Write a commentFor more than 50 years Oswego County Opportunities (OCO) Literacy Volunteers has been an invaluable resource for Oswego County residents looking to improve the quality of their lives. Providing quality tutoring in reading and writing through an 8th grade level, financial and health literacy, English speaking skills, and basic math and computer skills, OCO Literacy Volunteers has had a profoundly positive impact on the lives of hundreds of individuals and families who have accessed its services.
“Being involved with OCO Literacy Volunteers is a very rewarding experience,” said Literacy Volunteers Tutor Bridgette Seguin. Currently working with her fourth student, Ricardo Canales, Seguin continues to be impressed with the program and the results it produces for the students. “It’s always a joy to see the excitement in the students’ eyes as they progress on their path towards literacy,” said Seguin.
OCO Literacy Volunteers tutors meet weekly with their student and work towards achieving each student’s unique goals. Seguin stated that whether they are looking to improve their literacy or learn to speak, write and comprehend English their individual reasons may be quite different. Some are looking to increase their reading and writing levels, others wish to obtain their GED, get a driver’s license, or obtain their citizenship. Regardless of the reason, the key to success is motivation.
“When I first heard of OCO Literacy Volunteers I was excited to have the opportunity to learn English,” said Canales. I wanted to get my citizenship and I knew OCO Literacy Volunteers would be the first step in helping me achieve that goal.” Canales has been in the OCO Literacy Volunteers program for the past three years. From the beginning his goal was to obtain his citizenship. Working with his tutor, Canales started his journey towards citizenship by learning to read, write and comprehend English. He had attended some college but was unable to grasp the English language in a classroom setting. OCO Literacy Volunteers’ one-on-one teaching environment proved to be much more effective and made for an easier learning experience.
“My first tutor was very patient with me,” said Canales. Thanks to her I was able to obtain my citizenship. It was very exciting and made me want to continue my learning so that I may improve my English even more. When Bridgette became my tutor I was happy to see that she too was very patient and willing to help me. She doesn’t rush me. She takes the time to make sure that I am learning. My reading and comprehension gets better every week thanks to Bridgette. She says I need to help myself as well by doing my homework and studying outside of our weekly lesson. She tells me how important that is and that’s what I do.”
“Every day I feel so happy,” continued Canales. “I’m comfortable talking to other people in English, and feel confident about doing things I couldn’t do before like reading a grocery list so that I can go shopping, being able to write a check, and being able to comprehend and fill out forms and applications. I’m grateful for what OCO Literacy Volunteers has done for me. It is the best place for those willing to learn or improve their English reading, writing and comprehensive skills. OCO Literacy Volunteers is the best decision I ever made. Obtaining my citizenship is priceless to me and OCO Literacy Volunteers made it possible!” added Canales.
In addition to obtaining his citizenship Canales’ new found proficiency in English has positively affected his life in many ways. “It’s amazing to see his progression,” said Seguin. “Ricardo is able to balance his check book, write and read in English, watch television shows in English, read signs, directions, medicine bottles, books, newspapers, magazines and more. It’s exciting to see Ricardo learn to do things that so many of us take for granted. It’s one of the reasons I enjoy being a tutor for OCO Literacy Volunteers.”
OCO Literacy Volunteer tutors receive training, materials such as books and worksheets, and the support they need to be successful. To ensure an enjoyable and productive experience tutors and students are paired based on likes, dislikes, and personalities.
“Literacy Volunteers makes it easy to become a tutor. All you really need is patience and a desire to help others. It’s fulfilling to know that you are making a difference by helping others understand the world around them. I encourage anyone looking for a meaningful way to help others to consider becoming a tutor with OCO Literacy Volunteers,” said Seguin.
Services offered through OCO Literacy Volunteers include basic literacy, English literacy, and computer literacy. All services and materials are available free of charge to those wishing to access the program. OCO Literacy Volunteers annual Scrabble® Fest fundraiser is one way in which the program is able to be offered at no fee to the students.
Scrabble® Fest will be held October 2 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at Elks Lodge #271, 132 West 5th Street, Oswego. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and games will begin at 6:30 p.m. Teams of four will compete against each other with the top three teams awarded prizes. Scrabble® Fest offers devotees of the game Scrabble® the opportunity to enjoy an evening of friendly competition made even more fun with exciting extras such as “Golden Blank Tiles”, “Exchange-A- Tile” and “Word Wizard Wands”. There will also be door prizes, a 50/50 raffle and other surprises.
“Scrabble® Fest is more than a fundraiser, added Meg Henderson, coordinator of OCO Literacy Volunteers. “It’s a way to raise awareness of our efforts to combat the issue of illiteracy in Oswego County. OCO Literacy Volunteers offers the opportunity for adult students to develop the literary skills and computer skills necessary for daily activities, gaining employment, and more.”
Entry fee for a team of 4 is $100 and includes light refreshments. The cost for individuals wishing to attend but not compete in the event is $15 (this fee includes light refreshments). All proceeds from Scrabble® Fest will benefit OCO Literacy Volunteers.
For more information on OCO Literacy Volunteers or to register a team for the 9th Annual Diane Falise Memorial Literacy Volunteers Scrabble® Fest, contact OCO Literacy Volunteers at 315-342-8839 or Sarah Mason at 315-598-4717 Ext. 1050. Registrations forms and further information may be found at www.oco.org.
Oswego County Opportunities, Inc. is a private, non-profit agency that has been supporting communities throughout Oswego County since 1966. A member agency of the United Way of Greater Oswego County, OCO provides more than 50 vital services throughout 80 separate locations. For more information, visit www.oco.org.
