Thanks to you, Paul is changing his life. Meet Paul...

In a recent class, Paul, a Literacy Advance ABE student, learned a new vocabulary word: EXTEMPORANEOUS. He carries this word written on an index card in his backpack, along with many other words that he has learned in class. This particular word has special meaning for him because he feels it helps to describe who he is.

The definition of extemporaneous is "speaking or performing with little or no advance preparation." Paul has no problems speaking aloud and being articulate with little or no preparation. But reading has been a challenge, and a barrier to his success.

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After losing his job, Paul participated in a job readiness program at The WorkFaith Connection, one of Literacy Advance's partners, where he now takes classes with his tutor, Tiffany. Among our many partners, Literacy Advance collaborates with four agencies in Houston through the United Way THRIVE initiative, which was created to bring agencies and the services they offer together to help individuals and families gain financial stability and independence.

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Paul recalls that his speaking abilities allowed him to do well in job interviews, but he "got tired of not being able to get a job when having to read aloud or spell words was part of the interview." Paul was determined to turn his "weakness into a strength" and start working towards his goal of improving his reading skills.

Paul learned about Literacy Advance through the THRIVE Connection program, and promptly registered for an ABE class. "The dedicated employees and volunteers at WorkFaith welcome Paul and me to the office each week, and they provide a nurturing environment in which to conduct our lessons," tutor Tiffany says.

Now starting his second class session, Paul's confidence continues to grow and he feels that "reading aloud is easier to do." Paul recently secured a new job and reported that when asked to read aloud during the two-week training program, he put his new-found confidence to work and the words flowed smoothly.

Paul is looking forward to the new school year when he can help his three children with their reading homework.

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"Motivated, bright, and enthusiastic, Paul is dedicated to improving his reading and writing skills as a life-long exercise. Not only will he help himself reach his own personal goals, but he will continue to serve as a positive influence and role model for his children."

- Tiffany, Paul's ABE Tutor