On December 2, the Redlands Adult Literacy Program held its annual holiday celebration. This celebration is an opportunity for adult learners and tutors to meet each other and celebrate all that has been accomplished in the prior year. In addition to recognizing adult learners for their hard work and their progress in meeting goals such as reading to their children, gaining new or better employment, or furthering their own education, the program honored learners who had gained their citizenship and voted for the first time and learners who have become leaders within the adult literacy program.
This year, a volunteer tutor, Jeanne Fortier, and an adult learner, Bris Roque, were invited to share their experience in the adult literacy program with the 100 attendees at the celebration. Their remarks reflect the thoughts of many tutors and learners, so excerpts have been included in this article.
Jeanne Fortier, a tutor for almost 13 years, noted that volunteering with the Redlands Adult Literacy program has been “both an honor and a privilege, and I have received far more than I have given.”
She went on to say, “I began this amazing journey after my husband died very suddenly the month after I retired. My life was not going as we had planned. Then one day a friend told me about the Redlands Adult Literacy Program at the Library. I met Trudy Waldron and Katherine Gifford who were volunteer leaders of the group. Trudy took me under her wing, and I started helping with the small but mighty [adult literacy] group at Lugonia Elementary School. I was hooked and soon became a tutor…”
In 2016, Jeanne took a leadership role in the Reading and Conversation with Friends class by leading weekly discussions about articles from the periodical, News for You. Jeanne observed: “I have watched the learners improve their reading skills, critical thinking, vocabulary, and grammar. A few have even liked doing crossword puzzles!”
Jeanne has also volunteered with the Adult Literacy Computer Classes, Book Club, and other administrative tasks. In computer classes, taught by Kim Green, Jeanne shared: “I watched [Kim’s] students go from learning to start programs, to typing, to editing, and finally to creating stories, letters and poetry, and saving their work. The learners began to help each other learn new skills, and this was so exciting to see.”
In her conclusion, Jeanne offered, “… I would like to say that we all know that working to improve reading and writing skills is hard. I am so proud of the learners for taking this journey with us, and the tutors and staff for cheering them on. Adult Literacy ‘changes lives,’ and it has definitely changed mine for the better.”
Bris Roque, an adult learner, described her experience, “When I first came to the library looking for an English Learning Program, Diane greeted me with the warmth and kindness you all know. From the beginning, she listened to me attentively and with interest. After a brief interview, she told me she would find a tutor for me, someone who matched my needs and fit my schedule.”
“When I started the Redlands Adult Literacy Program, I expected a class where I could learn grammar, spelling, improve my vocabulary, and get help organizing my ideas into correct sentences – and I found it. Plus, I gained an experienced, kind, and determined friend. Darcel is my tutor; she is extraordinary and incredibly fun. My vocabulary has really grown… She also encourages me to learn more and different things.”
“This program has not [only] been good for me, it has also been good for my family; we meet once a month in the Family Literacy Program. In each session, we explore a new and different book. Thanks to this, we have grown our own family library. They [the instructors] have shown me different ways to … make a book interesting for my children. We have played games, cooked, and explored science and technology. They have also provided us with resources to be better parents. My children feel truly appreciated by the people who lead [the Family Literacy Program].”
Bris concluded her talk by saying, “This program is helping to develop an empathetic community. Everyone is welcome and respected here. This is a safe place to learn–reading and writing connects us!”
Perhaps you know of an adult who wants help with reading and writing, please encourage them to take the first step in changing their life by contacting Diane Shimota, Adult Literacy Coordinator, at (909) 798-7565 ext. 7377 or email literacy@akspl.org. All inquiries are treated confidentially. The Redlands Adult Literacy Program relies on its volunteers. The next Volunteer Tutor Orientation class is on January 20, 2026. If you are interested in attending the class or in learning more about volunteering with the Redlands Adult Literacy Program, please contact Diane Shimota.