Adult Literacy Program

Heather Lussier, Literacy Programs Director

I have never been comfortable with people falling through the cracks. I have a strong belief in a people-helping-people model of community because we are stronger together when everyone has the opportunity to thrive You can't pull yourself up by your bootstraps if you were given broken ones or none at all to begin with We need to heal the imbalances that exist I feel our tutoring and mentoring work is one way to make sure the vulnerable don't fall through the cracks; that they have the opportunity to make their lives better through education and relationships with our dedicated instructors and mentors

Judith Douglas, Adult Literacy Program Coordinator

I officially began the position on January 1, 2022, as the Adults Literacy Program Coordinator I can unequivocally say I love coming to work each day I enjoy the everyday interaction with the tutors and the students I am a firm believer that developing positive relationships with people is key to success in creating an inviting environment. I work with a dynamic staff who are all here with a purpose; caring We find time to work hard, to smile, to work cooperatively and collaboratively and to laugh together The various programs of the CARE group encompass many needs of the community and I feel it a privilege to be part this group.

Maureen Avendutti, Adult Literacy Program Leader

As a person, I'm passionate about reading and the wonderful worlds that open up to us within the pages of a great book! As an educator, I have experienced families that are very supportive of their children's learning but struggle with their own basic communication to and from the school In our Adult Literacy Program at the Seven Lakes satellite site, we offer opportunities for reading skills to be developed and enhanced, along with the confidence to hold conversation in English, even if it is not the student's native language. These skills allow our adult learners to navigate more successfully throughout their community and participate in many ways that enrich their daily lives For me, it is a privilege to be a part of that experience!

We have our Adult Literacy students write a quarterly reflection piece, a themed personal narrative showcasing their writing skills and how much they have improved. This reflection piece is from our ESL student, Francisca. Judy Eckhart has been her tutor since 2017. Francisca cried as she reread her reflection, saying, "I am a business woman now!"

Jean Franke, ESL Tutor Since 2020

"My father immigrated to the United States when he was almost thirty years old

When I was young, he told me that the most difficult aspect of immigrating was learning English so he could communicate with other people. Over twenty years later, while living in Chicago, my daughters attended a Chicago Public High School with students whose families had come to the US from many different countries A number of those parents spoke little to no English and struggled to communicate with teachers, administrators, and other parents Watching those parents' efforts reminded me of my father's comment, and I realized that I might be able to help others learn English

I began teaching English to adults in Chicago and discovered that it was more fulfilling than any job or other volunteer work that I had ever done. When I moved to Moore County, I was delighted to find that I could continue this type of work

My current students have expressed a desire to master English so they can improve their employment prospects, facilitate their communication in day-to-day interactions and make new friends I believe that I can help them achieve these goals. I take great pride in all of the advances they have made so far and believe that I can continue to contribute to their success.

I am also personally enjoying many benefits from this program My students' desire to learn pushes me to think of active ways to present new material They ask interesting questions that make me think more deeply about issues that I would otherwise ignore We share many laughs and have developed friendships

This program provides an essential service to English language learners in Moore County. The ability to communicate with each other promotes individual economic opportunities and productivity and also enhances community relations It is a critical component for success for all of us "

Julie Mitchell, ESL Tutor Since 2021

"I chose tutoring as a volunteer activity because I wanted something that would keep me engaged weekly, challenge me intellectually, and instill a feeling of purpose and accomplishment. I began with a young adult in Maryland seeking her GED. Once I moved to Moore County, I was asked to tutor an ESL student, which I am enjoying It is gratifying to see my student engaged and eager to learn After a year with him, I am seeing progress and look forward to enriching his tutoring experiences A few months ago I added reading passages from the Readworks website which he thoroughly enjoys I also asked him to stop using Google translate when he answers my text messages, and he appreciates the challenge Getting to know Patty Lopez, a former MCLC student and now on staff at the CARE Group, was most beneficial. I also arranged to have her meet my student, Luis, and impress upon him the value of using English every single day "

Patricia Murray, Citizenship Prep Student

Patricia Murray is originally from Nassau, Bahamas. She became a student in the CARE Group Citizenship program in 2021.

Patricia worked hard for over a year with Program Specialist Kathy McGougan, preparing for the Interview Process and studying for the tests required to become a US citizen Her hard work paid off, and she passed the written and verbal tests and successfully completed the Interview Process for Naturalization in May 2022. Patricia was sworn in as a US citizen on Friday, June 10th in Charlotte, NC, with approximately 80 other new US citizens.

Patricia stated that she wanted to become a US citizen in order to have all the rights and privileges that our citizens enjoy. Patricia was able to exercise one of these rights on November 8th when she voted in her very first election!