Cape Fear Literacy Council

Five years ago, I trained and tutored at the Cape Fear Literacy Council. CFLC is a place where everyone learns in a judgement-free zone: writing mechanics, literature, math, computers, civics, history, science, sure - but also, empathy, compassion, patience, humor, and generosity of spirit.

When I first moved to Wilmington, I wanted to learn more about this community and started volunteering at the Literacy Council. It was such a great experience! CFLC provided very thoughtful training and relevant teaching materials. I think both my student and I were nervous when we started... but it didn't take long for us to really become a team, and the experience made a profound difference in both of our lives. With lots of hard work, he was able to pass a course and a state-certification exam, and earn the job he wanted. Even though that sounds like a big transformation, I believe that I got even more out of volunteering. This is a great organization that truly changes lives for the better.

I have been a tutor for the Cape Fear Literacy Council for over two and a half years, shortly after retiring and moving to Wilmington.
It has been an amazing experience. I work with adults who want to improve their reading and writing skills.
I have received much more than I have given.
Thank you Cape Fear Literary for this incredible opportunity.

I’ve been tutoring adult students for 8 years at the Cape Fear Literacy Council. The workspace is inviting and welcoming and there is a great community of volunteer tutors, staff, and students. My second volunteer job is with our online bookshop, where the proceeds from the sale of used books directly contribute to the program’s operating budget. I am a former Board member and a sustaining donor.

This nonprofit is changing lives in our community by enhancing the skills and literacy levels of our students, who can pass along the benefits to their families.

I tutored with the Literacy Council for several years. The support the Council provided to me and my student were perfect...the written materials and advice were perfect. My student successfully went from the third grade reading level to grade 10. He became a certified NC EMT which is no easy feat.

I served on the board and have been a long-time supporter of the Cape Fear Literacy Council. The organization has an excellent, dedicated staff and amazing volunteers who work together to serve the residents of our area. The finances are in great shape, and it amazing how the staff are able to leverage donor dollars to support all the initiatives.

Cape Fear Literacy Council is the best place to learn and improve your English as a second language! I was a student when I arrived to this country, and now, I am part of the Board of Directors! The staff is amazing, and the support from so many volunteers is just outstanding. I am very proud to have been a student, and humble to be part of such a good Board.

The commitment of CFLC to improving literacy and supporting adults in their educational journey is inspiring and worthy of recognition. This is a remarkable organization with a team of exceptionally dedicated, consistent, and compassionate individuals. From students to tutors, staff to donors, everyone involved has a unique and strong connection to the mission of transforming lives through free, individualized adult education.

CFLC fosters confidence, personal growth, and economic success in individuals, which then radiates throughout our entire community. Their influence is truly invaluable to the Cape Fear Area.

I have been a volunteer tutor at Cape Fear Literacy Council for over five years. This is a super organization making a difference in the community. The staff is excellent and dedicated to the mission of helping adult learners- supporting not only the individual student clients, but the community as a whole.

I have had the privilege of working with the Cape Fear Literacy Council for almost 10 years, starting as an Adult Literacy Tutor and now serving my last year on the board. My experience as a tutor allowed me to be a part of a life changing experience for the woman I had the pleasure of supporting. In turn, it was a pivotal time for me as well. When one's literacy improves, doors are opened and lives are forever changed for the better. CFLC has helped its students vote for the first time, read important information sent home from their child's school, gain employment, understand the label on a prescription, and even obtain US citizenship. This not only changes individual lives but also affects larger community change. I cannot speak highly enough about this organization.

In the words of Ruth Bader Ginsberg, "Reading is the key that opens doors to many good things in life. Reading shaped my dreams, and more reading helped me make my dreams come true."

The Cape Fear Literacy Council has made countless dreams come true, and I'm so honored to have helped open a few doors.

I volunteered with CFLC throughout my years in college and got to see firsthand the tremendous impact they have on the lives of those they serve. Their small but mighty team is making a real difference in our community. Now I choose to support them as a donor, and continue to see the benefits of the services they provide when they work with clients at my agency.

I volunteered as a teacher at Cape Fear Literacy before the pandemic caused them to close. The students were eager to learn English. They were treated with great respect. The staff is wonderful!

Served as volunteer for events, joined board of director’s, humbly served as president of the board...the training for volunteer tutors is phenomenal, especially ESL. The most devoted staff and leadership team, assisting adults with math, reading, financial literacy. All of us love diversity and feel honored to be a part of the CFLC mission.

CFLC serves adult students in southeastern NC, offering tailored and free instruction in reading, math, and computer skills, with a complementary ESL program offering tutoring and preparation for the US Citizenship exam. They have a small, energetic staff and 100s of volunteers who are well-trained to teach 1:1 and classes. I’ve been a tutor for 3 years and I’m also on the Board of Directors. This organization is improving life skills of individuals which improves our community. We are persevering through the pandemic and our doors are open, with the required cautions in place that meet all CDC standards.

CFLC is one of the exemplary non-profits that addresses a crucial basic need — adult literacy— by continually evolving to reach and teach. A favorite memory of my 10 years with the council is the annual holiday party. Students from the US and around the world, volunteer tutors, staff and board members bring a favorite covered dish to share. We all gather and enjoy each others’ cuisine, getting to know each other, singing holiday songs in multiple languages, and sharing our literacy council stories. It’s a tribute to the sense of trust and sharing that CFLC builds as it brings people together for new skills, friendships, and understanding of others in this world. As one student said, “CFLC let’s me travel the world—it’s like a mini United Nations.” Kudos.

The Cape Fear Literacy Council is located in Wilmington, NC and is celebrating its 35th year. I have been fortunate to volunteer for this agency for about 4 years now and have always been most impressed with its staff and mission. Everyone I have met and worked with has been very dedicated to assisting adults with personalized education for adult literacy and learning English as a second language. I see adults reaching their goals consistently through one-to-one tutoring and group classes. It is truly an honor to volunteer with this nonprofit. Their success rate says it all.

Cape Fear Literacy Council is an excellent nonprofit and plays a big part in assisting the local community. I observed several ESL classes there whilst completing my Master's degree in TESOL. The teachers were all really friendly and the students clearly enjoyed their lessons a lot. The ESL program director, Lauren, was very welcoming and helpful as well. Overall, this really is a wonderful organization and I had a great experience during my time there.

I have attended some of the CFLC fundraising events (the attached pic is of me at the Once Upon A Time Gala dressed as The Evil Queen from the TV show, not the Disney version) and I also contributed to the 2018 CFCL cookbook (as I am a freelance writer besides being an awesome cook). I believe education is something that never ends whether you are in school or not. I also think that we should all strive to better ourselves and be an example for others.

CFLC is one of the most well-managed, respected and impactful agencies in the Cape Fear region. Testamonials from students about how their lives were changed are all you need to hear to know that literacy is the key to a better life and more productive society. Amazing volunteers, awe-inspiring students!