"M"

When "M" first came to us she was reading at the 4th grade level. She was unemployed and lacking in self-confidence. She was overwhelmed by life's problems. Since that time, she has raised her reading to the 6th grade level. She has enrolled in pre-GED classes and she has found a job that she really enjoys. Her tutor reports that she is much more confident. Most important of all, her outlook on life is much better and she is excited about her future.

"T"

"T" was very nervous when he first came to us for tutoring. He wanted to improve his spelling so that he could write articles for his church. He also wanted to work on his math. He admitted that he was embarrassed by his low math skills. He had difficulty with simple addition and subtraction and could not multiply or divide.

"T" has been working very hard with his tutor two hours a week. He also practices at home. He has now mastered addition and subtraction and is making progress with multiplication and division. His tutor reports that his spelling has greatly improved. In addition, "T' has found a better job.

"K"

"K" was a victim of domestic abuse. Her reading skills were low. Her self-confidence was even lower. She needed to improve her reading so that she could do better at work and be able to read to her children.

"K" worked very hard. She rarely missed a tutoring session and she always did her homework. She and her tutor worked on menu planning, reading recipes, filling out insurance forms, making notes in her daughter's baby book, writing letters, and using the dictionary. She opened a checking and savings account and learned how to keep track of her spending. She learned how to use a computer.

"K's" reading has gone up five grade levels. She reports that she is now able to read to her daughter and feel good about it. She can read her court papers and reads books on her own for enjoyment. Her tutor reports that she is making tremendous strides in her confidence level. As of this writing, "K" is still working hard, hoping to make even greater improvements in herself and in her life.

"L"

"L" is from Croatia. She came to us because she wanted help in passing her citizenship test. Her daughter and her family still live in Croatia and will be eligible to come to the U.S. when "L" attains her citizenship. "L" works full time as a housekeeper at a local hospital. She cleans houses for extra money.

"L" has been working with a tutor for two hours twice a week since May. She studies in her free time. She carries a notebook with her at all times. In it, she keeps a record and definition of each new word she learns.

Her reading level has gone from the 3rd grade level to the 8th grade level. She has learned to write in cursive. She has covered all the material necessary for her citizenship test which she will take in a few months. Most importantly, she looks forward to next summer when her daughter and family will be able to join her in America.

"V"

"V" had attempted to take the written part of his driver's test several times. He had even tried taking the test twice in one day. He had not been able to pass the test. Frustrated, he called us for help.

"V" was matched with a tutor and they went to work. In a short time, "V" felt ready to take the test again. His tutor accompanied him to the Secretary of State's Office where he passed the test. He missed only one question.

"V" was so encouraged by his experience that he decided to keep working with his tutor. They work on reading comprehension and "V" hopes to take his G.E.D. someday.