Literacy Services of Indian River County hosted a 50th Anniversary Launch Party at the Brackett Library recently, as the start of a series of events to celebrate a half-century of teaching English and literacy skills to adults. The nonprofit engages volunteer tutors to work with its students, following a comprehensive and innovative curriculum, to create better futures for the pupils and their families.
During the launch party, attendees made their way around and through the Brackett Library, following a map of literacy-themed activities. Other partners – Ballet Vero Beach, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Buggy Bunch, Environmental Learning Center, Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation and the Learning Alliance – were all on hand, with Moonshot, TLA’s literacy ambassador puppet, coaxing reticent children into making bookmarks, visiting a story room, journaling and participating in environmental education activities.
There was also a ‘People Library’ where visitors could learn firsthand about the role volunteer tutors play in the process and where they heard from students about their goals.
“We wanted to engage parents and children in fun literacy activities to celebrate our program, because teaching the parent is the best indicator of the child’s academic success. We wanted to encourage parents to engage in their child’s education and see the resources available in the community,” said Jessica Schmitt, Literacy Services executive director.
Schmitt said their services had been moved online at the start of the pandemic, resulting in an addition to their toolkit. There has been a marked increase in participation in their Conversation Club which enables students to practice their English with one another, as the majority of their students are English language learners.
“While they might be able to read, they might not understand their children’s schoolwork or be able to talk to the teacher. That’s why the language piece is really important,” she added.
Online tutoring has also enabled students to attend sessions more regularly, as they don’t need to find transportation or childcare. That, coupled with tablets and hotspots secured through Cares Act funding, meant learning could continue throughout the pandemic.
“Students participate in Literacy Services programs in hopes of getting better jobs, increasing their engagement in their children’s education, and becoming a United States citizen. Literacy improves financial stability and transcends generations,” said Schmitt.
“Having the parents more engaged in their children’s education will help the children not need these kinds of services in the future. Becoming citizens affords them more opportunities in the community,” she said, noting that English and literacy skills are key to achieving that goal.
Literacy Services volunteers currently work with about 200 students and they maintain a continual waiting list of about 60. More than 100 tutors work one-on-one with students ages 16 and older.
Schmitt said they have added drop-in classes for students on the waiting list to help them get started, and there are plans to expand services to include financial literacy, workshop-style learning, and field trips for a more immersive learning experience.
On Dec. 8 at 4:30 p.m., Literacy Services will host a Tutor Social for past, present and future volunteers at Walking Tree Brewery, and on March 7, their main fundraiser, Stories by the Sea, a 50th Anniversary Celebration and Cocktail Reception, will take place at the Sea Oaks Beach Club.
For more information, visit literacyservicesirc.org.
Photos provided
