Connie Keller and Literacy Volunteers still doing Great Work
Connie Keller dropped by for her annual visit from Literacy Volunteers. As always, Connie was enthusiastic about the important work that her organization does, and extremely proud of the students it benefits.
Connie tells us that there are two important fundraising events coming up soon. One is a Dessert Extravaganza at Friends on Feb 16th from 1-3. ($15 per person or $30 per couple.) The second is an event featuring Donna Singer and the Doug Richards Trio on Fri., Feb 21st at 6:30. ($20 per person at Nadia’s Hungarian Buffet.)
This year, Connie brought with her a student named Marta and her daughter Diana. Marta has been a student at Literacy Volunteers. Marta is from Poland and came here at 10 years old and enrolled in public school. Unfortunately, she did not finish high school because she needed to go to work. In order to support her daughter, she realized she needed to get a GED. When Marta called Literacy Volunteers for help, the organization changed the course of her life. Her Literacy Volunteer teacher, Marianne helped her with reading and writing. Marta questioned her ability to finish, but Marianne encouraged her to see her studies through. The people at Literacy Volunteers motivated Marta to finish her coursework and take the G.E.D. Test.
Marta told us “ People who didn’t even know me made me believe in myself”. Volunteers took her to take the G.E.D. test which Marta passed and she got her degree. She now has aspirations of attending college and getting her law degree.
In addition to teaching basic studies, Literacy Volunteers teaches computer classes, one to one, at their centers. They also offer classes in financial literacy to teach skills needed to pay bills, do banking, and manage money.
It costs about $600 a year to support a student in their studies. Their book store in Monticello, fundraisers and donations are their main supports. Students can get their education/tutoring in Liberty at the Library and at the CACHE office.