Adult Literacy: A UWHC Success Story
Angel (pictured on the right) quit school in the fourth grade to work on his father's farm. Three years ago, through a UWHC funded literacy program at Blue Ridge Literacy Council, he was paired with a volunteer tutor, Sharon (pictured on the left). Angel was able to speak some English but did not know much of the alphabet. With Sharon’s help and support, Angel has made tremendous progress and one of his proudest accomplishments was learning to write cursive so that he could sign checks. He now reads at the high intermediate level.
True literacy encompasses much more than reading, writing and speaking, so Angel and Sharon have also studied math, geography, elementary science, health and wellness, parenting, budgeting and elementary business management as well as specific topics related to painting and contracting.
Angel started his own business, Mountain Pride Painters. He learned how to register a business, designed business cards, learned to write bids and invoices and practiced conversation that would help him market his services to contractors. He employs between four and eight men doing interior and exterior painting and floor finishing. Angel’s wife, Cenerina, was also tutored by Sharon and she has now started a housekeeping business.
Angel and Cenerina, came to Hendersonville with their families when they were in their teens. Both they and their children have benefitted from the many community services funded through donations to the United Way of Henderson County. The family has received health care from The Free Clinics and Blue Ridge Community Health Services. Their three children have benefited from early childhood programs and their children are thriving in school. The family works out at the YMCA and has learned to swim there.
Now it is Angel’s turn to give back to our generous community that has given so much to his family. Angel proposed a fundraising initiative at Blue Ridge Literacy Council by encouraging students like him to give, writing a letter to all of them in Spanish and English asking them to follow his example of giving back.
Sharon shared, “Angel is so highly motivated and likeable that tutoring him is one of the most satisfying volunteer experiences of my life. It challenges my creativity and his progress gives me joy. I get back every bit as much as I give.” There are more students like Angel at the Blue Ridge Literacy Council who need tutors to guide and support them. If you are interested in volunteering, contact BRLC at 696-3811.
| United Way Wraps Up 2011 Campaign |
United Way of Henderson County celebrated the 2011 Campaign at its Wrap-Up and Annual meeting on January 13, 2011. The event, held at and sponsored by Lake Pointe Landing, was attended by over 160 volunteers, business representatives and community members. With pledges to date, along with projected donations, the 2011 Campaign should finish at approximately 95% of goal, and just over the 2010 Campaign total. Community volunteer Bryce Malsbary, who chaired the 2011 Campaign, applauded the successful effort. “In light of the continuing economic struggles that businesses and individuals in our area are facing, I am very pleased to have accomplished what we did this year. I feel very fortunate to live in a community where people remain generous when times are toughest.” Malsbary added that United Way has received donations from 531 brand-new donors this year. Expanding their donor base and encouraging more households to contribute to the campaign was one of United Way’s targeted goals this year. “I think that if we can continue to spread the word about the significant needs in the community and the incredible work that our partner agencies are doing to meet those needs, we will continue to see new donors joining us in the future,” Malsbary said. Ruth Birge, Executive Director of United Way, noted that the 2011 Campaign does not officially close until March 31. “We are proud to celebrate our accomplishments today,” said Birge, “But we will continue to reach out to this community to try to achieve our goal before the end of the campaign. The services provided by our partner agencies are absolutely vital to this community, and it’s our responsibility to do everything that we can to support their work.” United Way’s Director of Resource Development, Pam Daubert, gave credit to United Way’s volunteers for the impressive accomplishments of the 2011 Campaign. “We are fortunate to have a diverse, motivated and dedicated team of volunteers who devote hours of their time to United Way as Campaign Cabinet members, Loaned Executives, and Campaign Coordinators. We are so grateful for their commitment; without their dedication we would not see this level of success in our fundraising efforts.” To recognize the tremendous contributions of time, dollars, and volunteerism, United Way presented campaign achievement awards at today’s event. This year’s winners include:
The Rob and Ginger Cranford Community Service Award for 2011 was presented to Todd Webb, CPA by Charlie Cranford of Morrow Insurance. The award recognizes a Henderson County resident who supports the United Way of Henderson County, works with other local not-profit organizations, and who best exemplifies the community leadership and generous spirit demonstrated by Rob and Ginger Cranford. 2011 Board Chair, Jerry Maier said, “Todd is a consummate volunteer. He is a professional who owns a business, employs 10 people, has a wonderful family, and sits on the board of many nonprofit organizations. He chaired the Boards at Children & Family Resource Center, Hands On! and Pardee Hospital Foundation. We welcome Todd back to the United Way Board in 2012.”
United Way is advancing the common good by creating opportunities for a better life in Henderson County. If you would like more information or have questions or comments about United Way, or would like to make a donation, contact the United Way of Henderson County at PO Box 487, Hendersonville, NC 28793, call 692-1636, visit on the Web at liveunitedhc.org, or become a fan of UWHC on Facebook. -END- |
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