Above / The image of the Naperville Evening Kiwanis is not to confuse readers. Instead, in the spirit of volunteerism, the file photo is a reminder that this Saturday, Oct. 3, will wrap up the service club’s annual Kiwanis Peanut Day fundraiser when volunteers are on the sidewalks pitching packs of peanuts for pocket change.
In addition, nearly every day PN receives inquiries from readers who seek suggestions for volunteer opportunities. Our community is blessed with a large number of service clubs as well as many individuals who want a place to give time and talents. The pages of our publication are chock full of events and nonprofit organizations with teams of volunteers that assist in a wide variety of ways to make the world a better place. A long list of local “Social Service Agencies” is included every month in print next to another volunteer citizen organization, Naperville Crime Stoppers.
The following news release offers information about another way for volunteers to connect to an important need by tutoring to help adults gain independence through literacy. Thanks for volunteering.
—PN
Serve DuPage 2015 focuses on volunteers
Serve DuPage 2015 highlights the charitable work of Literacy DuPage, a local organization that provides free tutoring to residents. Dedicated volunteers help adult students achieve greater independence by improving their English literacy skills.
One volunteer, Mary Williamson, has been with Literacy DuPage for three years. She previously worked as a teacher for more than 40 years specializing in reading instruction. When she retired in 2013, Williamson decided she wanted to spend her free time working with others to meet their literacy goals.
At Literacy DuPage, Mary Williamson assists many adult learners. One of her students, Mr. Grant, (first name withheld at client’s request) came to Literacy DuPage last November in an effort to improve his reading and writing. He was a high school dropout who had worked as a cab driver for more than 30 years.
With Williamson’s guidance, Grant’s literacy skills have improved dramatically. They meet weekly at the Woodridge Public Library. Williamson taught Grant to use a computer, accessing the Internet to use email, Facebook and Twitter. As he continues to make progress, Grant plans to take GED preparation classes at the College of DuPage.
“I hope that he finds satisfaction in the journey and that he is able to feel more confident,” said Williamson. She continued, “To help someone get to a place they want to be, that’s what it’s all about.”
Williamson’s work with Grant is one of thousands of success stories from Literacy DuPage. Their mission is to train volunteers to help DuPage residents learn to read, write, speak and understand English better. Literacy DuPage currently has 400 trained volunteers who serve over 500 adult students each year.
State of Illinois’ 2015: The Year of the Volunteer
Serve DuPage 2015 brings a local focus to the State of Illinois’ “2015: The Year of the Volunteer” initiative with theme “You are the difference.” The initiative was created to recognize and encourage volunteer service throughout the state.
Each month during 2015, the DuPage campaign will focus on volunteer service projects. Volunteer testimonials, photos, blogs and opportunities will be shared via social media at one hashtag – #GivingDuPage – and promoted through news stories and community events.
Volunteers can connect with service opportunities through the Giving DuPage website at givingdupage.org, where visitors can search by cause, location, organization or keywords. Giving DuPage is a public-private partnership with DuPage County that connects volunteers and donors with local opportunities to give back.
To learn more about Serve DuPage 2015, visit www.givingdupage.org/servedupage2015.
Release from Joan Olson for Giving DuPage, the Regional Office of Education and DuPage County regarding year-long Serve DuPage initiative.
