Literacy Together is a local 5013c nonprofit with a mission to transform lives and community through the power of literacy. Now in its 39th year, Literacy Together has three distinct programs: English for speakers of other languages (ESOL), adult literacy and youth literacy. Funded by corporate and private sponsors, Literacy Together provides free tutoring to youth and adults in Buncombe County.

Executive Director Amanda Wrublewski says, “Our vision is for a just and equitable community in which literacy is accessible and achievable by all,” she says.

Literacy Together depends on volunteers and offers paid internships to be able to serve the community. Last year Literacy Together provided 34,938 hours of instruction to students and intensive training to 549 students. Still, waitlists for each of their programs totals 75-100 students. “We are able to do this because of the generosity of others who give their time, but we always need more tutors,” Amanda says.

The ESOL program provides free English language instruction to students who wish to remove barriers to employment, improve the economic mobility of their families, help their children in school, become U.S. citizens and learn to navigate the healthcare system.

The Adult Literacy program provides free one-on-one instruction to English speakers whose reading, writing, spelling or math skills are below a basic level. Students enroll because they want to improve job prospects, help their children in school, enroll in a high school equivalency program and better navigate the world around them.

The Youth Literacy Program improves the academic achievement of youth (K-12) who read below grade level by utilizing volunteer tutors and paid young interns to provide free one-on-one instruction in reading, writing, spelling and math. Youth participating in the internship are also provided with professional development workshops throughout the year.

Amanda says it’s easy to take literacy for granted, and there’s a misconception that literacy is just about reading. “Without literacy, you can’t order at a restaurant, pay taxes, go to a bank, go to a doctor or fill a prescription,” she says. Helping with literacy results in better health and economic outcomes.

Kids with learning disabilities who go undiagnosed (ADHD and dyslexia) often fall through the cracks, Amanda says. Students with a history of trauma or those who are pushed through the system without getting extra support benefit tremendously from Literacy Together. Tutors customize a plan for each individual and create learning environments where the dignity, worth and complexity of each person is honored.

Tutors help with professional development, resume writing and financial literacy and enjoy the meaning of the work as well as learning about other cultures. Monthly orientations are held for tutors to be fully empowered before being matched with a student. Literacy Together also offers workshops to help tutors hone their skills.  

Go to lit-together.org/ to volunteer as a tutor or make a donation.

***SIDEBAR***

Literacy Together is honored to welcome New York Times bestselling author of Strangers in Time David Baldacci to Asheville, May 29 at the Crowne Plaza Asheville. Doors open at 5 p.m. Scan the QR code to buy tickets and to learn more.