Stories of fortitude and resolve highlighted last Friday’s Love of Literacy Luncheon at the Vero Beach Country Club, which annually celebrates the remarkable development of students assisted by the dedicated volunteer tutors of Literacy Services of Indian River County. The only adult literacy organization in the county, it is funded entirely through grants, donations and fundraisers such as this one, chaired by Evelyn Mayerson.
Board President Don Mann said recent accomplishments include the opening of a new Tutor Training Center and hiring of a Tutor Training Director. Informing guests that Literacy Services is one of seven Impact 100 finalists, he added, “To even be recognized as a finalist of Impact 100 makes us very proud.”
Mann also praised the superb leadership of Executive Director Mary Silva and the tutors in attendance, saying, “You truly are the lifeblood of our organization. We would not exist without our wonderful tutors.”
“This is one of my favorite charities in all of Indian River County. It’s dear to me because reading is so important,” said Suzy Bromwell, echoing the sentiments of everyone in the room.
The Barbara Levere Outstanding Service Award was presented to Maria Gutierrez, a former Literacy Services student who began with no English skills but has since graduated college, created conversational classes and speaks to key funders about the value of the organization. Her two children now also have college scholarships.
Their highest honor, the Nat Jackson Award, named after one of the original founders, was presented to Gertrude Terry and Marie Banks, two of the eight ladies who founded Literacy Services in 1971 and, like Nat Jackson, still participate behind the scenes.
“This is my favorite day of the year,” said Silva, before presenting the Literacy Student of the Year award to Stefanie Sedwell-McKemie. She has never missed a day of class with her tutor, Ann Hill, and now participates in her church’s Bible study class and can help her young children with their reading.
“In a historic first we are not giving out this award to an individual but to an amazing family who came to us for help,” said Silva of the ESOL (English as a Second Language) award, presented to a Cambodian family that immigrated to the U.S. last summer, with little to no English skills. The father was unable to attend due to his job, but mother, Phat Sen, daughter, SrePheas Khum and son, Phearom Khum, accepted the award, accompanied by tutor Cathy Ellsworth. With enthusiasm and dedication, family members quickly learned essential phrases; the daughter now even volunteering at the library.
Mayerson introduced fellow Windsor resident Betsy Horn, author of A Little Touch of Cancer and How It Made Me Well, who spoke about her transformative life journey following the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer.
She also spoke about a new Friends of Literacy Services initiative to support the organization, which last year provided one-on-one tutoring to more than 325 students.
Silva closed out the luncheon, reiterating the importance of adult literacy noting that a child’s academic success is directly tied to the literacy skills of the caregiver and is key to combating generational illiteracy.
