Our literacy program does more than teach letters and numbers. It channels new hope and a deep sense of accomplishment into the lives of some very courageous men and women.

Deborah Mitchell is one of those. The mother of six was referred to us while in Lydia Home Association's mothers' program. "I always wanted to learn to read," says 44-year-old Deborah. "But I was depressed a lot and had low self-esteem. I just didn't have any get up and go."

Deborah struggled in school from a young age. She dropped out in eighth grade because of learning problems. When Deborah came for her first day of literacy, even three-letter words were a mystery to her. Her reading was below the first grade level.

Now in her third year with literacy, Deborah is almost at the second grade level. "I can read street signs," Deborah says. "When you can't read a single word it's all overwhelming," says literacy coordinator Jacob Robinson. "When you can at least recognize some words it removes the fear of not being able to comprehend the world."

But even more significant is the difference literacy has made in her overall approach to life. Before, she used to stay home, depressed. Now, Deborah says, "I look forward to getting out of bed." Jacob talks about the changes he has seen in Deborah: "She's gone from a state of dependence to independence regarding her school work. Before, when we would hand her a piece of work, she wouldn't even begin without someone helping her. Now she actually prefers that we don't help her unless she really needs it."

If Deborah's story stirs your heart, you may want to consider becoming a literacy tutor. We have a great need in that area, but few to fill the need. Just an hour one morning a week will reap real, practical results in the lives of some very eager learners. For more information see literacy volunteer job descriptions, call Jacob Robinson at 773/921-1446, ext. 1262, or e-mail him at jacobr@circleurban.org.