Volunteer English tutors needed for immigrant women

Volunteers are needed to help immigrant women learn to read, write and speak English.

The Dominican Literacy Center, an Aurora nonprofit, will hold tutor training from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, at the center, 260 Vermont Ave. in Aurora.

No experience is necessary. Training is free. Materials cost $15.

After training, each tutor meets one-on-one with a student in a weekly 90-minute session.

Tutors select a weekly tutoring time which fits their schedules. Tutoring sessions include Monday through Friday mornings, Monday through Thursday afternoons and Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings.

Using English-as-a-second language books and other materials, tutors and students complete writing and grammar exercises and practice English conversation.

In addition to training, tutors receive support from center staff members. Also, tutors and students may participate in optional twice-weekly conversation classes.

Tutoring is open to women age 17 and older who wish to learn to read, write and speak English.

Students are individually tested and receive materials targeted to their goals and learning level. The only fee is $25 for materials.

The Jan. 18 tutor training is the first of two semi-annual sessions. Another training session will be held in August.

To volunteer or for more information, call Sister Ann Clennon at (630) 898-4636 or email annclennon@sbcglobal.net.

Dominican Literacy Center background

Founded in 1993, the nonprofit Dominican Literacy Center, 260 Vermont Ave. in Aurora, offers local immigrant women free, personalized tutoring in reading, writing and speaking English. Since its inception, the DLC has tutored about 2,500 women.

Additionally, the center holds free group classes to prepare immigrants for the U.S. citizenship test. Hundreds have obtained citizenship since classes began in 1998.

During 2013-2014, the DLC is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a year of service.

Events held since September include a refurbished bicycle giveaway and a visit by the Northern Illinois Food Bank mobile pantry for DLC students and families.

Upcoming anniversary events include food packing at Feed My Starving Children in Aurora on Jan. 25. Some 90 volunteers each at two sessions: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  and 2 to 4 p.m.

Also, a community walk on March 8 will celebrate International Women’s Day.  The public is invited to both events.

Since its inception, the DLC has tutored about 2,500 women in English says Sister Kathleen Ryan, center founder and director.

The center began a separate program in 1998 in which volunteers teach immigrants to prepare for the U.S. citizenship test.

Call (630) 898-4636, email domlitctr@sbcglobal.net or visit dominicanliteracycenter.org for more information.

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