James is an intelligent, hard working father of three.  He is a devoted family man and is very active in his Church.  He has always stressed the importance of education to his kids, one whom even received a scholarship to trinity Catholic school and is now attending college on a football scholarship.  Yet, when James first came to the Marion County Literacy council in Jan of ’05 his own literacy skills were at a very basic level.  He started working with a tutor and then had a car accident that required he put his learning on hold.  When he was able, he came back and worked with his original tutor until  December 2007when his tutor passed away.  But despite the obstacles that have been put in his way, James has continued to persevere.  James’ hard work has paid off and his family is so very proud of him.  He is now able to use computers in his workplace and approaches each day with more and more confidence. James continues his education with his new tutor. 

Paola is a wonderful, caring woman who earned her Bachelors Degree in Special Ed while in her home country of Columbia .  However, when she moved to the United States and later married her husband, an American citizen, her minimal English skills were holding her back, and the only employment she could find were minimum wage jobs in factories.  Paola then learned of a position at Childhood Development Services that she knew she was qualified for if only she could improve her English.  That’s when she learned of the MCLC and immediately asked for help.  She and her tutor worked hard strengthening her English and cramming on proper interviewing skills.  Paola applied for the position and sat before three interviewers and an evaluator. She says that she felt confident remembering the tips that her tutor gave her. Paola was offered the position and is now a full-time employee at CDS with a full benefits package.