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Oakland Literacy Council

Everyone Has a Fundamental Right to Literacy


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Pontiac Library and Oakland Literacy Partner to Offer Virtual Michelle Obama Book Discussion

April 6, 2020

Join Librarian Devon Green for a Chat and Chew Online discussing Michelle Obama’s memoir Becoming this Wednesday April 8th at 2 pm.  Register at https://zoom.us/meeting/register/uJ0pc-2uqDMiUlD7nXkmIt4TQ3teiu5KoA

Category: News

Dreams Overcome Distance for Tutor and Student

April 1, 2020

Tutor Julie Molnar (left) and student Evelyn Ascensios (right) get ready to sign off after their weekly virtual tutoring session.

Both tutor and student are young women with dreams.

Tutor Julie Molnar is in the middle of a career change. A student at Oakland University, she is studying for a master’s degree in teaching with a focus on English Language Learning (ELL). Her degree focuses on K-12 education, but, through tutoring at Oakland Literacy Council, she has developed a love for teaching adults and “the authentic relationship” she develops with them.

Student Evelyn Ascencios immigrated to the United States from Peru, where she studied nutrition. Currently, she works at a gourmet grocery store but looks forward to enrolling in school to become a medical assistant.  Julie describes Evelyn as a motivated learner who “knows her stuff.”

Julie and Evelyn had been meeting every Friday at the West Bloomfield Township Library until libraries closed due to the pandemic.

However, the tutor-student team isn’t letting social distancing deter them from their dreams. Julie and Evelyn continue meeting each Friday using Zoom video conferencing. Julie notes that they actually have more learning time because no time is spent finding a room at the library and getting settled. “We can start right at the beginning,” she says.

Julie also believes that, for tutors who like a lot of structure, “this [remote meetings] actually helps you maintain more structure because they can see your screen and they can see the objectives.”

With Julie’s encouragement, Evelyn is also brushing up on her professional interviewing and conversation skills. Evelyn has joined a new Oakland Literacy Council conversation group (also virtual) focused on career readiness.

Remote learning is not without its challenges.  Julie finds that it can be harder to check if Evelyn understands the lesson because computer response can be slow at times. Evelyn misses the face-to-face contact. But Julie and Evelyn are working through the challenges together.

After the second virtual meeting, Julie felt “in two words – more confident.”

She has these words of advice for tutors who may be anxious about remote meetings:

“ The overarching lesson learned is to keep the end goal in mind. If you both talk explicitly about the challenges you may face technologically up front, when they do happen, neither of you feel bad/worried. You just problem solve together, and continue onward to both your goal of bettering the student’s English in a way that is meaningful to them.”

Evelyn describes Julie as “the best teacher ever” who “always solves my problems.” Together they are turning problems into opportunities.

Category: News

“When she left, it was like she sucked all the air out of the room.”

March 30, 2020

Gladys “Gaby” Davis                      1930 – 2020

The Covid-19 crisis hit close to home last week as we learned of the passing of Gladys “Gaby” Davis. Gaby, age 90, of West Bloomfield, died on March 21, 2020. She had what you might call a second career at Oakland Literacy Council, tutoring students for over 15 years.

Gaby was a champion for literacy throughout her life. As a elementary school teacher, she earned her master’s degree in reading and reading disabilities at a time when little was known about dyslexia and other learning disabilities. Gaby “thought teaching kids to read was the most important thing she could do as a teacher,” shared daughter Laurie Davis.

After retiring from the classroom, Gaby shared her talent and passion for reading with adult students at Oakland Literacy Council. Laurie remembers how her mother loved working with the different students she had over the years. Among her students were a young immigrant woman working as a nanny and a older student who never learned to read and wanted to help her kids with their school work.

“I think my mom’s long connection to the Oakland Literacy Council really reflects her deep commitment to people and her community.” 

Laurie has followed in her mother’s footsteps as a volunteer tutor in Washington, D.C.

OLC Board President Judy Lindstrom remembers the energy and spirit Gaby brought to the Council:

“Gaby was a tutor for many years. She was amazing. She filled a room with such joy. And, her claim to fame were her beautiful eyes. When we had mailings, Gaby was the first to volunteer but could only stay an hour. Once she left, it was like she sucked all the air out of the room.” 

Our sincerest condolences to Gaby’s friends and family. Our thanks to the family for honoring her legacy with tribute gifts to Oakland Literacy Council. We also thank Gaby’s family for allowing us to share the story of her life and her passing. Please help us honor Gaby by staying home and staying safe. 

The obituary for Gaby Davis can be found HERE. The Detroit Jewish News is also planning to feature her life in an upcoming issue.

Category: News

Tutor Sees Opportunity in Teaching Her Adult Students Remotely

March 23, 2020

OLC tutor Turesa Lewis thinks Zoom videoconferencing is “pretty straightforward” and has good options for virtual tutoring sessions.

Social distancing? Libraries closed? What would that mean for the 200 Oakland Literacy Council (OLC) volunteer tutors who are teaching adults throughout Oakland County?

For Turesa Lewis, it means doubling down on her commitment to her students. Turesa, recently retired from AT&T, has been a volunteer tutor with OLC since 2014. Normally she meets in person each week with her two students, one who is an advanced English language learner and the other who is an adult basic education student.

Without the option to meet face to face, Turesa is adapting and learning new technologies so her students can keep learning. Turesa was one of over 70 tutors who attended recent OLC training sessions to learn to use Zoom to meet virtually with students.

Turesa, who has a passion for writing, reflected on the challenge ahead:

“CRISIS: Danger and Opportunity” – This was shared on one of our training calls last week and really touched me. The crisis has presented an unknown danger that has led our leaders to direct us all to stay home. As a tutor with the Oakland Literacy Council, I find this is a great opportunity for me to serve others. In this time of uncertainty, face-to-face tutoring is no longer exercised. I miss meeting with both my students every day. Yes, I have two students that I have committed myself to each week. Yet I’m embracing this new opportunity to learn and expand my knowledge of using digital tools. The Zoom app is new to many of us and has lots of bells and whistles. This is overwhelming and exciting. Now that we are stuck in the house, why not take this opportunity to use the tools provided and connect with our students to continue to give them the same level of service as we once did when we met with them face to face? One day we will all look back at this time and remember how well we moved past this.”

Turesa knows firsthand that remote learning can also be challenging for students. One of her students goes to a neighbor’s house to work on the computer because she doesn’t have her own. Turesa explains, “Each time I send her an e-mail, I have to call her to be sure that she receives it.”

Turesa is fortunate to have solid technical skills she developed in her professional life.
She encourages those who are less comfortable with technology to look for tutorials. “In most cases, the tutorials are designed to get you through it.”

She has some extra advice for her peers: “Baby boomers, don’t be afraid to reach out to those millennials who can whip through this technology!”

Click HERE to learn more about Turesa, one of our “35 Faces of Literacy.”

Category: News

Zoom Lesson Planning

March 12, 2020

Listening audio files

Track 5

https://www.oaklandliteracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Step-Forward-2e-Student-Book-4-CD-3-Track-05.mp3

Track 6

https://www.oaklandliteracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Step-Forward-2e-Student-Book-4-CD-3-Track-06.mp3

Track 11

https://www.oaklandliteracy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Step-Forward-2e-Student-Book-4-CD-3-Track-11.mp3

Category: News

Coronavirus Statement

March 7, 2020

March 7, 2020

Dear Students and Tutors,

We at the Oakland Literacy Council are aware of the evolving situation regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We want to inform you that at this time, there have been no known cases of the COVID-19 virus in the State of Michigan. However, it is important for all of us to be diligent in protecting ourselves from this virus and other illnesses as the situation is likely to change.

Practice Prevention

We have been talking to our partners at the Oakland County Health Department and they want you to know that all of us should be practicing everyday preventive actions now. Remind everyone in your household of the importance of practicing everyday preventive actions that can help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles) using a regular household detergent and water.
  • If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent and water prior to disinfection. For disinfection, a list of products with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved emerging viral pathogens claims, maintained by the American Chemistry Council Center for Biocide Chemistries (CBC), is available at Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fighting Products. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.

Follow the Centers for Disease Control Travel Guidelines

We are also asking you to follow the CDC travel guidelines if you are traveling out of the country.  There are currently guidelines for China, Italy, South Korea, and Iran.  Please refer to the website if you plan to travel.  Please do not meet with your tutor (or student) if you have been advised to self-quarantine. Please call the office at 248.253.1617 if you are unable to meet or you need to reschedule a test.

Stay Informed

Please continue to follow the recommendations from our public health officials.  Information can be found at:

  • U.S. Centers for Disease Control– https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
  • The State of Michigan- https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus. The State of Michigan has also produced these fact sheets:
    • Frequently Asked Questions About Coronavirus Disease 2019
    • Coronavirus Disease 2019 Fact Sheet – English
    • Coronavirus Disease 2019 Fact Sheet – Traditional Chinese
    • Coronavirus Disease 2019 Fact Sheet – Simplified Chinese
    • Coronavirus Disease 2019 Fact Sheet – Spanish
    • Coronavirus Disease 2019 Fact Sheet – Arabic
  • Oakland County Health Department– https://www.oakgov.com/health/information/covid-19/Pages/default.aspx.
    • The Oakland County Health Department also has a nurse on call that can answer any questions. You can call them at 1-800-848-5533 or email noc@oakgov.com. If you email the nurse in advance and tell them what language you want, they will find a translator in over 90 languages.

Practice Your English

There are so many new words to learn.  Use this time to practice English.  Here are some resources:

Listening Practice

  • Spread of Germs radio spot

Lesson Plan Ideas

  • https://eslflow.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Coronavirus-vocabulary-and-questions-worksheet-2020.pdf
  • Review Fact sheets from the State of Michigan (above)

Lesson Videos:

  • https://youtu.be/JdDDlLx_jn4
  • https://youtu.be/kHwiUV-QNiE

Regards,

Lisa Machesky

Executive Director

Category: News

Motor City Wine and Food Festival Hosts Event to Benefit Oakland Literacy

March 2, 2020

Motor City Wine and Food Frolic 2020 Gala Event to benefit Oakland Literacy

 

Thursday, March 19, 2020
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Royal Park Hotel
600 East University Drive
Rochester, Michigan

Get ready to return to the 1920’s, 1930’s, and 1940’s with amazing food, wine, and entertainment!

All in Support of Adult Literacy in Our Community!

Guests will arrive for cocktails and a wide range of such delicious dishes including: Teriyaki Pineapple Shrimp, Bacon Wrapped Dates, Spinach & Feta Spanakopita, Vegetarian Spring Rolls, along with a trio of sliders and Mezza platters!

Wine, beer, and cocktails will accompany the flavors of this extensive menu.
Everyone who participates in the Wine Pull will take home a bottle of red or white wine.

A three-piece band, led by Carl Cafagna, will provide lively music from the 1920’s, 30’s, and 40’s while Swing Dancers will entertain and draw guests onto the dance floor!

$125/person

Please consider organizing a group or table in support of adult literacy!

Purchase tickets at: https://motorcitywineandfoodfestival.com/swing/

Questions? Please don’t hesitate to call or email!
Russell Moore Speak2Man@comcast.net (248) 651-7806
Robert Gaylor rggaylor@aol.com (586) 904-0600

Category: News

Next Sip ‘n Sort on March 11th and Book Drive Supports Adult Literacy

February 26, 2020

The last Sip ‘n Sort was such a success, we are doing it again! Every hour worked raises money for our tutoring program. Volunteers will meet for coffee at Maple Theater Cafe on Wednesday, March 11th,  beginning at 9:30 am and then sort books for Bookstock at Congregation Beth Ahm from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm (or however much time you can give). You can also meet us at Beth Ahm at 10:30 am. Every hour you give means dollars to support our shared mission.

We encourage you to bring book donations, too! We will also accept books at Oakland Literacy Council through March 10th. (Please call ahead for large donations.)

Please RSVP to Sue Klunk at sue.k@oaklandliteracy.com or call 248.253.1617. If you are interested but cannot join us March 11th, there are volunteer times every Tuesday and Wednesday and at the upcoming sale. Please contact Sue for more details.

Category: News

Sip ‘n Sort Volunteer Event to Kick Off Bookstock Fundraising

January 15, 2020

Do you love books and love supporting adult literacy? Join our group of staff, tutors, and supporters on Wednesday, January 29th to start raising money for Oakland Literacy Council! We will meet for coffee at Maple Theater Cafe beginning at 9 am and then sort books for Bookstock at Congregation Beth Ahm from 10 am to 12 pm. (You can also meet us at Bookstock at 10). Please RSVP to Sue Klunk at sue.k@oaklandliteracy.com or call 248.253.1617. If you are interested but cannot volunteer on January 29th, there are volunteer times every Wednesday. Please contact Sue for more details and join our Bookstock team!

Category: News

Notice of a Request for Proposals – Independent Financial Audit

December 5, 2019

The Oakland Literacy Council requests proposals from certified public accounting (CPA) firms that seek to conduct independent financial audits of — and to provide tax services for — the Council.  The audits will be conducted for calendar years that end on December 31st.

The deliverables for this engagement follow:

  • audits of the Council’s financial statements for calendar years that end on December 31st;
  • management letters that relate to the foregoing audits;
  • audit presentations to the Oakland Literacy Council’s Board of Directors; and
  • tax preparation and filings, in accordance with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Regulations and IRS Form 990.

The Oakland Literacy Council is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that is located at 43700 Woodward Avenue in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.  The Council provides adult learners basic literacy and English language instruction through one-on-one tutoring that is complemented by conversation groups and job-oriented workshops.

To receive the Request for Proposals (RFP), CPA firms must e-mail the following information to lisa.m@oaklandliteracy.com:

  • the CPA firm’s name and full address; and
  • the name, e-mail address, and telephone number of the CPA firm’s contact person.

Interested parties are hereby notified that completed proposals must be submitted electronically to lisa.m@oaklandliteracy.com no later than   3:00 p.m.  (Eastern Standard Time) on  Monday, December 23, 2019.

Inquiries about this notice may be directed to Lisa Machesky at (248) 253-1617 or lisa.m@oaklandliteracy.com.

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/PROGRAM

Category: News

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The Joy of Being a Literacy Tutor
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Oakland Literacy Council
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Lesley TauroLesley Tauro
12:43 05 Sep 24
I love being a English Tutor with Oakland Literacy Council on a one-on-one basis as well as for a conversation group. Through OLC, I have had the opportunity to meet so many incredible people, many who have become friends.
Cynthia WersteinCynthia Werstein
23:48 04 Sep 24
I have enjoyed my ESL tutoring with Oakland Literacy Council. We received training to help us, help our students. I feel like I can reach out for additional help if needed. Not to forget, they offer outside activities, on occasion, so that the students and tutors can do some typical, but fun activities! OLC is a great organization to volunteer with.
Lisa BurnsLisa Burns
21:33 04 Sep 24
I've been volunteering with the OLC for about a year and a half, and it's been a great experience! I very much enjoy the tutoring sessions with the student whom they paired me with. She is a lovely person and I've learned a lot from her too. OLC makes tutoring easy for volunteers, with an easy-to-use curriculum, training, support, and social events. Highly recommend!
Qambar Ali SarwariQambar Ali Sarwari
19:50 04 Sep 24
Great team, motivational atmosphere, Thank you for your always support and help, especially the refresher training you provide to the tutors.Warm regards ,Ali
Brad RothBrad Roth
19:07 04 Sep 24
When I retired in 2020 (in the middle of the covid pandemic) I wanted to find ways to volunteer. As a former college professor, I am particularly concerned about education and literacy. Working with Oakland Literacy Council has been a wonderful experience for me. The staff at OLC (particularly Laurie Weeks) is so helpful and appreciative. I've gotten more hand-written thank you notes from Laurie in the last four years than from everyone else throughout the rest of my life combined. Volunteering for OLC lets me give back to society but enjoy retirement too. I highly recommend it.
Kelly TurnerKelly Turner
11:12 23 Aug 24
I would like to say How amazing Oakland literacy Council is I came in May To Continue my education and I thank god I found them they where at the bottom of the list when they should have been at the top of the list first off the staff is amazing they did everything by the book I did placement testing to figure out where to place me they took the time out to get the best tutors they also called and checked in on me and also motivated me to keep going and never give up they gave me the option to go online for tutoring or in person Stewart my tutor was amazing he took pride in educating me and never made me feel like I was bothering him patricia was amazing she stayed on me and stayed consistent they made me feel like familythe icing on the cake was how they acknowledged me on graduation day the whole team was there for me and my family and I was so happy and me and my kid's could feel the love it's nothing that I would not do for Oakland literacy I will be there spokesperson for life cause it's worth it and they have top notch tutors employees and the online tutor services is Phenomenal if you're seeking to continue your education look no more this is the place to go
Sanghee HanSanghee Han
11:59 22 Aug 24
I was so lucky to meet oakland literacy Council. Since OLC has been a great institute for me almost 2 years. And they helped my english improve and give me some good talking classes for learning new culture here as well. Now that I graduated from a reading program at OLC, I feel like I'm still with them. Really appreciate it.
BAIYANG LAIBAIYANG LAI
19:36 15 Aug 24
In the past three years I learned English with Oakland Literacy. I met quite a few tutors in one by one tutoring and some conversation groups. Those tutors were so incredible and awesome! They really really helped me a lot in my English. My gratitude to all of them is beyond words!
jung min sonjung min son
17:36 15 Aug 24
Thank you for having me with your excellent support.. I really enjoyed learning English and having conversation class with others. I made some good friends and I think Oakland Literacy Council is very good for people who need English support 👏 👍
Joseph Lee (Jo)Joseph Lee (Jo)
16:39 15 Aug 24
Oakland Literacy Council was a very good program for me as my second language. I evaluated my English ability through English listening and reading tests and matched my tutor accordingly. As a result, my English improved a lot. And most of all, it was free.
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OAKLAND LITERACY COUNCIL 51111 Woodward Ave., Suite 720, Pontiac, MI 48342

(248) 253-1617, info@oaklandliteracy.com

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