Adult Learning and Literacy

WHAT WE DO

The People's Resource Center (PRC) has always been a refuge for newcomers to the United States, because everything we do centers around relationship. The PRC has brought together thousands of people over the years, working to build bridges between cultures and people.

Because PRC clients come from over 100 different countries, they often turn to us first for English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. We offer people a chance to learn English in a small group setting or one-on-one with a volunteer tutor, at no cost.

ESL classes are only one of the complimentary services the Literacy Program provides. Clients also have the choice of learning basic academic skills, having GED or citizenship test preparation, and more. The Literacy program is flexible, providing free classes, small groups, and one-on-one instruction at locations and times convenient for students and volunteers. Students also have the opportunity of being connected to other social services and educational opportunities within the PRC and in the wider community.

In addition, the Literacy Program provides experiences to encourage cultural interchange for all DuPage County residents, including:

• One Book, One People: a monthly book group, with selections from around the world, and often bringing people of diverse cultures together
• Spanish Language conversation group to help people gain skills in speaking Spanish.

HOW WE DO IT

1.   Tutorials (one-on-one or small group sessions)
Students and trained volunteer tutors meet at convenient times and locations to study:

•   English
•   Basic Reading and Writing
•   Math Skills
•   GED Test Preparation (English and Spanish)
•   Citizenship Test Preparation


2.   Classes (Variety of classes, times, locations)

Free College of DuPage ESL Classes:

•   Partnering with COD
•   Register 3 times per year
•   Meets at PRC, Wheaton and Westmont
•   Child Play Area
•   Multi-level classes
•   AM and PM classes

Headstart Parent ESL/Computer Classes:

•   Partnership with CDI Headstart
•   October – May classes
•   Meets at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Wheaton and St. Paul Lutheran Church of Addison
•   Multi-level classes for ESL and Computer Training
•   Transportation and childcare provided

ESL Study Group of South Asian Women

•   Partnership with The Islamic Foundation
•   Multi-level ESL and computer classes
•    Mondays in Glen Ellyn

Saturday Chats
•   Informal Conversation Classes
•   Saturday mornings at People’s Resource Center in Wheaton
•   Children Welcome

Summer Science
•   2 week sessions in June and July
•   Open to ESL students in grades 1-8
•   Students participate in hands on math and science.

IMPACT

Last year, 623 adult learners gained English language skills, GED, US citizenship, and other literacy skills. 104 disadvantaged children participated in PRC’s unique summer science program. Over 188 volunteer tutors helped make the PRC Literacy program a success.

YOU CAN HELP

The PRC Literacy Program’s success relies on the contributions of generous people willing to share their time, talents and resources. There are several key ways in which to help:

Volunteer Opportunities:
•   Tutors (Free training, support and materials provided)
•   Assist in child play area
•   Classroom assistance
•   Administrative assistance
Complete our volunteer application

Donations:
•   Sponsor a student ($365 per year)
•   Other financial contributions
Donate today

In-Kind Donations:
•   Books (especially new or gently used Children’s Books)
•   Classroom Materials (notebooks, pens, pencils, dry erase boards and markers)

VICTORS OF CIRCUMSTANCE

Rosa first came into contact with the People’s Resource Center through an ESL class for Head Start parents provided by the PRC Adult Literacy Program. When that class ended she was matched with a PRC volunteer tutor and they met weekly for more than two years.

At first they worked on Basic English skills and then practiced the language skills needed to pursue Rosa’s goal of getting her cosmetology license. She worked very hard on her studies, graduated, and passed her cosmetologist licensing exam in 2004. Student and tutor stayed in contact with each other and the relationship branched out again when her tutor suggested that Rosa become our PRC Spanish as a Second Language instructor. She was hired in the fall of 2005, and embraced her teaching job with dedication and determination, often creating her own posters and materials, many of which still hang in the PRC Conference Room. After patiently teaching over 20 PRC volunteers, employees, and clients over six months, Rosa announced that her dream to open a beauty salon was coming true. In April of 2006, Rosa opened her very own salon and day spa in a nearby suburb.

In Rosa’s story we are reminded that with hard work, determination, and a little help, dreams can come true.