I first met Dr. Lester Meriwether in 2005 when he joined the Board of Directors of Literacy Texas. I was fortunate to serve on that board with him, get to know him, and to learn about Literacy ConneXus. Dr. Meriwether and his team of volunteers from around the state have worked to bring professional development to volunteer tutors eager to learn how to teach individuals with limited English skills. The curriculum –TEX (Teaching English with Excellence) - developed by a Literacy ConneXus volunteer, is a tremendous asset used to train volunteers who often have no teaching background. These volunteers have a heart for service and being trained in the use of TEX means they enter a tutoring situation with confidence in their ability to help adults learn English. The Literacy ConneXus project that touches my heart most is Books for the Border and Beyond. Providing families with children books and bookcases to begin a home library is an amazing way to teach parents and children about the importance of early literacy. I hold Dr. Meriwether and his team of volunteers in the highest regard and am pleased to recommend Literacy ConneXus as an organization to support through volunteer efforts and financially.
Review from Guidestar
As the statewide literacy coalition, Literacy Texas frequently partners with Literacy ConneXus on projects to improve literacy in Texas. Literacy ConneXus is a stellar organization that has an extraordinary impact on literacy. Under the capable leadership of Dr. Lester Meriwether, a team of dedicated volunteers works to train volunteers to teach English and to encourage and equip families to read to their children. We are grateful to count Literacy ConneXus as a partner, and commend them for their outstanding contributions to the state of Texas.