Literacy Works News--Programs, Heroes and More

Issue no. 2 | February 2010

A New Program for a New Year!
Literacy Works Launches Employ Lit in 2010

Literacy Works is pleased to announce the arrival of our latest program, Employ Lit! A big step for our small organization, Employ Lit brings our expertise in adult education to the workforce development field.

The need has never been more urgent for this unique professional development service. All over Chicago, record numbers of unemployed individuals are turning to organizations that assist with job readiness and job placement in hopes to find stable work. These workforce development agencies offer special instruction in areas such as resume writing, interviewing, and workplace culture. Unfortunately, many of the clients they serve struggle with literacy issues that make it difficult for them to succeed in a job readiness program.

When we asked workforce development professionals if they needed assistance serving their clients with low literacy, they pretty much all said the same thing: "Can you come yesterday?" We are now ready to answer the call with a series of training workshops for staff of workforce development programs. Participants will learn how to identify when a client has literacy issues, as well as how to develop instructional methods and classroom materials that are appropriate for all learners. Our goal is to equip job readiness professionals with the skills they need to get people working!

OK Learn Heads to Chicago Public Schools
Parents Get Inspired with Hands-on Learning

Whether they are exploring toy animals, sorting clothing, or analyzing a 3-year old's scribble drawing, the parents in Literacy Works' OK Learn workshops are discovering new ways to help their young children learn, and they're having fun doing it! Betsy Rubin, Literacy Works' Adult and Family Literacy Specialist, firmly believes that all parents, regardless of their literacy levels, can encourage their children to become strong readers and eager learners. She designs Our Kids Learn (OK Learn) experiences that allow parents to tap into their own knowledge and daily routines to open new worlds for their little ones. In a workshop entitled "Talking Leads to Learning," for example, moms and dads discover that involving children in conversation about common tasks can build vocabulary and other skills that lay a strong foundation for academic success. Parents brainstorm ways that even laundry time can lead to limitless lessons on sorting, color, texture, early science, and much more.

Thanks to Literacy Works' collaboration with the Illinois Parent Information Resource Center (PIRC) at Columbia College's Center for Community Arts Partnerships, we now bring these confidence-building workshops to parents of 0-5 year-olds at five CPS community schools. PIRC aims to get parents more engaged in their children's education, and Literacy Works' OK Learn project gives parents inspired ideas to do just that. Betsy particularly enjoys the part of each session when parents are joined by their children to try out a new activity they have learned. Little faces light up as moms and dads share books in new ways, and proud parents beam when their kids start using new words. As one parent shares, "I learned about the things that I can teach my children and what they can teach me."

LITERACY HERO

Sr. Monice Kavanaugh, O.P.

The Learning Center (TLC), a Literacy Works member organization, is a truly special place. The three-story brick building in Lawndale is clean and cozy, with lots of wood surfaces reflecting the generous sunshine that pours through its many windows. The walls feature artwork from diverse cultures, and the learning areas are colorful and comfortable. This haven is the domain of our latest Literacy Hero, Sr. Monice Kavanaugh, O.P., to whom cultivating an ideal learning environment for adults is crucial. "I've created a peaceful atmosphere because I want the students to feel respected. When you feel respected and are in a peaceful space, you can be more open to education."

Education has been Sr. Monice's passion for much of her career. Eleven years ago, she decided to bring her skills and enthusiasm to the Director position of TLC and immediately got to work growing its adult education services, which are greatly needed. The agency primarily serves two Chicago communities: North Lawndale, where 40% of families live in poverty; and Little Village, where 60% of adults didn't finish high school and half speak very little English.

During Sr. Monice's tenure as Director, TLC went from offering a few classes in literacy, GED preparation, and English as a Second Language to providing a full spectrum of educational enrichment for adults that also includes Spanish GED classes, computer instruction, and employment readiness services. Among Sr. Monice's favorite programs is Opening to the World of Our City, a series of field trips that gives students the chance to experience the educational and cultural opportunities of Chicago, often for the first time.

Sr. Monice is happiest when creating new programs and strong teams of professionals and volunteers that respond to the needs of the learners. "I see what we do as a tapestry to improve lives," she shares. "I love creating the best weaving possible to serve students."

Sr. Monice stepped down as Director of TLC last year, but will stay on staff through June to help transition the new Director, Gary Sarpy. Instead of retiring, she plans to continue to serve her community and awaits new opportunities. Literacy Works wishes our hero the best of luck in her next chapter!

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Sr. Monice (rt) is pictured here with her colleague at The Learning Center, Sr. Marilyn Derr, O.P.

Literacy Works is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to fulfill the promise of a basic human right: the right to read, write, and interpret the world. We promote adult literacy and family literacy in Chicago through training for volunteer tutors, unique workshops for adult learners, and supportive services for community-based literacy programs.

1,000 Words

During Literacy Works' most recent 8-session Writers' Circle workshop, Participants discovered writing as a powerful tool for self-expression and saw their work come to life in our latest publication, Stories of Family and Fellowship from Goldie's Place

Literacy Works

Factoid

Studies show that children's language and literacy development depends not just on reading books, but on regular parent-child interactions that enrich vocabulary and foster a love for learning.

We do mean to brag...

[Literacy Works'] tutor trainings are invaluable for our volunteer tutors. I think they feel 100% more prepared after attending the trainings. All the hands-on ideas and activities really help to calm the volunteers' nerves.
--Literacy Program
Coordinator

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