Each One Teach One

We read and process information all of the time, often without even knowing it.  Reading and writing emails, completing forms, reading signs and instructions, enjoying a good book or otherwise interpreting information and making decisions based upon it.

Now imagine your world being unable to read well enough to do any of these things.  That is the barrier faced by 25% of all adults living in San Antonio, Texas.  San Antonio is ranked 7th in U.S. population at approximately 1.5 million people.  Therefore, at least 375,000 San Antonians are "functionally illiterate", i.e., reading below a 5th grade level.   The negative  impacts of illiteracy include the inability to earn a living, to help children with homework, and to otherwise be a contributing member of the community..

Why should we care about an adult who cannot read?  It's not our problem anyway, right?  Well, actually, everyone is affected by adult illiteracy.  Our city is at a disadvantage because it cannot compete for the best paying jobs.  Our best and brightest leave for other cities that offer better professional opportunities.  We spend our tax dollars building jails and supporting social service programs because of the connection between low literacy levels and increased spending in these areas.

Our agency offers the resources and support necessary to help adult learners achieve their goals.  We tutor adults who read below an 8th grade level, who are studying to pass the GED exam, improve English language skills or become computer literate .  

One of our students named Sylvia worked for a local car manufacturer.  She came to us this year for help in getting her GED so that she could advance on the job.  After studying with her tutor, she successfully passed the exam.  Even though she still performed the same tasks, her salary doubled, and she qualified for training for a new position.

Another student named Leo is 49years old, and has worked all of his life.  He only finished the first grade in Mexico.  Now he is reading on a 4th grade level since joining our program.  He wants to get his GED so that he can find work other than the backbreaking labor he has known all of his life.

We currently serve over 300 students through the use of over 150 volunteer tutors.  The demand for our program grows daily, as the need in San Antonio is in the hundreds of  thousands.  Without our program there would be no place for them to go to get the help they desperately want and need.  

We are raising funds to obtain much needed curriculum materials, provide GED testing scholarships and transportation assistance, and expand our literacy center to meet the growing demand for our services.  Your support is greatly appreciated!