Keeping Tutors In Touch e-newsletter September 2019

A Career Milestone September marked our President & CEO Patricia Rajala's 40th anniversary as a literacy professional. Here is an excerpt from the speech she gave thanking her Board & staff at a surprise Anniversary Luncheon. "You all know I started as a tutor in 1979 and took over as Executive Director in 1982. The woman who started Literacy Volunteers of America - which is now called Pro Literacy and we're Literacy Solutions - her name is Ruth Coleman. My daughter and I attended her 100th year birthday party a few years ago in Syracuse. She looks great. Still playing golf. She's quite a character. At that party I walked up to Ruth and said, "You know, Ruth, this organization that you started that is now national has helped hundreds of thousands of adult learners since 1962. But, there is another whole group of people - like myself - for whom this organization has been more than a job. It has been an avocation. It has been a calling. It has been a reason to exist. I think a lot of you get that same feeling from being involved in this organization. There is just something about it that is so meaningful! It makes it worthwhile to get up to go to work each morning. That's why I'm doing this. This is not a retirement. I'm not ready for that yet. [cheers] I am honored. I am humbled, and so pleased you all took this time out of your day to spend with me. I'm just thrilled. Thank you all very, very much." Read more about Pat's experience.

Patricia Rajala President/CEO Literacy Solutions, NY, Inc. Pat & some LSNY Board Members.

INTRODUCING ... some of our amazing Literacy Tutors!

Spotlight Literacy Tutor Barbara Lerche Tutor since 2018 Background: Educator, District Reading Specialist K-6 When Maria's grandson first met tutor, Barbara, he greeted her by saying, "Thank you for teaching my grandma!"

Pictured far left is tutor, Barbara Lerche with her student, Maria, and Maria's two grandchildren. Immediate left is Maria holding the first novel she has ever read in English, The Cabin Faced West, by Jean Fritz. Barbara's thoughts on tutoring... “I quickly realized as I became a tutor that I not only was tutoring English, but I was also enabling a woman to become empowered. My student has made sure that her family respects her time for her education both on her tutoring days and while back home doing homework. As she has become an avid reader, she has learned about women in history who have made a difference in this world through strength and dedication...just like her! I find myself looking forward to our tutor sessions more than I expected.”  Thank you, Barbara Lerche.

Spotlight Citizenship Coach Dr. Richard Stone  Tutor since 2015 Background: Retired Physican Pediatrics & Public Health. Faculty of New York Medical College

Pictured left is new citizen, Hwanju and his wife. Richard worked with Hwanju for 6 months in preparation for his upcoming citizenship interview. Hwanju passed on his first attempt and was sworn in as a US citizen last October. Richard's thoughts on tutoring... “I've risen to challenges over the many years of my career as a physician. Perhaps, by comparison, I am awed by the challenges today's citizenship candidate must face and the content learned to become US citizens. I consider the time I spend tutoring my student in this process something I value dearly. He is now a new US citizen and I am ready to take on the next candidate. I am grateful for the opportunity to have a positive (allbeit small) impact on the immigration process.”   Thank you, Dr. Richard Stone.

Spotlight Group Conversation Tutor Paul Fallon Tutor since 2009 Background: Retired elementary school teacher

Pictured left is tutor, Paul Fallon, with two of his literacy students. Paul enjoys the group setting and has tutored up to 4 students at a time in one tutoring session. Paul's thoughts on tutoring... "I have a particular interest in the mechanics of language and in showing my students how words work. I've been tutoring since I retired 10 yeas ago. I still get tremendous satisfaction seeing the progress of my students." Thank you, Paul Fallon.

Tutor Roundtable Discussion Literacy Tutors as Citizenship Coaches Date: Thurs., October 3, 2019 Time: 11am - 12:30pm New City Library Meeting Room RSVP by return to this email. Refreshments will be provided.

SEPTEMBER HOUR LOGS ARE DUE!

Donations to Literacy Solutions, NY Inc. provide critical support for the work our staff and volunteers perform. From one-on-one tutoring, citizenship coaching, ESL and Citizenship Prep classes, case management and legal consultations, all of our services are offered free to the Lower Hudson Valley communities in need.

For information about supporting  Literacy Solutions, NY Inc.,  with a one time gift, planned giving, or naming opportunities please contact 845-499-5464 , Or access this link @ http://literacysolutionsny.org/get-involved/make-a-donation/