Tutor Irene Sinclair pictured with Governor Gretchen Whitmer at the Governor’s Service Awards held at the Fox Theatre in Detroit on November 17, 2022.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Community Service Commission honored 46 individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations recipients of the 2022 Governor’s Service Awards and applauded their commitment to volunteerism, service or philanthropy in an awards ceremony held November 17th at the Fox Theatre in Detroit.

Oakland Literacy tutor Irene Sinclair was awarded the Civic Engagement Impact Award.

“Michigan succeeds because of Michiganders who go above and beyond to serve their communities and lift up others,” said Governor Whitmer. “This year’s winners get things done even when nobody’s looking because they know that every contribution makes a huge impact. I am honored to present the Governor’s Service Awards to this year’s 46 recipients and urge every Michigander to get involved in their community so we can move our state forward together.”

Irene with former OLC student Elena who attended the event to celebrate her former tutor

Irene Sinclair, at every level, is tireless in her efforts to help English language learners improve the quality of life for themselves and their families. Irene spent her professional life as an adult educator in Detroit Public Schools (DPS). During her tenure with DPS, she oversaw several adult education learning centers, trained adult education teachers, wrote curriculum, and taught both foreign-born and native-born adults with low literacy levels. Since her retirement, Irene has generously shared her deep knowledge and dedication to adult literacy as a volunteer with Oakland Literacy Council (OLC). Irene has dedicated eight years and over 1,000+ volunteer hours to OLC where she has made a positive and meaningful difference in the lives of hundreds of tutors and adult learners. Over the years, Irene developed and delivered supplemental professional development workshops to volunteers on topics including lesson planning and conversational skills. In addition to volunteering with OLC, Irene served as a community mediator for Oakland Mediation Center helping parties peacefully resolve conflicts. In the words of Irene, “Literacy gives people opportunities to live fuller lives. That’s my strongest reason for being committed to adult learning.”

“We are so excited to see the Governor recognize the hard work of Irene,” said OLC Executive Director Lisa Machesky, “she is such a fierce advocate for adult education and has been a mentor to our staff and to so many of our tutors.  She truly has made an impact on the lives of so many.”

You can see more of Irene’s story at the Michigan Heros website: Michigan Heroes Project

Oakland Literacy Council (OLC) is seeking an experienced Development Director to support the ongoing growth and expansion of OLC adult literacy programs and services. Previously a part-time position, the full-time Development Director will report to and work in a collaborative partnership with the Executive Director with a primary goal of increasing individual, corporate, and foundation giving, including sponsorship for an established annual event. Responsibilities also include management of the donor database, donor stewardship, and donor communications.

Salary is $70,000 – $75,000 with benefits including membership in AFP.  A copy of the full job description and application instructions can be found at https://www.oaklandliteracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Development-Director.pdf

by Annie Waldman, Aliyya Swaby and Anna Clark, with additional reporting by Nicole Santa Cruz

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Alexandra Williams wanted to change careers from a low-paying job as a nurse assistant. Her brother works in robotics, and she knew she could earn more money and advance her career faster in the high-demand field of robotics. She secured a scholarship through the state of Michigan for a robotics technician program at Oakland Community College. But then she hit a roadblock: she failed the qualifying entrance test to enroll in the program. Her math skills were too low. “If you don’t use that math, you lose it,” she explained.

But Alexandra, 32 years old, was determined. Oakland Literacy Council zeroed in on the specific math skills she needed relevant to a career in robotics and provided her with one-on-one tutoring as well as an online curriculum. “Oakland Literacy helped me to quickly build the specific math skills I needed,” she said.

Alexandra enrolled in the 16-week robotics program, graduated, and quickly had three job offers as a robotics technician. She accepted an offer from FANUC Robotics in Rochester Hills and begins in January. During the interview, she was asked about her math skills, and she felt confident she had the skills for the job. “I’m really excited,” she said. “This is a career I can grow to love. The world will be running off robots in the future.”

Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan recognized the need for a full-time student coordinator to keep 300+ adult learners on track

Thanks to the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, student coordinator Amanda Powe (right) can meet with Teresa (left) to review her progress.

Just like for young children and teenagers, the road to learning for adults isn’t always a straight line.

“Our adults are often juggling many work and family responsibilities,” says student coordinator Amanda Powe. “They come in expecting so much of themselves but often have learning, emotional, and practical barriers to overcome. COVID-19 only added new curves.”

Thankfully, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan recognized the critical need for more individual student support. Last year, the foundation awarded a $42,000 grant to Oakland Literacy Council to make the student coordinator a full-time position for the 2021-2022 program year. The grant also included technology for student communication and instruction.

“The effects of the pandemic on adult education, digital literacy, and access to technology have been significant,” says Ric DeVore, president, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan. “We are pleased to collaborate with Oakland Literacy Council as they provide individualized staff and technology support to adult learners impacted by COVID-19. This program is helping our community to recover and thrive, and we look forward to the impact it will have in our region.”

“Now I am able to build an individual learning plan with each student,” says Amanda. “I make sure they know I am here for them if anything comes up and will do all I can to help them achieve their goals.”