Contact: Laurie W. Anderson or Jennifer Dykes, Anderson & Associates Public Relations, Inc., 303-758-1118

Learning Source Volunteer Enjoys Giving Back

DENVER—May 16, 2003 -- At age 77, Bill Davis shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, he sees his retirement as the perfect time to give something back to his community, and he’s doing that through The Learning Source for Adults and Families.

The organization provides opportunities for motivated adult learners and families to attain educational goals through adult and family literacy; GED and English instruction provided by trained volunteer tutors, led by a dedicated staff; and accessible centers located within the community.

Davis, a volunteer with The Learning Source for 16 years, is currently assisting adult students working toward their GED diploma at a center located at The Learning Source’s Fulton Toyota Families in Schools program. “Since there are only three students in the group right now, it allows me to have more one-on-one time with each of them,” explains Davis. “It’s a great atmosphere for learning.

“I was not a teacher before I started volunteering,” says Davis. “But, that didn’t matter. The Learning Source provides great training for its teachers, and we also have teacher’s manuals to use. Not having teaching experience is not a good excuse for not volunteering,” continues Davis. “I think the students are usually more nervous than the teachers!”

Davis has volunteered in a number of different Learning Source sites over the years, including the Denver County Jail. “We always had students coming to the classes at the Jail,” says Davis. “They truly wanted to learn, and it was their opportunity to improve themselves and strive for a better life when they were released.”

Davis says that many adult students decide to get their GED to allow them to get a better, higher-paying job. “I had one student who got a $5 per hour raise as soon as he received his GED. That was a really big deal for him and his family!”

The Learning Source currently has approximately 100 volunteers, but always needs more help with its programs. “I saw an article in the paper years ago asking for volunteers,” explains Davis. “I decided that I had an obligation to help people, and I made the phone call. I’m hoping that other people will realize what a worthwhile organization this is and that the tutoring is really not intimidating—if I can do it, anyone can,” continues Davis.

“This has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. There just aren’t the words to describe the feelings when you see one of your students graduate. They are so excited, and their families are so excited for them…it’s something you really have to see first-hand,” says Davis.

“The Learning Source has been good to me; they’ve let me volunteer and give something back for more than 15 years now. I’m so glad I’ve had this opportunity,” says Davis.

For more information on how to volunteer, contact Tom Oatts, volunteer recruiter, at 303-922-4683 or email him at tom@coloradoliteracy.org.

Established in 1964, The Learning Source believes education is essential to people’s freedom, their confidence, and their ability to perform in the family, community and workplace. For more information on the organization or its programs, visit the website at www.coloradoliteracy.org.