Adult literacy classes now available at JELM Center

Adults with limited reading skills or those with English as a second language may receive tutoring at no cost to improve basic reading ability.

The lessons are available for adult non-readers or second language non-readers at the JELM Center at Community Presbyterian Church by appointment.

"It's estimated that as many as 15 percent of adults in the United States are functionally illiterate which means that they cannot read or write at even a third or fourth grade level.

"This can be a serious handicap because such simple tasks as writing a check or reading street signs can be a tremendous hurdle," said Toni Somers.

Somers teaches GED students at the JELM Center and is offering literacy level reading help to adult non-readers.

She was a GED/adult education instructor in Springfield, Mo., before moving to Port Aransas. She also is certified as a Laubach Literacy tutor.

"I really enjoyed working with adult non-readers. I had students who were American born and had good paying jobs, but they never learned to handle the language. That was a real drawback in their work and everyday lives, especially as their children reached school age.

"I also enjoyed working with adults from other countries who could read in their own languages but not in English," she said.

According to Somers, the inability to read is a source of great embarrassment to many adults.

"No one needs to go through feelings of shame when help is available, especially on a one-on-one basis as we offer," said Somers.

Anyone knowing an adult nonreader or a non English speaking adult who can use help is asked to contact Somers at 749-3386 for more information or to arrange for an appointment.