LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – With the Lake County Literacy Coalition’s major fundraiser, the Vineyard Run for Literacy, right around the corner, some people might be asking, “What does this organization do for residents of Lake County?”
Since 1986, the coalition has raised money to support the adult literacy programs run by the Lake County Library.
The program recruits and trains volunteers from the community to work one-on-one with individuals who need help to improve basic reading, writing and comprehension skills.
“Over the years, the literacy program has trained well over 1,200 tutors who in turn helped more than 2,100 learners,” said literacy coordinator Ginny DeVries.
This tutoring is free to all Lake County residents, age 18 and older.
Many college students take advantage of this free tutoring service, especially first year students. They learn how to succeed in taking tests and improve note taking ability.
One client willing to share his story was Jason Martinez. He passionately wanted to be a chef, but his reading and writing skills had been a problem when it came to passing the exams at the culinary arts class at Yuba College.
He and his tutor met regularly for 17 weeks, and with that help, Martinez received an “A” in his culinary arts class, and soon became a full-time cook at Running Creek Casino.
Tutors are available to assist learners on an individual basis at the county library (and other) locations, at the Hill Road Correctional Facility and in preparation for GED testing.
In addition, if an adult learner has young children, the whole family is eligible for services under the Families for Literacy Program.
Family story times are offered at the library branches and children’s educational materials are provided – at no cost to the families – to encourage a love of reading and to break the cycle of illiteracy.
Funds raised by the Literacy Coalition are used for books, training materials and tutor support.
For the past 27 years, the coalition, with the help of the literacy volunteers, has conducted an annual October fundraising event, the Vineyard Run for Literacy.
This event attracts participants from all over the state as well as visitors from other areas. Many local businesses donate prizes and participants in all age ranges are recognized.
Coalition Board Member Deb Ehrhardt urged everyone to “support the run on Sunday, Oct. 9, at Steele Wines by participating, or donating to Lake County Literacy Coalition.”
Register online at Run Sign Up, https://runsignup.com/ , or contact the literacy office for a form. The walk and runs begin at 9 a.m., and on-site registration begins at 8 a.m.
For more information about the literacy program and services, call the library literacy office at 707-263-7633.
Lake County Literacy Coalition helps change lives; group's major fundraiser takes place Oct. 9
- Lake County News reports
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