Editor's note: Ellen Hossman's name was misspelled in a previous version of this story. The story below has been corrected.
MONROE - Two decades of operation by the Literacy Council of Green County has provided countless area residents the chance to enhance their lives through learning English, either as a second language or to bolster their native tongue.
Executive Director Ellen Hossman said the mission statement of the organization focuses on improving the everyday lives of the people who receive weekly tutoring sessions.
"We teach life skills; what do you need to better your life?" Hossman said. "Our goal is best expressed through the mission statement, 'To empower adult learners with the English language, one day at a time.'"
Currently serving roughly 100 learners, the program is considered a large rural literacy council, Hossman said. About 32 tutors spend two to three hours a week preparing to help adults learn better English. Rather than teaching rigid lessons, the learning process depends on words used in jobs or certain situations.
For instance, Hossman said Monroe Clinic provided a vocabulary list explaining terms used if someone were to be admitted to the hospital. A cheese factory manager provided words commonly used within the industry to help a promising employee who primarily speaks Spanish adapt better in the workplace.
On Thursday, the group will celebrate 20 years of providing services to the county. The group plans to begin with a reception at 5:30 p.m. at the Monroe Theatre Guild, followed by the Monroe Cabaret Players performing a play on words. A path across the street to the second floor of the Monroe Public Library will be lit by glowing ropes held by volunteers.
"We're calling them our trail blazers," Hossman said with a laugh.
Hossman, who has been with the organization for 11 years, said it was hard to express her pride at the accomplishments of the literacy council.
"Going into this 20th anniversary celebration; it's huge," Hossman said. "We're very proud to say we stand on our own due to the generosity of the community."
Hossman added that the organization has appreciated all support, either through monetary donations or time volunteered or even donated space from people and businesses throughout Green County.
MONROE - Two decades of operation by the Literacy Council of Green County has provided countless area residents the chance to enhance their lives through learning English, either as a second language or to bolster their native tongue.
Executive Director Ellen Hossman said the mission statement of the organization focuses on improving the everyday lives of the people who receive weekly tutoring sessions.
"We teach life skills; what do you need to better your life?" Hossman said. "Our goal is best expressed through the mission statement, 'To empower adult learners with the English language, one day at a time.'"
Currently serving roughly 100 learners, the program is considered a large rural literacy council, Hossman said. About 32 tutors spend two to three hours a week preparing to help adults learn better English. Rather than teaching rigid lessons, the learning process depends on words used in jobs or certain situations.
For instance, Hossman said Monroe Clinic provided a vocabulary list explaining terms used if someone were to be admitted to the hospital. A cheese factory manager provided words commonly used within the industry to help a promising employee who primarily speaks Spanish adapt better in the workplace.
On Thursday, the group will celebrate 20 years of providing services to the county. The group plans to begin with a reception at 5:30 p.m. at the Monroe Theatre Guild, followed by the Monroe Cabaret Players performing a play on words. A path across the street to the second floor of the Monroe Public Library will be lit by glowing ropes held by volunteers.
"We're calling them our trail blazers," Hossman said with a laugh.
Hossman, who has been with the organization for 11 years, said it was hard to express her pride at the accomplishments of the literacy council.
"Going into this 20th anniversary celebration; it's huge," Hossman said. "We're very proud to say we stand on our own due to the generosity of the community."
Hossman added that the organization has appreciated all support, either through monetary donations or time volunteered or even donated space from people and businesses throughout Green County.