We have increased the number of adults served at the learning center by 26% in the last fiscal year! We are so grateful to the volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to serve the adults in the mid-coast area.
Read what
some of our
volunteers
have to say
Dave Uhlik came to us because, "a neighbor asked me if I might be interested in teaching reading and writing. At first, I thought I would not be qualified, but I decided to investigate the possibility. First, I found it wasn't that difficult, and only required time and patience. I'm doing it now because I want to give back to all the people who weren't as fortunate. I want to share with others the joy I find in reading good literature. The ability to read, write and do math is necessary for basic human existence. If not me, then who? With the use of the ample resources in the learning center, tutors demonstrate how to understand what groups of words mean; how to comprehend meaning. If students don't understand something, we show them where answers can be found or how to figure out the answers for themselves. We demonstrate basic math like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division using real life examples. It is truly a rewarding experience."
Dave joined LVMCM after retiring and moving from California to Maine. He was looking for a way to give back some of the benefits he had received from his education and engineering career. He enjoys working with people and was interested in helping in the education area, but did not want to pursue a formal teaching position. At the Rockport Library, he saw a brochure describing Literacy Volunteers and he called Beth Gifford, who told him of an upcoming volunteer tutor training session, which he attended.
As a tutor, he enjoys aiding learners to improve their reading, math and science skills. Dave says, "It is rewarding to 'see the light come on' when a learner grasps a new math concept."
For about two years, he was matched with a young man who improved his reading skills and self confidence enough to move to a better paying job in automotive service. For the last several years, at the Learning Center on Thursday mornings, he helps any of the learners at varied skill levels with whatever assistance they may need. "It is rewarding to see them improve at each of their skill levels," Dave writes.