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Nha Vann
I am a 61 year old Cambodian native. I live in the USA twenty-nine years. I am a Citizen. I come to CCVL over five years ago to learn to read and understand English. First three years I went from 6 – 8 P.M. for two days a week. When I got job at Tyson I changed to evening shift. I wanted to come to day classes from 10-12. CCVL let come when I can come. I found I could come three days a week. For the last two or so years I have come very faithfully. I am getting very good on Rosetta Stone on computer. I am helped to now read books and newspaper and shop with coupons, and can use dictionary myself to help. I come once a week and a CCVL tutor helps me read and learn the bible. |
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Jake Brown
Jacob “Jake” Brown is thirty years old, and he lives with his parents in Ozark, AR. Jacob has started the literacy program to increase his ability to work Math problems so that he can perform better at his job. He is a high school graduate that has been in our program for five years, and his favorite literacy class subject is Math. Jake is an avid car race fan and enjoys going to Crawford County Speedway as often as he can. He also plays basketball and football in Special Olympics. Brian has been Jake’s tutor for the last couple of years and has seen the improvement he makes when he’s in class. Jake gets very excited to work on all subjects, but especially math, so that he can improve all of his literacy skills. |
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Sylvia Tillery
Sylvia Tillery lives in Mulberry, and first came into our program in 2021 as part of the SCSEP program. She was placed in this facility as a tutor-in-training, and from that day forth it has changed her life completely. Previously she was personally in a slump but is much happier because she is in a place where she is encouraged and around people who care about her. Sylvia is comfortable and has learned a lot within the subjects we teach, especially in English and Math. As she continues through the curricula, she knows she will be more comfortable with having students and showing them the different ways to learn or sound out words. Sylvia has told me “Once they get to the point when they are able to read and write in full sentences, I know that I have done my job.” Being here has made Sylvia feel very useful and helpful. She greatly appreciates everything she’s learned as well as want to continue to learn. As the Executive Director, I’ve seen how Sylvia has grown and improved her own digital literacy. Her computer skills have vastly improved since she first started with us in August, and she is a wonderful person to visit with. Sylvia has always taken every challenge given to her and is flourishing with what she has completed so far. We are encouraging Sylvia to start partnering with other tutors and begin her mentorship so she can start tutoring on her own. |
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Melanie Gutierrez
Melanie Gutierrez is a twenty-four-year-old student who lives in Fort Smith, Arkansas, with her parents. She is a high school graduate and been in Crawford County Volunteers for Literacy’s program for five years. Melanie is also involved with Special Olympics. She likes watching football, basketball, and track events. Melanie started with the literacy program to be able to read and write better, then improve her math skills. Her favorite literacy class subjects are word searches and math problems that Mr. Brian brings for the students to work on. In her leisure time, Melanie enjoys playing video games, shopping at the mall, and going out to eat. Brian has been Melanie’s tutor for quite some time, working with her a couple of times a week. She has been a joy to work with and is always excited to participate in class. |
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Randy Belt
I wanted to learn how to read the Bible. Now I can read road signs. Before, I couldn’t even read signs. I finally had to get the guts up to tell people I could not read. When I went to the Crawford County Volunteers for Literacy, they signed me up. Now I have someone to take the time for me. Now I can sit down and read the Bible. The more I come the more I get to learn to read, write and spell. I feel proud of myself. My family is a little more proud of me. I feel a lot better that if I put my mind to it, I can do it. And with God’s help I feel so much better. I have so many books now, but I can read them. I am a mechanic and my boss reads the manuals to me. I can read the directions on the parts. |
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Brandon Breshears
Twenty-five years old and living with his parents and brother in Van Buren, Brandon Breshears has been a student with Brian Schleicher for almost seven (7) years. He started when Volunteers for Literacy first began having classes at our local Abilities, Unlimited in Van Buren. He has had a lifelong learning disability and because of this, he has had to put in enormous efforts to advance. Brandon particularly likes working word search puzzles and anything to do with math problems. Brandon started with learning simple addition and now is able to solve large number division problems. Brandon is blessed with good support at home. His mother prints out various math worksheets for Brandon which he works on as homework and turns in to Brian. According to Brian, Brandon is a joy to work with. He is not afraid to ask questions and will try anything. Brandon’s goal right now is to pass the Driver’s License written test. He has taken it 7 times and is determined he will pass the next time. Brian says, with his persistence, he thinks he will make it. |