Connie Keller and Larry McCall visit from Literacy Volunteers

     Seventeen years ago, when Connie Keller started working with Literacy Volunteers, she thought they could eliminate the illiteracy problem in Sullivan County.   Since then, the reading problem has worsened, and the organization is working harder to serve a greater number of pupils with less money. 

     Connie tells us that with economic problems, not only businesses suffer, but so do non-profits.   Literacy Volunteers is not excluded from struggling with these difficult times.  The state has cut almost 30% of their funding to the program.  The Sullivan County Legislature has suggested a 15% cut in their contribution.  In addition to those obstacles, private donations have been diminishing. 

     Many people, even those who have spent much of their life gainfully employed, are finding that they can no longer get a job without a GED.  For many, acquiring a GED requires major gains in their reading skills.  Fortunately, Literacy Volunteers has 60 tutors working with over 100 people and assisting them in reaching their life goals.  Ms. Keller believes that there is at least double that number of people in need of tutoring within our area.

      Connie spoke of a need for more tutors and the desire to find more volunteers.    Training to be a tutor involves six consecutive Thursday trainings, with an 18 hour commitment.   This extensive training assures that tutors feel ready when getting a student.  For the program to work, it is essential that every tutor have what their pupil’s need, which is, someone strong in reading, writing, and speaking the English language.

The good news is that the tutors, which are the backbone of the organization, are stepping up with an impressive 25 people signing up for training.  Likely only 12-15 will actually train, as some people find out that being a tutor is not for them.  Demand is so high, that all the new volunteers will be matched immediately to a pupil.  Then a new waiting list will be created for future volunteers.

    “Working for Literacy Volunteers is a different form of volunteerism.” Keller tells us,  “with a 1.5 – 2 hour commitment per week.”  Through this, the students can gain the skills to empower themselves and build confidence.  “When you don’t read, you live in a frightening world.” Keller says.

    Some additional positive news for the organization is that there is a new book store in Bethel, which is offering books at great prices.  The Monticello store is still going strong and offers a huge variety of reading choices at bargain prices.  Connie noted that it is the bookstore that provides the funds to keep them going.

    Larry McCall is a powerful speaker and a wonderful person who eloquently expresses what Literacy Volunteers is all about.  He tells us that literacy means everything to him.  Since he learned how to read, his mind has opened up to everything.  Larry finds himself constantly trying to decipher words and meet challenges.  He started out not being able to read anything.  He had never touched a computer, which thanks to Literacy Volunteers, became the essential tool that helped him grow.  It created instantaneous responses to correct him and helped him choose books that fit his reading level.  His comprehension is now much improved and Larry tells us  ”It’s something to fight for.” “Some people say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.  I don’t believe that.”

Larry was a construction worker and made good money.  As a result, he was able to cope in spite of his lack of literacy.  He had an accident that kept him from doing physical work and had difficulties with medication which left him unable to continue doing physical labor.  When he had lost all his opportunities he found Connie and the Literacy Volunteers.  Through the program he began to grow and he was determined to see how far he could go.  Now, Mr. McCall plans to get that GED and then enroll in a college.

Larry is influential with kids and talks to them about having a positive attitude.  He lives in Evergreen housing complex, which he has helped make “the cleanest community in Monticello. “When you want to change, you’ve got to make the change.”  That motto is not just idle talk, but a life plan.  Larry has started a book club at the Evergreen complex and is encouraging kids to work hard.  His is offering $20 to children that make the honor roll.  Kids that stay on the honor roll for 3 marking periods get to go to a store and buy sneakers.  He has taken those kids to plays and tried to expose them to positive choices.   He is making a truly  positive impact on his community.

We want to thank Larry for giving back to the community.  Larry tells us “These kids need direction and they will follow you as long as they know you are sincere.”  As a result, kids are eager to assist him in cleaning up the community and building strong work ethic.  “If you’ve got children that play in garbage, they think they’re garbage.”  Mr. McCall is proving there is much more to which these children should aspire.

As always, we are honored to have such fine and community centered people join us for a meeting.  The work hat Connie and Larry are doing can only be described as an inspiration.  It was our sincerest pleasure for the Liberty Rotary Club to contribute $500 to the Literacy Volunteers to help assist in their good work.

If you would like to be a Literacy Volunteer or know someone that needs their services, you can contact them at 845-794-0017.  All services are free and confidential.