We have hundreds of stories to tell you.
Here are a few of them.

James:
I can learn more from my tutor in one hour than in a
whole day with other people.

James never stayed in any one school long enough to learn much, as he and his family followed seasonal work across the state. He dropped out of school to earn a living when he was in seventh grade and has worked his entire life as a laborer. Now in his late fifties, James was referred to the Literacy Council by the doctor who was treating him for depression. When he first showed up, he really couldn’t read at all. He and his tutor have now been working together a couple of hours a week for a year. Even in that limited time, James’ reading has come up one entire grade level. One of his favorite activities is to practice writing on the computer. He was so proud of his first short essay, typed on the computer and embellished with clipart, that he had it framed and hung it up in his living room. He counsels youth in his neighborhood, bringing them information about the Literacy Council and telling them to get an education. "All you have to do is start doing it,” he says.

Tony:
I’ve asked my tutor to help me with my grammar. I don’t want to sound like a country hick when I talk to the big men from the head office.

Tony is a 37-year-old high school graduate. He works for a local manufacturer. Until recently, he was on the production line. He did such a great job that he was promoted to supervisor a couple of months ago. At that point, Tony realized if he wanted to keep performing for his boss, he would have to do something about his reading. Tony tested at a fourth-grade level, and based on the results of other students, we have every confidence he will make great progress.
But that’s not the best part. He was matched with Daniel, a volunteer tutor who had just retired after 30 years in manufacturing. Together, they are working on basic reading skills, but also using technical manuals and work vocabulary. Tony hasn’t just got a tutor. He has a real mentor.

Tom
At first I used to choke up when I tried to read, but I’ve found something out. Laughter works better for learning.

Tom joined the Navy as a young man and had a promising career as a computer programmer when he suffered a massive stroke. In addition to paralyzing his left side, the stroke wiped out his ability to read and write. Tom’s doctors didn’t hold out much hope for his recovery, but they didn’t know the depths of his stubborn streak.
Tom and his tutor started at the very beginning, re-learning the alphabet. Slowly, but steadily, Tom has progressed. After three years, working with his tutor, Maryann, Tom has regained some measure of independence. Together they have worked on practical matters like writing checks, filling out forms as well as basic reading skills. Now Tom is building his own house, designed around his unique needs. He can now read and write at a basic level.
He and Maryann have recently started to work on basic computer skills. Tom is thrilled by the changes that have taken place in the computer world. He says, “Before I would have had to write a line of code, now all I have to do is click the mouse. It’s great to be back.”

Maria
I enjoy helping other students. It’s the least I can do after I got so much help.

Maria is originally from Nicaragua. She met and married her husband when he was working in Nicaragua for the Peace Corps. When Maria came to live in Wilmington, she spoke almost no English. She took classes at the Cape Fear Community College and worked with a tutor. Today, she works in a dentist’s office and is planning to study to be a dental technician. Her current goal is to pass the GED, and she and her tutor are now working on biology and American History.
Maria has a strong need to contribute to our community. For the past year, she has also volunteered for the Literacy Council on Monday evenings, helping us assess the language skills of new Latino immigrants and helping them understand how our program works.