways that you can help with this work, including serving as a volunteer tutor, supporting Literacy Together financially, and spreading awareness in Buncombe County for the need to help address the literacy crisis. Together, we can help keep our neighbors healthier and safer.”

Marilyn Lindsley Cortes

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Become a volunteer tutor and support adults who want to improve their literacy skills

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Why does Novant Health choose to support our mission?

 
 
 
We are thrilled to introduce one of our 2025 Gold Sponsors, Novant Health! As healthcare leaders in Western North Carolina, Novant Health understands that care goes beyond treatment, focusing on relationships and community well-being. We were able to chat with Jessica Ijames (Corporate Director, Community Engagement) about why Novant Health chose to support our mission: 
 

What does literacy mean to you or your team at Novant, and why is it something you care about?

At Novant Health, literacy—particularly health literacy—is essential to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. It means ensuring that every patient, regardless of their background, has the knowledge and confidence to make informed healthcare decisions. We care deeply about this because health literacy directly impacts patient outcomes, treatment adherence, and overall well-being. When patients understand their diagnoses, medications, and treatment plans, they are more likely to engage in preventive care and successfully manage chronic conditions.

How do you think improving literacy can change someone’s life?

Improving literacy empowers individuals to take charge of their well-being. It can be the difference between someone effectively managing their diabetes versus suffering from preventable complications.

If Novant were a book, what would the title be?

“Caring Beyond Words: A Story of Compassionate Healthcare”

We believe that healthcare is more than just treatments and procedures—it’s about building relationships, educating patients, and providing care that extends beyond the walls of our facilities.

What are your team’s favorite snacks and beverages to have while reading?

Our team enjoys a mix of healthy and comforting options that keep us energized and focused. Some favorites include:

Snacks: Trail mix, granola bars, dark chocolate, and fresh fruit

Beverages: Herbal tea, coffee, and infused water

What are some of you/your team’s favorite books?

Our team enjoys a variety of books that inspire and educate, including:

Being Mortal by Atul Gawande – A profound look at aging and end-of-life care

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot – A compelling story of medical ethics and human impact

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi – A moving memoir about a doctor facing terminal illness

The Health Gap by Michael Marmot – A deep dive into health disparities and social determinants of health

Our love for books reflects our commitment to lifelong learning and empathy, both in healthcare and beyond.

 
For more information about becoming a 2025 Corporate Sponsor, CLICK HERE or contact us at development@lit-together.org. Let’s change lives together! 
 
 

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Heartfelt testimonial from Benito Juarez, owner of Concrete Cowboy

Thank youConcrete Cowboy Solutions for your generous donation as a 2025 Corporate Sponsor! Not only do they have the best name in the business, ​but Concrete Cowboy Solutions​ also serves WNC with new and replaced concrete driveways, patios, sidewalks, and large slabs for shops or buildings.

Concrete Cowboy Solutions shares Literacy Together’s mission to transform lives and communities through the power of literacy. Owner Benito Juarez shared this story as to WHY.​ Thank YOU, Benito and the Concrete Cowboy Solutions team​, for honoring Literacy Together through your partnership! 🤠 🙏🏼

“At 5 years old, I immigrated to America with my family and none of us spoke English. While I had the luxury of going to school and learning English, my parents did not. As an adult, I see how many opportunities I have that my parents missed, because I am able to speak English. Working in the construction industry, I have seen first hand how many non-English speakers get treated differently. Knowing that Literacy Together is making a HUGE impact helping immigrants just like me continue their English literacy so that they can succeed means so much. I also love reading bi-lingual books from the Imagination Library with my son, Arlo. While it isn’t easy to change the world, it is easy to have a big impact on the community around us! THANK YOU everyone at Literacy Together who works each and every day to do exactly that!” 
 
For more information about becoming a 2025 Corporate Sponsor, CLICK HERE or contact us at development@lit-together.org. Let’s change lives together! 

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Pisgah Investments Foundation Funds 13 New ESOL Classes around Buncombe County

With funding from the Pisgah Investments Foundation, we launched thirteen new ESOL classes at five different locations around Buncombe County. The introduction of these community-based ESOL classes has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since we began, these classes have quickly gained momentum, becoming a central focus for community engagement and support.

When we began volunteer recruitment over the summer, we weren’t sure what to hope for. However, the response was incredible, as enthusiastic tutors stepped forward to be part of this transformative program. Their passion and dedication have been essential in bringing this vision to life. During Tropical Storm Helene, we witnessed connections grow, highlighting the urgent need for quality literacy instruction as families navigated life after the disaster. As a result, we were able to expand our impact to thirteen community-based ESOL classes.

These include two classes at the Goodwill Industries Workforce Development Center in West Asheville; two classes at Bounty and Soul in Swannanoa, a nonprofit that provides free fresh produce and wellness education; two classes at Erwin Middle School in Buncombe County’s most ethnically diverse district; two classes at the First Baptist Church of Weaverville, and five classes at Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community in South Asheville, three of which are taught by Deerfield residents. THANK YOU, Pisgah Investments Foundation, for your support. It makes all the difference as we continue to transform lives through the power of literacy!

And to our volunteers and students . . . we couldn’t do it without you! Below is our Goodwill group class holiday party! Virginia and Rebecca teach this class and love the friendships they’re building.        

Look at this birthday celebration in our class at Goodwill! 🎉 The students surprised one of the teachers with flowers and a homemade strawberry flan! 😋



We love seeing connections bloom within our community! 💐

Become an ESOL tutor and help strengthen the local immigrant community!

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“First Job Ballad,” by Elaha, a graduated ESOL student

Elaha, a 19-year-old Afghan woman, arrived in the US in 2021 as a refugee. She and her relatives shared a small house provided by Catholic Charities. Soon after, she embarked on her ESOL journey with Martha, a volunteer tutor who not only taught her English but also became her friend, mentor, adopted family member, and greatest fan. You can read Elaha and Martha’s story here.

Elaha graduated from ESOL and is now taking curriculum courses at AB Tech. She plans to become a neurosurgeon! She wrote the poem “First Job Ballad,” and we are sharing it with her permission. I hope it inspires you as much as it has inspired us! Ours is a country of immigrants, new beginnings, and dreams come true. Thank you, Elaha, for putting the experiences of so many into this beautiful poem! 

“Never been outside, never alone,
First job ever, without even a phone,
Waiting on people, “What did you say?”
They repeat and repeat, all through the day.

Today is Ramadan, no water, no food.
Not allowed either, affecting my mood.
From pouring coffee to perfecting service,
Filling to the brim is making me nervous.

Fasting, not feasting; wrapped head to toe,
Aroma of chocolate, still I had to say no.
Would people reject me and wonder aloud,
“What is she doing in this local crowd?”
As each person asks, “What did you say?”
Repeating, repeating, all through the day.

Pleased to discover much kindness shown,
With each passing day, success has grown.
In my nineteenth year, the first ever pay,
How powerful it felt to now have a say.
No need to repeat, for now, I am heard,
Laughing and joking, I know every word.

Succeeding in work, now given much praise,
How quickly a year has changed all the days.
Alive in America, a new world begins,
The horizon ahead shows nothing but wins.”

 
I want to thank Literacy Together for all the good things they have done. They gave me the most valuable gift, my friend Martha. She is a gift of God and Literacy Together in my life, and I am very thankful to Erin, who matched Martha and me together. In this new journey of my life, Martha is like an angel who helps me and teaches me everything, not just English. I am very thankful. ~Elaha
 

Would you like to support students like Elaha? Become a volunteer tutor!

 

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