“I decided that I could do this, and so I did.”
-ESOL student, Ana
In the still hours of winter, our students gather around tables with their tutors. They fill our office classrooms, find booths in local coffee shops and libraries, settle into a quiet corner at a bustling afterschool site, or gather together across Zoom screens. Wherever they are, students take a seat and open their books, diligently working week by week toward their high school diploma, a new job, or citizenship in their adopted home.
When we provide individuals with the literacy and language skills needed to read aloud confidently in class or to apply for a promotion at work, we create more opportunities for leadership, economic advancement, and self-sufficiency. Your support helps fuel our literacy programs, ensuring that 450+ learners have a chance to take a seat and make a change for their futures, their families, and themselves.
Meet Ana
Born in Guatemala, Ana left school after fourth grade. She went on to learn directly from her mother, a farmer. When she arrived in the U.S. she worked in the restaurant industry, taking such good care of her patrons that, despite her limited English, they would wait until there was room in her section before sitting down to order their meals. When her son was born, Ana decided she wanted to understand the doctors and nurses at the clinic when she took him in for appointments – without the need for an interpreter. It was this decision that led her to Literacy Together and to her tutor, Patricia.
Ana and Patricia’s sessions are filled with shared stories and laughter. They talk about food and cooking and trade workout tips and exercise advice. Through her dedication and hard work, Ana is building more than language skills – she’s also found confidence. Now, she understands and communicates with her son’s doctors and nurses at the clinic, and her friends and family members ask Ana to accompany them when an interpreter is needed.
“I know what it feels like when you can’t understand – so nervous and sad. But I decided that I could do this, and so I did.” Now Ana shares what she’s found with others: “I tell my friends I have a teacher and she helps me a lot. They’ll do the same for you.”
Your support offers students like Ana the tools they need to learn a new language, embrace a new culture, and find their footing in a new chapter of their lives.
Your gift today will:
- Provide learning materials and resources for students at every stage and walk of life
- Train and support volunteer tutors to offer individualized support for students at all levels
- Help adult learners prepare for High School Equivalency exams
- Support aspiring citizens as they prepare for their naturalization exams
- Invest in the next generation of leaders through our Literacy Leaders internship
Please join us in making sure everyone has a seat at the table, regardless of past circumstances or language ability. Your Gift of Literacy supports our mission to transform lives and communities through the power of literacy.