Education is critical in the work place. Inability to read is an excellent example of a major inhibitor of an individual's ability to break the shackles of poverty to become financially independent. Our 28 County Southern Illinois population averages 23% illiteracy…. Nearly 1 out of 4 adults cannot read! There are direct correlations between the poverty levels in various counties of Southern Illinois and the percentages of illiteracy. Some of our poorest counties average over 33% illiteracy! The inability to read impacts an individual's social and communication skills, an individual's ability to help their children and grandchildren learn to read, an individual's ability to participate in religious services, and an individual's ability to maintain employment. Illiteracy is a cause of poverty, not a result.

As part of the effort to help get people back in the workforce and successfully stay in the workforce, we are looking for volunteers to help tutor individuals striving to get their GED. The need for reading and basic math volunteers is great. Rather than starting our own tutoring service, we refer volunteers through established local State Community College tutor programs. When you volunteer with Poverty Services Tutoring, your name will be forwarded to the nearest Community College training facility. An individual from that college will contact you and arrange for your training and materials. Upon completion of the training (about 16 hours) the fun begins! The college will coordinate your first meeting with the student needing your help. Then you and your student agree upon meeting place and times, keeping in mind that all tutoring sessions are done in public locations, such as libraries or schools.

This is a great opportunity to share out God-given talents in helping our neighbors. It is a very rewarding experience. Not only will you provide educational guidance, you will also be giving them the moral support they need as they progress through the sessions.
For more information about becoming a Tutor, contact Janet Brede at 618-526-7203, or contact Poverty Services at 618-235-9601.
You can make the difference!!!