June Newsletter

2018 Literacy Leadership Breakfasts

The Greensboro and High Point Literacy Leadership Breakfast events were great big successes. Thank you to our table captains, speakers and event sponsors: The VF Foundation, Cone Health, Hayden-Harman Foundation, High Point Library Foundation, iSurity, Kayser-Roth Corporation, LeBauer Healthcare, Jim & Ann Morgan and Piedmont Natural Gas for all of your help and support. Together, we were able to raise more than $80,000 to fund literacy programs for over 1,000 adults and children this year. Thanks for helping our students to "Learn. Grow. Succeed!"

Student and Tutor Spotlight

Tasneem Tahira and Vicki McCready Tasneem came to the United States as a refugee from Pakistan in June of 2016. She had to leave her country because of religious persecution and experienced many difficult obstacles on her journey to the United States. Tasneem and Vicki began working together in the spring of 2017. They focused on speaking, writing, listening and reading. Tasneem also joined the sewing program last summer and became employed through HBD! She describes her new job as "a community, a family of people from all over the world." She sews all kinds of bags that go to schools, hospitals and the military. When asked what are the five things that she has accomplished since being in the United States, Tasneem said, "I got a job. I learned how to drive and I got my driver’s license. I have my own car to drive to work. And I just got my green card." She goes on to say, "Reading Connections changed my life and helped me become more independent!" Her tutor, Vicki, is so proud of all that she has achieved in two years and she has learned so much from Tasneem along the way. Tasneem and Vicki joined us at our Greensboro Literacy Leadership Breakfast and shared Tasneem's journey and amazing accomplishments. Vicki has been volunteering with Reading Connections since 2013 and has been a dedicated and generous tutor who has supported her students with compassion and an unwavering belief in their strength. As you can see from reading a small part of Tasneem's story, she has proved that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible and she has inspired us all along the way. They are an incredible team and we are so grateful that they are a part of Reading Connections.

The Kem B. Ellis Service Award

There are times in an organization when you look around and realize the significant impact one person has had on all of us. During this year's breakfast, Reading Connections established an annual award to recognize one such person and someone hereafter who demonstrates their character, integrity and unwavering commitment to helping adults and children reach their dreams through literacy. Kem Ellis has made such a great impact through his involvement and service these past six years on the Reading Connections' board. His board leadership and constant efforts to connect more people and resources have helped this organization grow. Kem's calm, steady support has helped Reading Connections welcome more leadership and try new strategies. He never says no and is a constant source of encouragement and joy.

Volunteer With Us!

"Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself." John Dewey  June Training High Point Office Orientation: Tuesday, June 12, 2018 10:00 am-12:00 pm Session 1: Thursday, June 14, 2018 9:00 am-12:00 pm Session 2: Tuesday, June 19, 2018 9:00 am-12:00 pm If you or a friend would like to register, please contact us at 336-230-2223 or email info@readingconnections.org . You can also check out our calendar for ongoing events and training dates.

Math Tutor Needed at the Nehemiah Center

If you have experience teaching math and are available on Tuesdays or Thursdays from 10:00 am –12:00 pm or from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, please consider becoming a Math Tutor! Instruction would primarily focus on fractions, decimals, percents, data analysis and measurement. Tutoring sessions will take take place at the Nehemiah Community Empowerment Center. We have partnered with them to support the Phenomenal Women in STEM program and have already had a lot of success! We are happy to report that 5 women have completed the basic computer literacy classes and are now enrolled in a MOS certificate program. They have attended class regularly, but need to improve their math skills before they're prepared for a job in STEM or IT. If you have two hours in your schedule to tutor in math, please email us at info@readingconnections.org or contact our office at 336-230-2223.

Reading Recommendations: Staff Picks

Sun: "Milk and Honey" by Rupi Kaur Teresa: John Grisham’s legal thrillers

Sha'lay: "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn Alex: "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak

Mark your Calendars: Unity Walk and Festival

August 18, 2018: 10am-6pm Join our diverse community on August 18th in LeBauer Park to eat, walk, dance, sing, share stories and learn about new cultures-demonstrating that we are better together. The event will begin with a Downtown Unity Walk for Immigration Reform at FaithAction (705 N. Greene Street) and the Unity Festival will continue for the remainder of the day at LeBauer Park. This past year has been a difficult one for many of our newest immigrant and refugee neighbors. Despite these challenging times, we remain committed to celebrating our diversity, and serving, loving and protecting our newest neighbors. We have partnered with diverse nonprofits and community groups to celebrate our unity. Click here for more information about the Unity Walk and Festival. We look forward to celebrating with you soon!

High Point University and Reading Connections

Reading Connections and High Point University formed a partnership in August 2017 with Dr. Amanda Mbuvi, Assistant Professor of Religion,  Department of Religion and Philosophy. Dr. Mbuvi was  hoping to place her students in a community service agency earning hours for participation. Arlene Lent, Program Coordinator for Reading Connections in High Point, was hoping to offer students at Reading Connections the opportunity to branch out to experience meeting people in the United States who had different views, came from different walks of life, and who could offer insights about our culture other than what they have heard about or read about from secondary sources. Read more here.

Fiscal Year-End Reminder

Reading Connections' fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30. We need your support to continue growing our mission-driven work and reaching more students in need. Please consider making a tax-deductible gift today to help adults and families in Guilford County who wish to improve their reading, writing and communication skills. Donations can be made online by clicking  here . Thanks for supporting this important work!