"To provide literacy services to adults in order to increase economic stability and overall quality of family life"

606 Dearborn Ave. NE, Keizer, OR 97303 Office: (503) 463-1488

E-mail: midvalleyliteracycenter@gmail.com Website: www.midvalleyliteracycenter.org

Thank you, Volunteers and Donors

Words don't adequately express our tremendous appreciation for all your support last year. You have made a difference in the lives of many families. Thanks to your financial support, there were 58 individuals who achieved their GED certificates during 2013. Also, 90 percent of our GED graduates have either entered college or obtained employment. Your support made that possible. We look forward to helping even more students achieve their goals during 2014. Thanks again.

MVLC's Next Tutor Training Sessions

Do you know someone who wants to change a life, change a family, or change a community? Be a volunteer tutor at MVLC.

Tutor Training Orientation: Thursday, March 20 or 27, 2014, 6 - 8 p.m. Two-Day Tutor Training: Saturdays, March 29 and April 5.
Please call or send an e-mail to RSVP or for more information.

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January 2014

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Volunteer Tutors of MVLC

Brenda Lawrence
Teaches Intermediate English as a Second Language
"If you're thinking about tutoring and hesitating, I'm here to tell you that a 'yes' decision may be the best one you make this year. I've been with MVLC for three years and have never been more challenged, worked so hard, or had so much fun. I teach intermediate ESL, and my classes have varied from two to six students. I receive a lot of satisfaction from seeing the class gel and the students bond and support one another. As a teacher, I have the privilege to work with bright and motivated students who are willing to jump in, take risks, and work hard to learn this crazy English language. It's the best 'job' I've ever had!"

Brenda (left) and students

Donna Glaze
Teaches High Intermediate English as a Second Language
"My passion in tutoring is to instill in my students a love of reading and to challenge them to excel in learning beyond what they initially thought possible. With my students, I raise the bar by having high expectations in attendance, nightly homework assignments, and frequent comprehensive tests. The results are amazing. Students become passionate about learning and gaining confidence not only in their ability to learn English, but in learning in general. Their horizons expand, and they become energized to learn and grow.

Donna with Adan Cruz

I am fulfilled as a tutor in seeing a grandpa, who had never learned to read in any language, being excited to read stories to his grandchildren, or in seeing a college graduate from Mexico able to pass the English requirements to obtain her dream job as an industrial engineer for a large international company."

January 2014

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In our December newsletter we described the Pre-CNA class at MVLC, including quotes from two students. Here are comments from the two instructors who teach that class, Vee Jewel and Alice Taylor.

Vee Jewel
"I began tutoring at MVLC after physical limitations caused my early retirement. Being able to contribute to the community is very important to me. I'm grateful for this excellent opportunity to still be of worth. Because of the aging population (and lifestyle choices) our country is in great need of more 'entry level' healthcare workers. Our Pre-CNA class addresses this need in a practical and economic manner. Our students may increase their own efficiency in using the healthcare system while learning job skills that will provide employment security, even upward/sideward mobility! I've found interacting with the Pre-CNA students to be extremely rewarding. I appreciate their good hearts and the pleasure they take in gaining knowledge and skills. I also see a sort of personal empowerment occur as they succeed in the course. And we have fun!"

Alice Taylor, RN
"After a lifetime in nursing, now that I'm retired, being able to share knowledge, skills and experience that can help our students on their journey to begin a career in healthcare is exciting, rewarding and, yes, fun. The Pre-CNA classes at MVLC are structured to prepare the students to be successful in a formal CNA class. Becoming a CNA can mean many things to the student; income, self-esteem, a portal to advancement, and a beginning of lifetime learning in the medical field. It is a privilege to be among the many tutors at MVLC as we work to increase economic stability and overall quality of family life for the students."

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January 2014

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MVLC has 20 classroom computers and four office computers. They were set up and are maintained by staff volunteer Alan Scott. He resolves all our IT issues as well as volunteering in the office.

Alan Scott
"I started working at MVLC primarily on computers, but on many occasions I've had the opportunity to watch students come in with huge smiles and their GED certificates. I know that regardless of what function we perform at the Center, we are changing peoples' lives, and I love that.

Alan Scott

January 2014

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