My Nonprofit Reviews

As a lifelong volunteer, I recognize that my three years as a tutor in the literacy program at the Newport Beach Public Library have been the most rewarding volunteer experience I have had. The mission of this program is to empower individuals who want to improve their lives by growing their reading and writing skills in the English language. In this affluent area of Southern California, there are a surprising number of people suffering from the inability to communicate easily and effectively. The literacy program provides hope and concrete steps for people to achieve their specific goals, be it speaking to their child's teacher, their doctor, their supervisor, or attaining a better job.
What impresses me about the program is the comprehensive support given to the tutors in group meetings and individual conversations. When I don't know how to help my learner I ask for suggestions and am given resources along with ideas . The program is superbly run and each learner is treated with dignity and warmth.
Here is a sketch of the two learners I have work with: First, a young woman here alone from Asia. She had been cheated in a car purchase, had had her phone stolen, and felt very alone. A strong bond formed between us and she is now in graduate school and successfully balancing a job with her studies. She is working in the field she loves. The second learner is a gentleman from Iran who is an anesthesiologist as well as a lawyer. He is not a man I would expect to see in a literacy program. He is committed and eager to improve his English speaking and writing skills.
Working with these two learners has enriched my life immensely. Project Adult Literacy is providing great value to the public and providing it in a personal, encouraging and motivating way..