For the City Times

STEVENS POINT — The Portage County Literacy Council (PCLC) is looking for additional volunteers to tutor adults in our community. Contact the Portage County Literacy Council in August to fill out an application and learn about training activities. 

The PCLC helps adults achieve more at work, with their family, and in their everyday lives. Tutors meet one-on-one with their learners on a weekly basis and provide individualized assistance based on the learners’ language level and life goals. With the help of trained volunteer tutors, adults improve their reading, writing, and math skills. Immigrants and refugees learn English and civics information. 

Janet Grundstrom, Plover, has been a tutor with the PCLC for over 2 years.

“I was looking for human interaction. I was looking for something to get me out of the house,” said Grundstrom. “I can’t imagine not being a tutor. My learners teach me as much as I teach them, and I enjoy the conversation, new perspectives, and different points of view.”  

Janet tutors two women learning English and civic information. She meets each learner weekly.

“We talk about goals and how we should reach them,” she said. “The rewards are amazing…And the goals achieved. What a feeling, what a joy it was to watch my friend take the oath and become a US citizen last month!” 

PCLC volunteers typically tutor for 2-4 hours a week and can pick a time and location that fits their schedule. PCLC provides training, resources, and ongoing match support. If you are interested in becoming a PCLC tutor or know someone who wants a tutor, please contact PCLC at 715-345-5341 or [email protected]. Learn more about PCLC at www.pocolit.org.