Enriching the community through education

By Eva Westein

Contributing Writer

KEWAUNEE COUNTY – Literacy Partners of Kewaunee County, Inc. is a volunteer organization committed to improving individuals’ lives by helping adults in Kewaunee County increase their literacy skills through one-on-one tutoring sessions.

Literacy Partners began in 2006 with the dream of Bob Garfinkel, one of the initial founders of the program.

As the president of the organization for 14 years, he dedicated 40-50 volunteer hours to the program every week.

His daughter, Anne Laurent, attributes the continued success of the organization to Garfinkel’s constant passion, drive and commitment to the program.

The main service provided by Literacy Partners is one-on-one tutoring, in-person or online, where an adult student is matched with a trained mentor.

In addition to tutoring, Literacy Partners also works with a local farm to hold on-site programs.

These classes act as opportunities to hold “health literacy” programs that focus on skills such as first aid, what to do when your child is sick and healthy eating habits.

Literacy Partners also expands their service reach by partnering with other community organizations.

They have been a part of local events, such as Back-to-School Day, where they help Kewaunee County Public Health prepare children for the school year by providing them with school supplies, backpacks and shoes.

Similarly, they are in partnership with a Nashville organization called Soles4Souls, which also provides shoes to school-aged children to kick off the new school year.

Additionally, they work with NWTC students who may need help with their GED studying and test-taking.

These various services have continued to impact the students who take advantage of them.

Whether big or small, the successes that these students experience are all equally important to Literacy Partners of Kewaunee County.

“We have had many students study for and pass their US Citizenship test, GED Exam, or other professional exams… On a smaller, yet equally as important scale, many of our students have been able to receive promotions at work as their skills increase. We tailor every goal to the individual student… If a grandparent would want to read a book to a grandchild, we strive to make it happen,” explains Program Coordinator Anne Laurent.

Tutor Coordinator Barbara Baldwin adds, “I have seen a father’s joy because of being able to read a nightly bedtime story to his toddler and a feeling of pride when that daughter, now school-age, sought him out for help with homework. ‘She doesn’t go to her mother or her teenage sister, she comes to me!’ he proudly points to himself.”

However, the services that Literacy Partners can provide rely heavily on the number of volunteers they have.

Especially as the program prepares for National Literacy Month in September, one thing that is always in demand is volunteer tutors. 

Baldwin explains that tutors must be 18 years or older with a desire to “serve and make a difference one life at a time.”

They do not have to be a trained educator to volunteer because Wisconsin Literacy is in partnership with Literacy Partners of Kewaunee County to provide tutor training.

Tutors will also be matched with students who are the best fit.

“We try to match tutors with students in their area of the County… We also take into consideration whether either party has a preference of male or female students or tutors. We try to match tutors in the level or subject they prefer to teach. Some tutors may help with basic students, some prefer more advanced,” noted Baldwin.

To become a volunteer, contact Literacy Partners at info@literacykewauneeco.org.

There will also be an informational meeting for prospective tutors on Sept. 24, 6-7:30 p.m. at The HUB@ESI, 813 Rabas Street, Algoma; RSVP to bbaldwin75@gmail.com or call 920-255-3345.

For information on services, visit www.literacykewauneeco.org or email AnnieMLaurent@gmail.com or bbaldwin75@gmail.com, and for prospective students only speak Spanish 920-255-3249.