Originally from Hidalgo, Mexico, Maria has called the U.S. home for 26 years. She’s currently enrolled in a group ESOL class in Swannanoa and rarely misses a session. For her, those two hours each week are a cherished time to focus on building her English skills.
Maria shares that her teacher, Cindy, is incredibly patient —and it’s made a real difference. With Cindy’s support, Maria feels more confident communicating with others and is forming new connections in her community.
One of her proudest recent moments? Picking up the newspaper at work, she realized she could read the news in English! She’s also incredibly proud of her kids, who all graduated from high school.
This kind of transformation is what Literacy Together is all about—and it’s possible, in part, due to the generous support of the Pisgah Investments Foundation, which funds our group classes, as well as The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC). Their grant helps us offer ESOL programming for youth and adults in Black Mountain and Swannanoa. Together, we’re building stronger communities—one lesson at a time! 🤗
Would you like to support students like Maria? Find out how!