news - adrian rea literacy

News Accredited Member of ProLiteracy Vol. 11 Summer 2018

Adrian Rea Literacy Center

1257 E. Siena Heights Dr.

Adrian, MI 49221

Phone: 517.264.7320

www.adrianrealiteracy.org

[email protected]

Adrian Rea Literacy Center is

on Facebook

ARLC

Board of Directors:

Mary Poore, President

Rev. Drew Hart, Vice President

S. Carleen Maly, OP

Ex. Director to the Board

Marisela Barrios-Alvarez

S. Kathleen Clausen, OP

Anna Ebeling

Rudy Flores

Donna Marowelli

Mike Masters

Amy Palmer

Mike Perez

S. Peter Anthony Schulte, OP

John Solis

STAFF

S. Carleen Maly, OP Director

S. Kathleen Clausen, OP

Administrator

S. Sarah Cavanaugh, OP &

S. Joanne McCauley, OP

Administrative Assistants

Brenda Sparkman,

Computer Coordinator

Dear Friends,

During these past few months here at the literacy center we have been in “celebration

mode”, and events we celebrated are highlighted in this issue of the newsletter. In February,

despite the threat of a winter blizzard, we held our 10th Anniversary birthday party/open house.

More than 250 neighbors, friends, learners, tutors, and Board members celebrated ten years of

changing the lives of more than 1200 adults through the gift of literacy.

We rejoiced with three more learners who became U.S. Citizens thanks to the

support of their families and the incredible assistance of their tutors who practiced

conversation and writing skills with them and helped them learn the 100 questions on the

civics test. We also congratulated our learners who wrote stories for the first time, and one who

achieved his goal of writing a novel—a 74 page novel! We welcomed 22 new tutors who were

matched with learners on a waiting list or who will begin tutoring soon. Our ongoing thanks to

our “seasoned” tutors who give of themselves so generously.

Our donor base, as you will see, has expanded thanks to the efforts of our

wonderful Board members. They have set a goal of $75,000 for our 10th Anniversary to help us

continue our ministry. We are half way there. Thank you to those who have made that possible,

and thank you in advance for your continued support and the support of those who will make a

donation for the first time.

Enclosed in this newsletter is a 10th Anniversary Fund remittance envelope. It

explains that all donors who contribute $500 or more to our fund will have the opportunity to

have their name or the name of a loved one engraved on a plaque which will be hung in our

literacy center in the very near future. To each and everyone of you reading this newsletter,

please know we consider you partners with us in giving the gift of literacy to every adult learner

who enters the center.

With a grateful heart,

Sister Carleen

MiMi Natalio Maria

CONGRATULATIONS

TO OUR NEWEST

UNITED STATES CITIZENS

Sponsored by Adrian Dominican Sisters

Adrian Rea Literacy Center 2017-2018

Annual Report

Served: Total learners - 107

Female-56 Male-51

Diverse population:

Spanish-speaking learners from five countries -

Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, Puerto Rico and

Venezuela

Learners from four other countries -

India, Taiwan, Jordan and Pakistan

Caucasian learners

Programs Offered: ESL Learners-98 Basic Literacy-9

Achievements:

Vol. 11 Summer 2018

33 learned money values

45 advanced in learning

11 learned to budget, open bank acct.

5 prepared/obtained citizenship

7 registered to vote

2 studied pre GED material

9 got a better job

29 learned to use dictionary

16 filled out job application, doctor

forms, etc

22 wrote a story or letter

18 read medical instructions

64 improved spelling skills

90 improved conversation skills

64 improved writing skills

92 improved comprehension skills

59 read Bible, menus, coupons, etc.

35 read newspaper for information

30 read to children

6 obtained driver’s license

10 obtained library card

11 improved math skills

29 attended children’s school meetings

Clocked 665 total hours on

computers/ SMART Board

995 individual visits to

computer lab/SMART

Board

A few comments from our tutors about their wonderful learners:

“The computer lab here has helped her vocabulary and pronunciation.” “She feels much better speaking to her

customers at the restaurant and in stores.” “He now initiates conversations to tell me things that are

happening with his family.” “She ordered for herself at a fast food restaurant. She usually had her husband or adult children order for her. She has been asked to train new employees on different work stations of production line at bakery.” “He started regular use of the app “Mango” to improve his English conversation skills.” “She is reading her third novel on her own. She is so very determined to do well and is

a delight to work with.” “A few months ago, she started work in a restaurant because she feels her English

has improved enough to deal with customers.” “She is a very bright woman. She grasps concepts quickly. She would eventually like to get her GED.” “His English speaking skills have improved greatly because his young children are now speaking English at home. He reads night-time stories to his children.” “It’s been awesome to see his improvement, and to see that he is taking tutoring seriously.” “Rosetta Stone is helping her

a great deal.” “He is working on slowing down in order to be more accurate.” “He engages his family in the

learning process.” “He is more confident to talk on the phone.” “Her confidence in reading aloud and having a conversation has improved a great deal.” “He obtained a food handlers card which may open doors for advancement in employment.” “He can better communicate with his boss and co-workers.” “Her greatest joy is reading

books to her son.” To read more, visit our website at wwwadrianrealiteracy.org and click on the “News” tab.

A Place for You!

Vol. 11 Summer 2018

Sister Joanne, Jason’s tutor, has informed us that,

“Jason published his 74 page novel entitled, ‘A Road

That Leads to Nowhere’. Now he is graduating with

honors from the Adrian Rea Literacy Center.

Jason had earned a real estate license before he

came to the Center. He remarked, “when I think of

what I could have been . . .” As he graduates from

us, he is well equipped to excel!”

Congratulations, Jason, on your big accomplishment!

What a wonderful birthday party we had in February!

Featuring one of our

Learners

Jason Stites with Sister Joanne McCauley

Tutors, learners and family members

reunited or met for the first time. We also

honored our Adrian Dominican Sisters,

the first tutors, and welcomed friends, and

colleagues from the city and county.

Vol. 11 Summer 2018

Donors Adrian Meijer Anonymous Anonymous Anonymous Donna Baker and Associates Brenda and Frank Baker Catherine and Frank Barrack Sister Mary Beaubien, O.P. Sally and Barry Brooks Zelman V. Castellanos Sister Sarah Cavanaugh, O.P. CONDAT Corporation Janet and Roger Cox Kim and Robert Czmer Maria Isabel Da Silva Jose Luis Perez Duran Employees through Q1 CONDAT Cares Rodolfo Goncalves Sister Anne Guinan, O.P. Lisa and Roger Hart Jeanne Harvey Anne Jameson Sister Betty Jenkins, O.P. Jolene and Steve Johnson Knights of Columbus 1665 Sister Miriam Joseph Lekan, O.P. Jennifer Harmon-Lewis Margery Livingston Sister Frances Lombaer, O.P. Jeanne McCullough L.T. Sylvestre and Katherine A. Mock Nicole and Patrick Mulvaney Margaret and William Noe Connie and Jim O’Brien Amy and Jeremy Palmer Amy and James Philp Victoria Powell Patricia Prill Margaret and Edward Primeau Noel and Steven Prokopovich Joel Rodriquez Patricia St.George Sister Annette Sinagra, O.P. Diane and Gary Skeels

Marianne and Ed Soistman Karl L. and Nikki Ladopoulos- Sturk Simone and Chris Sutton Gail and Thomas Thelen Paula and Joe Williams Philomena T. Williams Karen Waggoner 100 Women for Lenawee In Memory of: Sister Carol Jean McDonnell, O.P. –

Julia and W. Michael McDonnell Sister Marie Damian Schoenlein, O.P. – Rita and Mark Hoffman Martha S. Fordon Karen and David Schoenlein Sandra H. Guzman Socorro Garcia –

Maricela and Alberto Alvarez Esther Chappa – Joan Chappa Jacqueline M. Brown –

Sally G. Brown Sister Leslie Hartway, O.P. – Gail Dunaway John Delaney – Denis Delaney Sister Donna Wencel, O.P.- Anita J. Gholson Esma Kisela – John Kisela M.Gail Fraly – Trudy McSorly Eleanor Charney - Melissa A. Austin Gloria Laundry - Anonymous Sister Nadine Foley, O.P. - Anonymous Mary Alice Bridget Higbee - Shirley Kennedy Maureen & R Thomas Vigliotti Rachel & Bryan Melvin Sister Mary Hemmen, O.P. - Emmaus Mission Group

We Thank You The Adrian Rea Literacy Center is a designated 501c3 non-profit educational program that provides one-to-one tutoring at no cost to our learners. We exist entirely on grant funding and donations. Therefore, our donors are a vital part of the Literacy Center and we are grateful for their support.

The following donors supported the Adrian Rea Literacy Center since December 1, 2018 through June 1, 2018

Vol. 11 Summer 2018

Donor’s continued

$75,000

Thank you for helping to reach

50% of our goal.

In Honor of: The 2018 Adrian Dominican Sister Jubilarians- Sister Marie Luisa Vasquez, O.P. Sister Frances Lombaer, O.P. Sister Kathleen Clausen, O.P.

Sister Jane Quirk, O.P. Sister Carleen Maly, O.P.

Pat Sturk – Joan and Jim Withers Michael S. Stafford Sister Carleen Maly, O.P.- Mary and Art Weeber Anna L. Allison Judith C. Francoer Sister Joanne McCauley, O.P. – Patricia and Daniel Dow Marie and Jerauld Bickel Barbara Frasier Kristine A. Brynildsen-Smith Catechists of Catholic Community of Adrian – Kathryn Love Sister Ann Fallon, O.P. – Elizabeth and Michael Howard Michael Perez- Rosamaria Perez Our Learners and Tutors- Mary and Gary Poore The Abramovich Family- Sister Rosemary Abramovich, O.P. Cecilia Jane Edney- Allen and Renata Snyder Kent and Moser Families – Sister Charlotte Francis Moser, O.P. Sister Carol Bollin, OP Diamond Jubilee - Great Lakes Dominican Mission Chapter Multi-Year Grants Kiwanis Club of Adrian Lenawee Cares Hilda E. Bretzlaff Foundation, INC. Raskob Foundation National Catholic Sisters’ Grant Dominican Rea Literacy Corporation Karen Caine, Stubnitz Foundation Dollar General

In-Kind: Time, Expertise, Snacks Supplies, Equipment, Books Mary Thompson Paola Estrada June Elwell Lynn Knoblauch Trish Fanning Isabel Perez Melissa Austin Julia Cazares Sister Miriam Joseph Lekan, O.P. Pat Sturk Jose Luis Duran Milagros Gonzalez Paola Estrada Mary Thompson Suzanne Stout Paola Estrada Jose Luis Perez Chris Wrona Sharronn and Dan Etter Luis Abundis Gildardo Garcia Brenda Sparkman Lenawee Community Foundation

Vol. 11 Summer 2018

Our Learners write their stories . . .

Proud Mother by J.R.

I am proud of my oldest son because he will be graduating from high school and the dental hygiene program this year. Through these last 12 years, there was an elementary teacher and a vo-tech instructor who were very helpful to him. He is grateful for their assistance. I feel thankful that all my children are usually good. My oldest son is a noble, responsible person with a big heart. In addition to attending school, he helps around the house and works part time. I would like to do many things for him when he graduates, but times are difficult and he does not like parties. This is an exciting time because now he can continue his schooling and get a better job. He has set an example for his other brothers who look up to him. I want the best future for my son.

I have 5 nieces and nephews. I enjoy being with them. It’s fun writing about each one of them. They each have a mind of their own. I would like to continue writing about them and give them these books when they are older.

Spring by I.P.

I know that it’s spring because the flowers have sprouted. The grass begins to grow very long. It begins to feel warm outside. My family goes outside to have a cookout.

The Vacation by B.N. We went to Mexico to visit my son Hugo. He lives in Playa del Carmen, Q. Roo, Mexico. We also visited my husband Santiago’s family in Sucila Yucatan. We were working in our land cleaning and burning all the weeds. We needed to get ready for the rain and the grass to come out again. We came back to Playa del Carmen on Sunday and we went to a park. Xcaret is a beautiful place near to Playa del Carmen. We had a fun time with my son and his girl-friend visiting the park. The park has an underground river aquarium, butterflies, turtles, tower, restaurants, boats, and a lot of fun stuff. Monday we flew back home to Adrian.

Special Journals by C.M.

Vol. 11 Summer 2018

We start

January 26 & 27, 2018 Workshop

Welcome to Our New Tutors

April 20 & 21, 2018 Workshop

Back row (L-R) Spenser Warren, Drew Hart, Marysa Prettyman, Dennis Hillers, Lu Nelson, Mary Wells and Cheryl Neuroth Middle row (L-R) Peg O’Flynn, OP, Maggie Anderson, Mary Barber, Barb Smith, Pat Brady, OP, Kay Mossing Sitting (L-R) Mary Kastens OP, Joanne McCauley, OP, Carleen Maly OP & Brenda Sparkman

Standing left to right: Lexi Miller, Lucille Parsons, Ruth Penrod, Julie Warren, Milo Warren, Margaret O’Malley, Ed Lee, Mike Tousignant, & Linda Coscarelli Seated left to right: S. Mary Kastens, S. Joanne McCauley, S. Maria Romero, S. Carleen Maly & Brenda Sparkman

A thank you luncheon and in-service was held for tutors in

gratitude for their generous service to our learners. At the

request of tutors, Sisters Mary and Carleen presented

techniques for advancing conversation and spelling skills and

tutors offered ideas that they had found helpful. One of our

tutors, Ed Lee, gave an enthusiastic presentation about use of

the SMART Board and explained how his learner is engaged in

developing vocabulary and spelling skills. Tutors will be invited

to participate in mini-workshops on the use of the SMART

Board. Dates and times will be posted on the bulletin board at

the Center.

Do you know someone who would love to be a tutor? Please invite them to contact us—next tutor workshop is September 14 & 15.

Tutor Appreciation


Open 8:00 am- 8:00 pm Monday through Thursday

2018-2019 Calendar Highlights

1257 E. Siena Heights Dr.

Adrian MI 49221-1793


Phone: 517.264.7320

www.adrianrealiteracy.org

E-mail: [email protected]

July 1

23-31

2018-2019 Term Begins

Summer Break—No Classes

August 1-3

6

Summer Break—No Classes

Classes Resume

September 3

14 & 15

18

Labor Day—No Classes

Tutor Workshop

Board Meeting

November 27

21 & 22

Board Meeting

Thanksgiving Break

December/Jan 24-4

7

Christmas Break

Classes Resume

ARLC Wish List . . .

items we can always use

Cookies & Individually Wrapped Hard Candy

1 inch 3-Ring Binders

8-1/2 x 11 spiral notebooks

White Boards (8-1/2 x 11)

Dry-Erase Markers

Rubberbands (various sizes)

Glue sticks

Highlighters

Biodegradable Coffee Cups

Paper or Plastic Cold Drink Cups

Instant Coffee—Reg. & Decaf

Coffee Creamer

Wrapped Tea Bags—Reg. & Decaf

news - adrian rea literacy

Documents