For SPN

STEVENS POINT — The Portage County Literacy Council (PCLC) is looking for additional volunteers to tutor adults in our community. PCLC and other Wisconsin Literacy members are working together for Literacy Can’t Wait, a volunteer tutor recruitment drive that encourages local residents to change lives through literacy.

Approximately 1.5 million residents statewide are in need of literacy support. Literacy Can’t Wait , supported by Dollar General Literacy Foundation, the American Family Dreams Foundation, Vernon Library Supplies, and WEA Trust, will recruit, train, and match new volunteer tutors with adults seeking much-needed literacy service.
The PCLC helps adults achieve more at work, with family, and in their everyday lives.

With the help of trained volunteer tutors, adults improve their reading, writing, and math skills. Immigrants and refugees learn English and civics information. Without being able to read, write, or speak English at a high level, it’s difficult for adults to access family-supporting jobs, read to their children or support them in school, understand health information, and so much more. Literacy empowers adults to achieve these goals, and volunteer tutors are a part of the solution.

Tutors meet one-on-one with their learners on a weekly basis, typically 2-4 hours/week, and provide individualized assistance based on the learners’ language level and life goals. Julie Marie has been tutoring since last fall. She and her learner work on reading and writing, with an emphasis on helping the learner understand more at work. “It’s very rewarding,” she said. “I like working one-on-one with someone and it’s a way for me to continue to learn myself.”

PCLC and Wisconsin Literacy provide tutor trainings, materials, and ongoing support. “Our learners choose to come to us for services and have a lot to offer our community,” said Kristy SeBlonka, PCLC director. “They really appreciate the time our volunteers take to help them reach their goals.”

Time spent tutoring often impacts the adult learner’s entire family. Wisconsin residents in Portage County need literacy services. Become part of the solution by signing up to be a volunteer tutor today.

Contact PCLC at 715-345-5341 or [email protected] for an orientation in July and August. The group portions of the next new tutor training will start in early September, and other aspects of the training can be completed at your own pace. Those who cannot tutor can still make a difference. Donations in support of adult literacy can be sent to
PCLC at 1209 Fremont Street, 209 Nelson Hall. Learn more at www.pocolit.org.