The Downtown Community Literacy Center (DCLC) began April 30th, 2014, as a partnership with the Kalamazoo Literacy Council. Active tutors from our church family have combined their efforts with several tutors from outside the church community. Currently, we provide tutoring in reading, writing and computer skills. The DCLC’s hours of operation are Wednesday, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and Thursday, 10 a.m. until noon.
Our student population varies from five to ten students per week. Students come for assessments, learning plans, reading instruction, writing class and/or computer class. Our students have been known to improve in excess of 3 grade levels. Literacy gains have translated to greater success and satisfaction in students’ everyday lives. Within the job force one student progressed from years as an entry level worker to becoming a manager at their place of employment.
This ministry helps us understand the everyday challenges of being illiterate or literacy-challenged, whether one is 70 or 20 years-old.
DCLC Committee members are: Sue Johnson, Mary Smyser, Pat Stromsta, and Lawanda Walker (a long-time student). Other tutors serving our students at First Presbyterian include Marion Burkey, Lester Coleman, Tom Forsch, Heidi Helmus, and Donna Schonveld.
If you would like to participate in this ministry, please contact a committee member or one of the tutors listed above!