Literacy Council of Brown County Celebrates 25 Years Fighting Literacy Epidemic

By Brian Neuberger

Words, whether written, spoken or implied, are a world unto themselves—a world filled with ambiguity, personal triumph, tragedy and the manifestation of what can and will be.

Although no two people have the same interpretation of a word’s meaning or existence, its purpose is universally known: to effectively communicate one’s message and intention.

Such is the pageantry of the spoken and written word.

Yet, many Brown County adults are unable to revel in the magnitude and elegance of the English language due to illiteracy.

For the past 25 years, the Literacy Council of Brown County has made it a priority to increase reading, writing, speaking and listening skills for adults and families with limited basic skills or proficient English in the community.

Founded in 1981, the Literacy Council of Brown County emerged in response to a need for tutors to work with refugees from Southeast Asia. The program, which consisted solely of volunteers, expanded to include students of all ethnicities, undereducated adults and paid workers.

“We believe that the knowledge and skills our students are in need of acquiring are those that will best support them in making a safe and successful transition into the local community and assist them in making long-term family, educational and career decisions,” said Tori Raider, executive director of the Literary Council of Brown County.

Raider’s vision and beliefs can be seen in the story of Geovany Rodriguez.

Coming to the United States with a degree earned from a two-year university in his native Puerto Rico, Rodriguez arrived on U.S. soil with a vision and all of the tools to become successful in whatever path he chose.

Like many US citizens from foreign soil, Rodriguez could not claim English to be his primary language.

A chef with a wide array of abilities in the kitchen, Rodriguez sought the perfect set of ingredients to improve his ability to speak, read and write the English language.

The Literacy Council proved to be the yeast that would allow him to rise.

Rodriguez entered the Literacy Council via a tutoring program in July 2002. During his four years with the Literacy Council, Rodriguez completed his core curriculum and is now reading at a sixth grade level.

“I believe words are the keys to success. In this time is very important to speak at least two languages. With better communication, I can reach a better quality of life. The words are my wheels, and my tutor is the driver. We started together on this journey to reach my dreams. I hope to learn enough to give the best life to my family, and help others like the Literacy Council helped me,” said Rodriguez.

Rodriguez, employed by the Manitowoc Company building cranes, is currently enrolled in the adult tutoring program at the Literacy Council. A father of three and a leader in his church, Rodriguez has had a long journey to get where he is today.

Having served as a farmer, janitor, assembler, and an assortment of other jobs, Rodriguez would not have taken any other path in his life. “No matter what job you have, do your best. Everything in this life is learning,” Rodriguez said.

In addition, the Literacy Council is dedicated to developing a stronger public understanding and commitment to adult literacy and lifelong learning, according to Raider.

To effectively achieve this goal, the staff utilizes many methods, students and volunteers of the Literacy Council. These include computer learning, one-on-one or small group tutoring, workforce development, citizenship preparation and English learning classes conducted in large groups.

All of the learning tools utilized by the Literacy Council are made possible with the continuous promotion of literacy in the community and the collaboration with other literary agents and providers that deliver daily services.

Success, in the eyes of Raider, is achieved one adult at a time.

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