Volunteer Centers of Santa Cruz County

The Literacy Program

Connecting Adult Learners ... with Volunteer Tutors

What We Do: The Literacy Program serves adult learners who want to speak, read and write English. Our volunteers range from 20-somethings to retired professionals who want the satisfaction of teaching a motivated learner.

All volunteers receive training and on-going suppport.

Tutors gather at informal "Salons," where problems, successes and resources are shared. All ages, all backgrounds and all orientations welcome.

Tutor Carrie enjoys Hermila's and Chuy's humor as well as intelligence. Chuy's gained 17 and Hermila's gained 15 points on standardized reading tests.

Jane Keefe's student, Jeny C., prepares a nutritious dinner using Healthy Latino Recipes. Tutors are given materials to teach how to make emergency calls, appoint-ments with doctors, how to find a health clinic or private physician, help the children with homework, do comparison shopping, cook for health and watch out for signs of diabetes. We call this our Survival English curriculum.

On June 9, 2008 the California Department of Education honored the Literacy Program with a Promising Practices award. The workplace literacy project at Chaminade is a model for teaching English on-the-job. Employee retention and improved customer service benefit the corporation; students' lives are enhanced educationally and personally. The average student learning gain is 9 CASAS points. Employees are paid their hourly rate to attend class on site, during working hours.

Be inspired by our 11-minute video "Chaminade Employees Learn"

"Awesome video. It captures something that makes me want to be involved with this forever," says tutor Rose Vodrey.

"This is the most rewarding partnership I've ever experienced with a non-profit organization."

--Davide Barnes, General Manager of Four Seasons, Philadelphia; former G.M. Chaminade

New Tutor Orientations and Trainings:

Interested individuals are invited to a free one-hour orientation to learn about becoming a tutor to a motivated adult learner who wants to learn English. No teaching or foreign language skills are required, just fluent English and a desire to be of service. Join the Literacy Program staff for an informative talk to have your questions answered and determine if this volunteer opportunity is right for you.

ORIENTATION DATES (only need to attend ONE):
Sat., Jan. 16th, at 10:00 A.M.
Tues., Jan 19th, at 2:00 P.M.
Tues., Jan. 26th, at 6:30 P.M.

1010 Emeline Ave Bldg C Santa Cruz, CA 95060

TUTOR TRAINING DATES:

There is a ONE TIME $40 Materials Fee

Afternoon Sessions:

12:00-3:30pm United Way, 1220 41st Ave Capitola
Session 1: Monday February 1st
Session 2: Thursday, February 4th
Session 3: Monday, February 8th
Session 4: Thursday, February 11th

Evening Sessions:

6-9:30pm United Way, 1220 41st Ave Capitola
Session 1: Tuesday, February 2nd
Session 2: Wednesday, February 3rd
Session 3: Tuesday, February 9th

Session 4: Wednesday, February 10th

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Please call our office at 831-427-5077

Thora

On January 10, 2007 the Literacy Program lost one of its most powerful contributors. Seen here at her retirement luncheon at Chaminade, Thora Bautz inspired admiration and love from staff, students, tutors and fellow trainers. Patricia and Rowland Rebele established the Thora Bautz Friends of Literacy fund to honor and extend her work, and people are still contributing to this endowment.