Washtenaw Literacy Programs Help Low-Literate Adults Get and Keep Jobs
Employment packets and workshops provide practical tools for job-seekers and currently employed individuals who need to improve their skills
(March, 2009) - Washtenaw Literacy, a non-profit organization dedicated to eradicating adult illiteracy, is responding to the current economic crisis by offering special workshops and Employment Packets chock full of practical tools. Workshops are geared to adults with limited literacy skills who are struggling to find or retain employment. Workshop participants discuss workplace scenarios created by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth based upon feedback from Michigan employers and the National Work Readiness Council.
The interactive workshop format provides opportunities to learn from Situation Judgment stories. Participants learn how to best to resolve problems in the workplace, a skill valued by employers. Written at a 4th to 6th grade reading level, the stories can effectively be used by a broad range of participants.
Employment Packets contain a variety of useful tools including: tips and statistics specifically for women; job search instructions; sample applications; resume and cover letter assistance; sample interview questions and interview conduct guidance; and ideas on managing an effective work-life balance once employed.
Amy Goodman, Executive Director of Washtenaw Literacy, describes the effort this way: "With Michigan's unemployment rate the highest in the nation, helping low-literate adults develop the skills they need to be successful is a major priority for Washtenaw Literacy. Beyond these practical support services that we are offering, we are working to engage the corporate community in our fight."
Washtenaw Literacy acknowledges support received through grants. The Employability Packets for Women were sponsored by the James A. & Faith Knight Foundation while a grant provided by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth helped make the training and workplace materials possible.
For more information, please call Washtenaw Literacy at (734) 879-1320 or go to www.washtenawliteracy.org
About Washtenaw Literacy
Washtenaw Literacy's purpose is straightforward: we help adults change their lives through literacy. Our organization has over 35 years experience in helping men and women improve their reading, writing and English as a second language skills.
Our core program is one-on-one tutoring. This is the approach our first volunteer tutors used in 1971. The reason we still use it today is because it works. Over 90% of adults in our one-on-one tutoring program reach one or more of their goals. Part of this success stems from our "designer tutor" approach. We train each of our volunteer tutors to plan lessons according to the learner's strengths, needs and goals. Adult learners in our program are motivated because they are setting, and meeting, their own standards for success.
This focus on individual goals makes our program unique in the county. Washtenaw Literacy is a critical part of our community's educational continuum. Someday we hope to have no need for our services. Until then, we'll support our volunteer tutors as they help low-literate men and women improve their skills and their lives.
