Keep Snapping!: More Poetry from LAI's Book Club

Did you enjoy our last poem? Here are more videos from the Book Club Poetry Reading!

Snaps for Poetry: LAI Book Club Hosts Poetry Reading

Part of our job at Literacy Action is to expose students to different forms of learning, experiences and expression. Today, students in our Thursday Book Club read original works of poetry to their fellow classmates and guests.  Following each reading, guests were able to give feedback and ask questions about each poem.  Many of our staff was in attendance and to see the level of bravery and conviction our students possess is inspiring.

Listen to our students read their poems and let us know what you think via Facebook and Twitter!

Stay tuned for more videos!



Friends in the Community: LAI Meets with Atlanta Business League President and CEO, Leona Barr-Davenport

At Literacy Action, we believe that community partnerships and collaboration is critical to ensure that adequate services and opportunities are available to all. On November 2, 2011, LAI President and CEO, Karen Webster Parks, with LAI Board Members, Dave Peterson and James Rodgers, met with Atlanta Business League President and CEO, Leona Barr-Davenport, to discuss adult literacy and its impact on our community.

Left to right: Karen Webster Parks, Dave Peterson, Leona Barr-Davenport and James Rodgers.

Adult low-literacy does not affect one person; it impacts an entire community.  Our vision is to build better futures by teaching low-literate adults literacy and life skills, so that they are able to reach their full potential and become self-sufficient individuals, parents, employees and citizens. With community partners, we are confident that we can achieve this goal and much more.

Bank of America Honors Literacy Action Chairman

Over the course of 43 years, Literacy Action has found itself in the midst of exceptional leaders, community organizers, dedicated volunteers, and generous philanthropists.  Wednesday night, October 26th, was no exception at the Bank of America 2011 Neighborhood Excellence Initiative Awards.

We are thrilled to announce David Peterson, Board Chair, as a recipient of one of five Local Heroes awards.  Award recipients are recognized for their dedication to serving the Atlanta community and David is certainly an excellent example.  Not only is he the chair of the Literacy Action board, but he also has played a critical role in the creation of Literacy Alliance of Metro Atlanta (LAMA).  For his service, Bank of America provided him with a $5,000 check that he so generously donated to Literacy Action.

To all award recipients of Bank of America's 2011 Neighborhood Excellence Initiative, we congratulate you.  It is clear that the city of Atlanta has a vibrant community dedicated to serving those in need.  As Literacy Action continues the mission of breaking the intergenerational cycle of low-literacy, we leave you with one question:  How have you served your community?

Not All Support Comes With a $: Donate Classroom Supplies to LAI!

It is no secret that monetary donations are important to the continuation of Literacy Action's programs or any nonprofit. What is not a common fact is that school supplies are needed just as much for our organization to continue providing instruction to our students. 

When attending Literacy Action, students are asked to come to class with paper and pencil, but due to economic hardships are unable to provide those supplies.  We try to provide as much materials as possible for both our students and teachers, but serving over 361 students in 26 classes, this year alone, can be taxing.

Supporters of Literacy Action have donated supplies to ensure that our students are given the opportunity to learn with the appropriate tools. June Rich and Becky DeCarlo, LAI board members, are two supporters ensuring that there is a functioning marker at every white board, and pencils and paper in the hand of all of our students.

Ongoing Classroom Supply Wish List

Dry Erase Markers (Black, Red, Blue, Green) 

All five of our classrooms have white boards so that teachers can better instruct students.

Paper Towels

The up keep of our classrooms are very important and students assist in cleaning classroom tables following their classes.

Green and Yellow fastener file folders

Not all of our students come to us wanting to obtain their GED, many set their own goals and we keep track of those goals with our Student Portfolios which are filed in green and yellow file folders.

2-inch 3-ring Binders

Keeping track of classwork and assignments is more efficient when binders are available not only for students, but for teachers as well.

Loose Leaf Notebook Paper (Wide-Ruled)

Because we do not have enough books for every student in a class, students write all of their answers and assignments on loose leaf notebook paper.

80-100 Small dry erase boards

When doing group assignments, small white boards are more environmentally friendly and efficient in instructing students.

#2 Pencils

Pencils are used in every classroom and for every GAIN test.

Hand Soap

Maintaining a clean and safe environment for our students, staff, teachers and volunteers is important to the organization.

If you are interested in donating supplies, you can send them to :

Literacy Action, Inc.

100 Edgewood Avenue

Suite 650

Atlanta, GA 30303

Exposing Adult Low Literacy: LAI Meets with Representative Kathy B. Ashe.

On October 13, 2011, Literacy Action sat down with State Representative, Kathy B. Ashe, in an effort to increase, awareness on adult low-literacy in Georgia. This is just another step in our campaign to bring community leaders together in our fight to bring this issue into the limelight.

Representative Ashe and Dave Peterson, LAI Board Chair.

LAI President and CEO, Karen Webster Parks, and trustees David Peterson (chair), Donna Krache and Sue Morgan, met with Representative Ashe to discuss just how adult low-literacy, impacts the community and what Literacy Action does on a daily basis to help Atlanta become a more educated and work-ready city.

Left to Right: Sue Morgan, Karen Webster Parks, Donna Krache, Olivia Greene, Rep. Kathy Ashe and Dave Peterson.

Educating adults is vital to ensuring the growth of Georgia and the Nation as a whole. With 93 million Americans and over 900,000 adults in Metro Atlanta considered functionally low literate, how are we, as a nation, able to remain a global competitor? Georgia has an unemployment rate of 10%, which is higher than the national Average. Literacy Action is one solution-provider that works to give adults the basic reading, writing and math skills to better their lives, and their community.

An Artistic Twist to Learning: Artist Shelia Pree Bright Talks to LAI Students

Shelia Pree Bright

On Tuesday September 20, 2011, Literacy Action was honored to welcome Shelia Pree Bright, a professional fine arts photographer from Atlanta.

Ms. Bright's works include Suburbia, Plastic Bodies, Young Americans and In High Def. She has also been featured in many museums, including Atlanta's own High Museum of Art.

Speaking in front of a crowded room of students, staff, instructors and volunteers, Ms. Bright discussed what led her to become a photographer, the inspiration behind her work and the social misperceptions of different races and ages that her work strives to disprove.
Following a brief powerpoint highlighting her work, Ms. Bright opened the floor to questions which sparked a lively discussion amongst students. Students offered their opinion on many topics such as; what is considered beauty within society, how we, as a community, can promote positive and realistic images of beauty and the effects of negative stereotypes and percepections of different cultures.

LAI President & CEO, Karen Webster Parks (Left), Shelia Pree Bright (Center)

Literacy Action prides itself on providing classes and opportunities to its students that inspire them and promote change within their lives and community.  Guest speakers bring with them different perceptions and experiences that provide students an opportunity to engage in open conversation where they are encouraged to express their opinion and insights regarding social topics and many more.

Special Thank You

Shelia Pree Bright

To learn more about Shelia Pree Bright and her work, visit http://sheilapreebright.com/

The Millennials Are Here: Literacy Actions Kicks Off New Young Adult Advocacy Group.

On Thursday September 22, 2011, Literacy Action kicked off its new young adult advocacy group, YELL,Young Empowered Leading Literacy.


Hosted at the Square Pub in Decatur, guests were welcomed by LAI President and CEO, Karen Webster Parks, and staff. Food and drinks were provided and guests had an opportunity to win a one night stay at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta and a Kindle. LAI Board Member, Peter Stewart, addressed guests and offered more information regarding the creation and the importance of YELL.

LAI Board Member, Peter Stewart (Right) with guests

The atmosphere was energetic as guests mingled with each other and LAI staff. Guests took no time in asking in depth questions about the demographic of LAI students, what Literacy Action is doing to fight adult low-literacy and how they can get involved and take action.

YELL's is comprised of supporters ages 21-35 and its mission is to bolster the issue of adult low literacy within the Metro Atlanta community.

Working through Literacy Action, YELL hopes to involve young adults in adult literacy and eradicate the intergenerational cycle of low-literacy by utilizing their ideas, voices and talents.


To find out more information about YELL visit our website at http://www.literacyaction.org/page/yell.

Special Thank you

Square Pub

115 Sycamore Street
Decatur, GA 30030

Onward and Upward: Literacy Action Board of Trustees Hold Annual Board Retreat.

On Thursday September 15, 2011, Literacy Action's Board of Trustees met to participate in their annual all day board retreat. Hosted at the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, Board members began arriving at 8:30AM eager to begin working. The retreat, facilitated by Danielle Rutland of the Southern Company, allowed board members to reflect on the previous year, re-examine the organization and present ideas and goals for the next three years.

LAI's Board of Trustees are dedicated to ensuring that the organization continues to provide excellent services to all the students at LAI. It is imparitive that they continue to stay abreast on the status of the organization and discuss how LAI can continue to provide classes to assist the more than 800,000 low-literate adults in Metro Atlanta.  Board members left the retreat with new ideas and goals for LAI as it continues to move forward.





LAI is lucky to have such a great board who is committed to the work of the organization and the success of our students!


"We are truly doing God's work."
-Chris Miller, Vice Chair

Special Thank You to:

The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta

Danielle Rutland-Southern Company

Denise James-Southern Company

It Is So Hard to Say Goodbye: LAI Instructor Bids Farewell To LAI And Reflects On Her Time With The Organization.

Well of course this isn't the first Monday I haven't been to LAI, but it is definitely different.  I was not sad until I walked into the doors here at work last Wednesday.  It hit me that nothing I ever do will fill me with the joy that LAI has.  That made me sad.  Don't get me wrong, I am very grateful and blessed to have a good job.  It pays well, but it lacks on the fulfilling meter.  There were times I was leaving LAI when I had to stop myself from doing the running man and the cabbage patch on the way to my car.  I felt that good.

Back in 2010, it was important for me to find an outlet to actually use my graduate degree, as I was not going to be positioned to get to do so in my full time work.  I sought out part time opportunities.  I had a major disappointment a few months before my interview with LAI. I actually cried because I really wanted that job.  I thought it was perfect.  Looking back now, I am so grateful and blessed that the other opportunity did not work out.  That would have just been a part time job, and it would not have made an impact in my life the way LAI has. 

The other day, a student asked if I made the sandwiches that I brought in on the last day.  I gave her a look as to say, now you know good and well I don't cook.  She said, "You tell us that we can do whatever we set our minds to, so I know that you can if you want to."  Now how is that for a natural high?

I want to just thank you all for everything.  What you do is really important, because it impacts peoples lives in a positive way.  Even when you have a bad day, when you get home and take off your shoes, you know that at some point in the day you did something for someone else that really has meaning. If you think about it, the number of people that can say that at the end of the day is getting smaller and smaller.

I expect to return to LAI.  I am not quite sure when at this very moment, but I have a feeling things will work out so that I can. 

So it really isn't a goodbye, just so long for a minute. 

Miss y'all already--
Lisa Conely, Former LAI Reading 4 Instructor

Sent Monday August 22, 2011

(Left to Right) Lisa Conley with LAI Student

Community Matters: Literacy Action Meets with the Chairman of Fulton County Board of Commissioners

On August 18, 2011, Literacy Action met with Fulton County Board of Commissioners Chairman, John Eaves, in an effort to continue the community discussion on eradicating adult low-literacy.

LAI President and CEO, Karen Webster Parks, and Chairman John Eaves.

LAI President and CEO, Karen Webster Parks and LAI Board Members, David Peterson (chair), Chris Miller and JaKathryn Ross, sat down with Chairman Eaves and Director of Constituent Services, Aaron Johnson, to discuss the astonishing number of low-literate Atlantans, how these numbers impact the community and what Literacy Action is doing to end the intergenerational cycle of illiteracy.

Director of Constituent Services, Aaron Johnson, and LAI Board Member, Chris Miller.

With more than 800,000 adults in metro Atlanta considered functionally illiterate, this issue is heavily connected to many social ills that plague not only our city, but nation as a whole. Issues such as unemployment, poverty and crime would be far less detrimental with an educated population.

LAI Board Member, JaKathryn Ross and LAI Board Chair, Dave Peterson.

 Literacy Action is confident that by educating the public on this issue, we as a community will not only be able to change the lives of low-literate adults, but make a dramatic impact on generations to come.

Join us in making the change today!

Chris Miller, Karen Webster Parks, Dave Peterson, Chairman John Eaves, JaKathryn Ross, Aaron Johnson

Literacy Action Makes The Connection: Our Recent Visit With the President of Central Atlanta Progress.

         

Earlier this spring Literacy Action had the opportunity to meet with First Lady Sandra Deal, to discuss adult literacy and its profound effects within Atlanta and Georgia. In an effort to continue to bring awareness about adult literacy, Literacy Action is on a campaign to meet with community leaders and future partners. Our goal is to educate and advocate to stop the intergenerational cycle of illiteracy.

On July 27, 2011, LAI President and CEO, Karen Webster Parks, accompanied by LAI Board Members David Lowance and Leon Trum, met with Central Atlanta Progress President, A.J. Robinson.  The focus of the discussion was tailored to the history of the 42 year old organization, the work that has been done, the goals moving forward, and the growing epidemic within Metro Atlanta.

Adult low literacy is a serious issue that not only affects the students we serve daily, but the community as a whole.  Through our outreach we envision a community in which all Atlantans have the basic skills they need to better their lives and the lives of those around them.

Big Things Are Happening: Literacy Action Welcomes Five New Board Members.

Last Thursday, July 14, 2011, Literacy Action welcomed five new members to our Board of Trustees. 

While all new members officially began their term July 1, orientation allows for our new advocates to receive more in depth information about the organization, how we serve our 700 plus students and how they can make an impact during their 3 year term on the board. 

New Board Members during orientation. Left to Right: Lee Morris, Melanee Haywood, Sue Morgan, Angela Dirr and Peter Stewart.

Each board member brings with them a plethora of expertise that will be beneficial to the organization as we continue to move forward.We are excited to have these eager members join Literacy Action.

Great things are on the horizon and we cannot wait!

New board members tour LAI with Paige Pushkin, Director of Operations.

  

Meet Our New Board Members

ANGELA DIRR

 Vice President and Assistant General Counsel for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.

MELANEE HAYWOOD 

 Managing Director, Information Technology for Delta Air Lines, Inc.

SUSAN MORGAN 

LEE E. MORRIS 

General Counsel and Chief Financial Officer for Stevens & Wilkinson.  

PETER STEWART 

Senior Business Development Associate with BNY Mellon Wealth Management.

LAI Students Shine in the Atlanta Journal Constitution

Last Saturday, July 2, 2011, the Atlanta Journal Consitution ran an article on Literacy Action's annual Student Recognition Ceremony, which was held this past June. The article included personal experiences of Literacy Action students as well as interviews with our President & CEO, Karen Webster Parks, and LAI Teacher, Nioyon Olutosin or "Mrs. O" as she is known in the classroom.

LAI's June Student Recognition Ceremony gave students an opportunity to be recognized and celebrated, for their academic and personal acheivements, amongst their family, friends and biggest supporters.

President & CEO, Karen Webster Parks and LAI Student, Sylvia Burks



Article featured a picture of Melody Shakesnyder, Student Speaker and GED Graduate

Want to see a larger version of the article?

 http://www.ajc.com/news/education-program-helps-improve-999377.html 

"We Are The Future. We Have A Destiny." 2011 LAI Student Recognition Ceremony Celebrates All Students!

"There have been times when we have gotten discouraged--times we wanted to quit. There were even those around us who said we wouldn't make it. But, through this process of being tried and tested, we persevered--overcoming doubt and fear."

-Melody Shakesnyder

GED graduate and student speaker 

 

GED graduates and program completers.

Taking their seats, students sat poised and ready to be recognized for their many accomplishments during their time at Literacy Action. For many, these accomplishments included perfect attendance, moving up a level in class or being recognized for their dedication. For others, this marked a milestone in their lives by receiving their GED. For whatever the reason, one thing was clear, it was their time to shine! GED graduate Melody Shakesnyder addressed her fellow GED graduates and students motivating and encouraging them to continue moving forward. "My challenge to all of us is to move with a plan. Let's not think just one step ahead, but ten steps. This is not the end. It's not enough to have the gold."

LAI student and program completer.

Following a powerful introduction by LAI student Lonnie Baker, the ceremony's keynote speaker, Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard Jr., addressed the students explaining that unlike many others in their situation, "they have placed themselves in the right position by taking the first step toward furthering their education." Howard continued by saying that even though milestones have been reached and personal goals have been met, the work does not stop here. He instructed them to "stay humble and continue to set goals and reach for them."

Fulton County District Attorney, Paul Howard Jr., and GED graduates.

The time to distribute certificates and awards had arrived and students and their family members could not be more excited.  As each name was called and students walked across the stage, the auditorium erupted in celebratory chants, applause and proud testimonies that only gave a glimpse into the struggle that many of our students had endure to reach this moment. As one student walked across the stage smiling in her blue cap and gown with gold tassel, a cry came from the audience "that's my mom!". The excitement and joy of that student's son was shared throughout the audience. Walking across the stage were people whose lives had been transformed by the power of an education!

Surrounded by family, friends, board members, staff, volunteers, teachers and Atlanta community members, LAI students were able to share their accomplishments with just a small part of a larger community that understands the importance of an education and the continued struggle adult learners have to endure to make their goals a reality.

GED graduate and family.

Special Thanks to the following sponsors who helped make the Student Recognition Ceremony a success.

Georgia-Pacific

    Sheila Weidman-Farley

Vice President, Corporate Communications and Marketing

    JaKathryn Ross

Executive Director, YE-Atlanta Georgia Pacific and LAI Board Member

   Naomi Deal

  Shannon Fitzgibbon

North Highland Company

   Dave Peterson

Chairman and LAI Board Chair

Mr. H. James Dallas

Benchmark Trophy Center

Collins Digital Imaging, Inc. 

RussCorp Graphics

Literacy Action Auctions PGA Championship Tickets!

Literacy Action has received (4) Weekly Ground Tickets to the 2011 PGA Championship on August 8-14 at the Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, GA.  We are so thankful to the PGA for their generosity in providing a fundraising outlet for Literacy Action.

We are auctioning these tickets through June 22nd.  Starting bid is $305 for each ticket.  All bids will be accepted through email at:  kgray@literacyaction.org.  Once a bid is accepted, you will receive e-mail confirmation.  Any further bids will be announced and you will have the option to re-bid.  All bids must be received by 5pm on June 22nd.  Tickets will be issued directly from the PGA.

For more information, contact Kristin Gray at:  kgray@literacyaction.org or (404) 818-7325.

First Groupon Campaign a MAJOR Success!

Thank you to all who have donated to Literacy Action through Groupon's G-Team Campaign!

From June 7-9, Literacy Action was featured in Atlanta's G-Team campaign.  G-Team is the non-profit extension of Groupon that allows customers to donate to specific causes.  All proceeds, once the "deal is tipped",  directly benefit the nonprofit.  The campaign to benefit LAI was directed at providing the initial registration fee for students who cannot financially afford it.  (This is the only monetary request we make of students.)  The "tipping point" to receive donations was set at 40, and we exceeded it with 94 total donations!  That means 56 potential students will be afforded the opportunity to take classes at Literacy Action.

On behalf of the students, faculty, and staff, thank you to all who were able to give.  You have provided Atlanta's undereducated adults with a chance to better themselves, their families, and their communities.

LAI Staff Attend First Ever Retreat!

On June 1, 2011, Literacy Action staff traveled to what seemed like a far-off land for a 2 day retreat.  Turns out, the far-off land was still in Fulton County at the Serenbe Community.  Overlooking sprawling farm land, peaceful walking trails and the roaming farm animals, LAI staff were able to step away from the office to really focus on the upcoming fiscal year and how to take the organization to the next level.

Throughout the retreat, staff members presented reviews on the past year and their outlook for the coming year.  From programs to development, to volunteering and social media, Literacy Action's staff has never been more committed to the mission than they are now.  We are constantly improving to provide Atlanta's undereducated adults with the opportunity to lift themselves out of poverty, crime, and to become better parents, grandparents and citizens.

We're ready to go for 2011-2012.     Join us on our journey!

Looking for Literacy Action on the Web?

If you have been searching for Literacy Action's website, you will know that you have encountered a problem.  As of June 4, our website is out of commission due to a massive server failure at our hosting site.  We hope to have a temporary site available soon, but are waiting on confirmation for when our site will be fully functional.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.  

However, you can always follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and here on our blog!

To reach our offices, please call:  (404) 818-7323.

More updates to come soon.

Facebook

Twitter

Literacy Action, Inc. Meets With First Lady of Georgia, Sandra Deal

Pictured Right to Left:  Karen Webster Parks, Jim Rodgers, First Lady Sandra Deal,

Kristin Gray, Chris Miller, Dave Peterson

On May 9, 2011, Literacy Action staff and trustees had the opportunity to sit down with First Lady of Georgia, Sandra Deal, to start the conversation on the epidemic known as adult literacy.  President and CEO, Karen Webster Parks; Trustees Chris Miller, Dave Peterson, Jim Rodgers; and Development Associate Kristin Gray spent part of the afternoon with Mrs. Deal at the Governor's Mansion in Atlanta.

Pictured Right to Left: Karen Webster Parks, Chris Miller,
First Lady Sandra Deal, Dave Peterson

As a former educator and strong literacy advocate, Mrs. Deal took the time to hear the statistics on adult illiteracy in Georgia and to understand what Literacy Action is doing to combat the ever growing number of undereducated adults.  Having a personal experience with an illiterate adult, she understands the need for literacy programs to better not only individuals, but society as a whole.  Literacy is truly at the core of all social ills, from incarceration to poverty, and for Mrs. Deal 'literacy is key to solving Georgia's problems.'  

Pictured Right to Left:  Jim Rodgers, Dave Peterson, Chris Miller, First Lady Sandra Deal

Ever the gracious host, Mrs. Deal spent well over an hour speaking with the Literacy Action group and gave an impromptu tour of the Governor's Mansion.  We are grateful to have Mrs. Deal as a leading advocate for adult literacy and programs, like Literacy Action, that provide adults with the life and work skills that empower them to reach their potential as self-sufficient individuals, parents, employees and citizens.

Pictured Right to Left:  Jim Rodgers, Karen Webster Parks, Dave Peterson

LAI President And CEO Asks "What Community Means To You?"

On Tuesday, April 26 2011, members of the community gathered to begin a series of important conversations sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Georgia. Entitled "Community Activism, Advocacy and How We Can All Participate", the conversation began with a dialogue between LAI President and Chief Executive Officer, Karen Webster Parks and Chief Judge of Fulton County State Court, Patsy Porter. 

Robin Schmerler, League of Women Voters Board (Left), Karen Webster Parks (Right)

The dialogue opened the floor to topics regarding community service, why it is important to get involved, how to help when funds are low, and many more community based topics. The audience participated in the open discussion, giving their experiences and opinions as to how they can become involved and get others to follow.

Karen Webster Parks (Left) with Patsy Porter (Right)

Our community is important and we must work together to ensure that it is the best that it can be for all citizens! Karen Webster Parks said "if you touch one person all the work was worth it." Keeping the conversation going is one of the first steps to ensuring that community activism continues.We encourage everyone to support your community and go out and be active. You don't have to donate money to make a difference. Judge Porter mentioned, giving of yourself and your time is sometimes worth more than a check.

So, what are you doing for your community?

From Left to Right: Ryan Hall, Karen Webster Parks , Robin Schmerler, Tracey-Ann Nelson, Nausha Brown Chavez, Patsy Porter , Kristin Gray, Olivia Greene.

Poets Among Us: Even More Poetry from LAI Students!

About the Poet

A native Georgian, Chris Vincent, 26, came to Literacy Action in 2010. 
He began in Math 1 and Reading 1, and is now enrolled in Math 3 and Reading 3. Chris is always helping with registration, GAIN testing and other tasks around the office! He says that he is well on his way to reaching his goal of obtaining his GED and he has Literacy Action to thank!

Poets Among Us: More Poetry from LAI Students!!!

About the Poet

Terrance Wilbern is 18 years old and began attending classes at Literacy Action in February 2011. He completed the eighth grade, but decided to leave because his classes were either too hard or too boring. He came to LAI because he wanted a school where he could learn at his own speed and level.  

When he is not in school Terrance volunteers at Atlanta Pet Rescue & Adoption and aspires to attend a culinary arts school once he receives his GED.

Young Volunteers Talk Volunteering And Adult Illiteracy!!!

Listen to what our younger volunteers have to say!!!

Special Thanks to 

Atiya Avery

Billy Diehl

Shannon Chen

Shreya Dave

William Brust

For taking the time to participate in our first ever young volunteer roundtable discussion!!!

Our Students Say Thank You!

Volunteers are vital pieces to our community! 

We appreciate the work that they do and the commitment that they have made to our organization and our students! Watch our students express their gratitude and love for our volunteers!

Volunteers In Action!

Our volunteers are not always standing in front of the classroom. Sometimes they are sitting next to our students giving one-on-one assistance with math, reading and answering any questions that our students might have. Take a look at some of our dedicated volunteers as they assist our students!

Saturday mornings, when most of us are still sleeping, Atiya Avery assists wait-list and current students in the Learning Lab. Here she is helping student Tyhea Hines with his math homework.

Learning Lab tutor, Cathy Brown, assists student Pauline Seays with her reading on Wednesdays.

In addition to assisting with our Reading 3 class during the week, Karen Gold assists wait list and current students in the Learning Lab on Saturdays. Here she is helping student Marie DeValus with reading.