The Adult Literacy Center of Ozaukee County (ALC) prides itself on transforming the lives of local residents through free literacy tutoring. Each student who comes to the ALC is able to fill out a questionnaire that helps them focus on what aspects of literacy they would like to improve on. Students are then paired with a tutor who guides them through each goal at one-on-one tutoring sessions.
Students have been very vocal for decades about the impact the ALC has had on their lives. Being able to perform at their jobs better, or attend a doctor’s appointment without a translator, or pay for groceries with cash rather than a credit card are among the countless achievements students have accomplished since the ALC started offering free literacy tutoring in 1988. But student lives aren’t the only lives impacted from ALC services. Many tutors also express their admiration for the experiences and friendships they have gained through volunteering with the ALC.
One of those tutors is Chris Rahn, a software engineer from Grafton, Wisconsin who began tutoring at the ALC almost two years ago.
“One of my friends and I went to Grace Lutheran Church in Grafton, and we heard an announcement for the center, looked at each other, and both decided to become mentors,” Rahn said.
Rahn was paired up with Roman, an immigrant from Moscow, Russia and the two instantly matched personalities, according to Rahn. Together, Rahn and Roman have worked on verbal skills, vocabulary, and how to complete a home repair. After Roman picked up all of those skills quickly, Rahn began helping Roman with American currency by having him go to a grocery store and pay without a credit card. Roman continued to rapidly improve, and the two started becoming close friends.
“We went on bike rides, and he came over to my house once to help me cut down some trees,” Rahn said. “And I’ll be there for whatever he needs. We are getting together with my friends soon, and we’ve gone to many small events, like concerts, together as well.”
Friendship isn’t the only thing Rahn feels he has gained from his experience tutoring Roman through the ALC either.
“I learn more about different cultures,” Rahn said. “For example, in his country, I learned about their holidays and how their dates work differently because the leap year wasn’t counted, so now their whole system is a little bit different than ours.”
“I’ve also learned about all of the different struggles with transitioning to Capitalism, and the struggles that [immigrants] go through to make the change,” Rahn said. “Where [Roman] is now, it makes me really happy for him. I think I get more out of it than he does. He says the same thing, but it’s not everyday that you get to meet somebody and help them change their life.”
Rahn also commented on the community impact the ALC has on Ozaukee County and the residents who live there.
“The ALC is doing things to help people volunteer and help where they can,” Rahn said. “[The ALC goes] the extra mile to say ‘we’re going to teach something that’s very impactful and has the ability to enhance a person’s life. Being able to read and write enables a person to help themselves and make their world as good as they can make it.’”
The ALC is a powerful tool in this way. Having a resource like the ALC encourages people to set goals and drastically improve their literacy skills, which result in a better life for Ozaukee County residents.
“Having the ALC helps the reputation that people can come to a city in Ozaukee County and they will find support from everyone here,” Rahn said. “Without the ALC here, Wisconsin would lose a lot.”
The ALC is always looking for new students to begin their literacy journeys. Potential students are encouraged to visit the ALC website, https://www.adultliteracyoz.org, and visit the “Student” section to find more information on the wide variety of tutoring programs offered and how to sign-up to become a student. Students and tutors are able to meet in-person or virtually depending on the comfort levels of both individuals throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
*This story was written for the Adult Literacy Center’s “Let it Be: Virtual Fundraising Week” that raised over $21,000
Lindsey Cardell 