Learning to Dream Again

Thank you for your commitment to literacy and the transformation it brings.

After years of putting everyone else first, Karima committed to earning her High School Equivalency. A slow reader in school, her dad called her lazy. She realized later that she had symptoms of ADHD and dyslexia but 35 years ago many parents were unaware of these conditions. She felt anxious, stressed out, and depressed. She felt dumb and less than everyone around her. She hated reading, learning, tests, and school. Beginning 10^th grade at 18 and pregnant, she eventually dropped out to have her son. She tried night school and took the GED test three times and failed three times. She had no support system, so she gave up. The voice inside her head told her she would not succeed.

Karima married at 21 and had three more children. She moved to Asheville with her husband but had no other family or support. She was never taught to ask for help. She tried to go back to school at AB Tech but was still too traumatized by learning and gave up again.

Becoming a single mom and working three jobs, she put everything into her kids’ learning and their mental health. When Covid hit, she became bored and tried again at AB Tech. This time she was referred to Literacy Together which became the support system she never had. Her tutor Tim became the new voice in her head. Tim’s patience and encouragement were a lifeline. He broke down complex concepts into manageable steps, celebrating small victories along the way. With each lesson, Karima’s fear of failure began to fade.

Karima now enjoys reading and is less anxious with tests. Overcoming these challenges has instilled in Karima a resilience she never knew she possessed. She is now a confident role model for her children, inspiring them to reach for their full potential. All four kids have earned their high school diplomas and Karima is more inspired than ever to earn hers.

“Literacy Together has been and continues to be my saving grace.”

91.2% of expenses go directly to program services*

*Includes the value of contributed services according to audited 2022-2023 financial statements.