Adult Reading Center Inc

I have been involved with this organization for several years. I see miracles every day! Dale and her staff go out of their way to help the students in all aspects of their lives. I am honored to be a volunteer there!

I took the tutor training and started volunteering at the Adult Reading Center in April, 1990 as a one on one tutor. Since that start I have tutored many students, either one on one or small groups. It still amazes me how appreciative the students are that I would take my time to help them learn to read, write and speak English. I've had students with every little education on up to students with a number of degrees and no matter what level they are it is a real enjoyment to me to be a part of the ARC helping them to improve. Other then the tutoring I also have served on the Board of Directors and try to take care of maintaining the facility.

The center provides a path for anyone who has the desire to improve their status in the community and is willing to dedicate their time, work hard reap the results.

I have been a Board Member for a year. I have seen and heard a lot ot testominies from people who have received their services and just to see the progress is such a great achievement.

I first stated out by volunteering for the Adult Reading Center as a waiter for their Annual Red Hat Luncheon many years ago and have done it every year since. I was able to listen to some of the students give testimonials about how the center has changed their lives, not only financially but also to their own self-esteem. I was not aware at the time how many adults were still, not able to read and the need for such a organization. Several students have received their GED's and went on to colleges to continue their education. This center is still growing and continues to have such a positive impact on our community. Seeing the accomplishments in a students face and hearing the success stories from the ones who came from the center can be a life-changing event. I'm honored to be part of this wonderful organization.

I have been a volunteer , board member, and now only a donor as live in MN.
The Center continues to look for new and innovatative ideas to teach their students and extend their reach into entire county to support literacy.

The staff, volunteers and students truly support the mission statement of this organization.

Barb Nelson
North Branch MN

As a member of the board for the past 4 years I have watched the center continue to grow in services and in the number of students served. The center offers ESL, Adult Basic Education, GED classes and a variety of workforce development that aides students to better their education, skills and confidence level. It is always rewarding to find that one of the students has received their GED and is now signing up for college classes. It is also rewarding to hear that a mother or father is now able to help their children do homework because they can now understand and read the homework that was sent home.

I am very proud to be a part of this wonderful organization.

I’ve been a fan of the Adult Reading Center since I came for a tour with the Pearland Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class seven years ago. I was pretty blown away by everything I learned that day about the Center’s mission/purpose, the people whose lives are changed by this place, the people who work and volunteer here and by all the good things that are accomplished in this tiny blue house. Every time I hear the Center's Executive Director, Dale Pillow, give the Center’s Annual Report to our Board of Directors, the same sense of amazement washes over me. It’s still hard for me to believe that such a small staff along with some truly dedicated volunteers can make such an incredible difference in so many peoples’ lives.

Of course, it’s the students who actually do all the work but I think once they muster the courage to come to the Center, it’s our teachers’ and staff’s encouragement that keeps them coming back.

I occasionally help one student who graduated in May by reviewing her college English papers. She told me when she first came to the Center, she had no confidence. Zero. She said it’s her teacher, Al LeBlanc, who gave her the confidence not only to earn her high school degree (by completing a portion of the TAKS test) but to enroll in classes at a local community college. He just kept telling her she was smart and that she could do anything she put her mind to. She said if not for his faith in her, she would have given up.

Recently one of our students, who I’d guess is in his mid 60s, was treated to his first birthday party EVER by his volunteer tutor right here in our little kitchen.

People who never thought they’d earn a GED, drop in to announce they’re starting classes at a community college or they’ve landed a new job that will make life easier for their family.

Immigrants who have overcome so many hurdles to come to our country, manage not only to learn our language, but to flourish and go on to become citizens.

I’m not sure of many places a person can volunteer where little miracles and little moments of true inspiration happen around you and with great frequency. This place does more than educate, it lifts people up in more ways than I can name.

As former board member I have seen the impact that the Adult Reading Center has on our community. Besides providing free instruction to adults with limited English literacy skills, they povide a nurturing environment that improves reading, writing and basic communication skills in order to help equip:
Parents with the language skills needed to empower their children; and all adults with the language skills needed to succeed in the workplace, they educate the community on the need for their organizaton and the awareness of adults that need their services.

The Adult Reading Center helps any person that walks in off the street with open arms. No matter the level, the ability to speak English, or someone needing to brush up for a GED, the ARC helps, gives the student confidence and has a back-up plan for students that need to try again in a comfortable, encouraging setting. The ARC is a huge asset that truly works for a more literate and employable community. I am constantly amazed at how the Center does so much for so many for so little money flowing through the accounts. Any recognition is truly deserved.

I have been with the Adult Reading Center for over 3 years. The organization was well established when I joined in 2010, but it has been amazing to watch it grow to the next level. The students show a true desire to learn and the instructors/tutors show a genuine desire to help these students reach their goals. Students going through this program can obtain these services free of charge and take advantage of scholarships that the Reading Center offers. Volunteers can help tutor a student and change their life forever.

My experience as an Adult Reading Center volunteer has been wonderful. I've been able to take part in several functions and working with their staff and fellow volunteers has been very rewarding. Their mission is clear and their staff is unstoppable! It is wonderful to volunteer for an organization that is so dedicated to the community and it's citizens.

I have been involved with the Adult Reading Center for over 26 years and have watched it grow from an small all volunteer organization serving a handful of adults to a vibrant organization serving over 1,000 adult learners each year. The front office staff greets each learner and volunteer with a smile and an eagerness to help. Our Volunteer Coordinator works diligently to make sure that each volunteer has a rewarding experience. Our volunteer tutors and our classroom instructors are constantly seeking new ways to help our adult learners overcome their barriers and feel a sense of accomplishment. But over and above all that, our adult learners walk in every day with something to share - whether it's a new job or a promotion in their job, completion of one test on their GED or passing all 5 and getting their GED, or sometimes it's just that they are happy to be learning something new. These adult learners are what make the Adult Reading Center the wonderful learning environment that it is.

The Adult Reading Center in Pearland is a positive place full of energy creating a comfortable learning environment for students to learn English, study for their GED, prepare for citizenship, and prepare for job search. Volunteers work hard to ensure all students are successful in reaching their goals.

As a board member I can see first hand the impact The Adult Reading Center makes in people's lives. I also see the standing in the community the Center has just by the support of the fundraisers we have each year. The Center has a dedicated staff, volunteers, and board members that are truly passionate about impacting lives and helping those that come to take advantage of the resources the Center offers make positive changes in their lives and those of their family.

This is excellent organization that provides a benefit to the area that enhances the entire community in ways that cannot be fully measured. Education is one of the most powerful tools one can have and organization facilitates and encourages all walks of life to better themselves through knowledge and education.

I have been volunteering at the Adult Reading Center since Nov., 2012 and love the work, interactions with the dedicated staff and appreciative of the great accomplishments.

I am a new member to the board of the Adult Reading Center but have seen the great contributions to the community that the Center has made over the years. The Center's profound effect on people's lives is what inspired me to join the Board. It is remarkable what the Center is doing for people on a daily basis and the reach of the Center is immeasurable as its patrons go out into the community.

The Adult Reading Center (ARC) provides comprehensive literacy services for adult learners at all levels. Their executive administrator, program staff and volunteers are committed to best practices and efficiencies of delivery of services that ensure donors are getting an outstanding return on their contribution and learners are moving toward successful goals for better jobs and to support their family's needs. As a member of the Literacy Texas Board, the state literacy coalition, I have worked with ARC for several years and encourage support of this hard-working non-profit. We hope that more Texas literacy providers will develop the standards of excellence similar to those used by the Adult Reading Center, and we extend our best wishes for continued success.

I have seen in person and have heard the stories from so many who have came out of the Adult Reading Center. Many people getting a second chance to learn the basics of reading and then continueing their education to improve their position in the work force and to make a better life for themselves and their family. The GED program is my favorite as I also have a GED and a couple of years of community college behind me. Reading is one of those things that we take for granted and think everyone knows how to read. I volunteered many years at the annual Red Hat Luncheon and was so touched time after time from graduates of the program with their stories of how hard it is for an adult who can not read. Imagine not being able to help your children with School work, not being able to get any job because you are not able to fill out the paper work. I'm proud to be part of such a wonderful and needed organization.

The Adult Reading Center in Pearland is truly a place which helps the entire community. By teaching an adult to read, they help that person, their family, coworkers, and anyone else who benefits from their new skills. The teachers are often volunteers and the instruction is free. There are even scholarships available to those students who would like to continue their education. Bravo!

I love the athmosphere at the Adult Reading Center. Everyone is nice and helpful since the first minute you cross the door. There is a big sence of community and all students enjoy their learning experience.

I was introduced to the Adult Reding Center many years ago. I was shocked to learn about the number of adults in my community who struggle to read and I was saddened by the impact this has on their lives. The Adult Reading Center offers their services free of charge and anyone is welcome. I am amazed by what they do with so little. They do more than teach adults to read, they change their lives and the lives of their families by giving the gift of literacy. The staff and volunteers at the Center are amazing and dedicated and I am honored to be involved with such an amazing organization.

I have been a volunteer at the Adult Reading Center for many years. I see the students and hear their stories every day and am humbled by them. After having lived in Europe for 4 years I realize how hard it is to move to a new place and learn a new culture. I like to think we are helping our students by making it easier for them in their day to day lives.

I am incredibly proud to be a part of a non-profit agency that makes a true difference in our community! It's a place where every dollar makes a meaningful impact on a person's life. People walk into The Adult Reading Center with a desire to do more for themselves and their family. They yearn to learn from all the information that is circulating around them but have no tools to understand. The Adult Reading Center meets people at their point of need, teaches them skills for success, and sends them on their way with the ability to fully interact with the world around them. Lives are changed, and the contributions being made to society are immeasurable!

The Adult Reading Center is run by a great group of people. The people that run the center are passionate about their jobs and it shows in the quality of work the center does. One such person is Dale Pillow. Dale is a superb example of someone who takes action and accomplishes goals. My teenage daughter has volunteered at the Adult Reading Center and has seen first hand the difference the Adult Reading Center makes in peoples' lives. Dale invited us to a ceremony for the National Literacy "Volunteer of the Year" award which was given to a Pearland tutor, and the award was given to the tutor by former first lady Barbara Bush. Attending the ceremony and volunteering at the center was a great learning experience for my daughter. Thank you Adult Reading Center for improving the community of Pearland and enriching our family's lives.

The mission of the Adult Reading Center is to provide free instruction to adults with limited English literacy skills. The staff and volunteers do an excellent job carrying out this mission on a daily basis. It is truly amazing what the Adult Reading Center in Pearland does to help people in the Pearland community and surrounding areas.

The Adult Reading Center is a great model of successful community service. I have been involved with the group for 20 years and have seen it grow its impact, sustain its support and make a substantial difference in the community. It has a great board and outstanding executive director as well as some marvellous awareness events including the bright, hilarous, ostentatious and incredibly moving, Red Hat Luncheon. I was moved to tears by the message of a young lady who came to the US with almost nothing and no ability to communicate in English. She told of her struggle to support her family, told of the way she found the center and explained the training she received for the job she now held - all presented to the audience in English. Wow! Keep up the great work ARC!

The Adult Reading Center is a sure bet that your donations will go to a good cause. The center serves the Brazoria County and South houston area by providing a wide range of literacy services that include: Adult Basic Education, tutoring for non-literate students using the amazing Barton method, English as a Second Language (ESL), citizenship, training for disaster preparation and family literacy. The Board of Directors is actively oversees the management of their programs in order to demonstrate fiscal responsibility. They are great at meeting deadlines and produce well written detailed reports of their activities.

I am one of the founders of the Adult Reading Center and have been continuously involved with the Center for the past 25 years. From a launch in 1987 with 3 learner/tutor pairs, the Adult Reading Center has achieved steady, managed growth over the last 25 years to 4 full-time and 5 part-time staff, 11 part-time instructors, and over 200 volunteers assisting over 900 adult learners each year. With the following key initiatives, the Adult Reading Center is an economic incubator and a complete service center using a comprehensive approach that will take adult learners from learning to read, write and speak English to obtaining a GED and a job earning a living wage while becoming contributing members of our community: Adult Basic Education, GED, English for Speakers of Other Languages, Citizenship Classes, Family Literacy, Computer Learning Lab, and Workforce Education and Job Soft Skills Training. Jorge, an adult learner, said it best, “Some people walk by [the Center] and think it’s just a house…you can’t tell what it is. But this place changes lives. It’s changed mine.”