Ventura County Literacy

Ventura South Hears One Woman's Story
About the Impact of County Literacy Program

Ventura Rotary South has supported the Ventura County Library's Adult Literacy Program for more than 20 years, primarily through the Annual Trivia Challenge fundraising event. On Monday, April 14, Program CEO Carol Chapman (at right in the photo above) addressed the Club to provide an update on current activities and to thank members for their continuing support. In addition, Club members heard firsthand from a participant in that program and learned about the significant impact it has had on her and her family.

Marie Martinez (at left) told the Club about her struggles with reading in her elementary and high school years, noting that she basically "fell through the cracks" in the school system. As an adult, however, she grew dissatisfied with having to rely on others to read for her. She also wanted to be able to read to the children in her life. She connected with the Literacy Program and soon began to see the effects of her initiative in her day-to-day life, including a promotion to the first female manager of the produce department at the market where she was employed.

Marie participated in the Adult Learner Leadership Institute, a three-day intensive training program. Two years ago, she was a student in the program - last year she was an instructor. Marie also has plans to become a tutor in the Adult Literacy Program soon.

Ventura Rotary South salutes Carol and Marie for their commitment to literacy in Ventura County!

For information on the Literacy Program, click here.