The Redlands Adult Literacy Program’s foremost goal is to teach adults reading and writing skills, but while learning these skills, adult learners build their confidence and discover new strengths. The supportive relationships with tutors, teachers, and peers open new doors to adult learners and a renewed sense of possibility.
Increased literacy leads to greater independence, stronger family relationships, improved employment opportunities, and healthier communities. For many adults, literacy represents a new beginning and a chance to overcome educational barriers that may have limited opportunities in the past.
Adult learner Brandi Halstead’s life has been transformed through the Redlands Adult Literacy Program. Brandi, who lives with multiple disabilities, is active in serving the disabled community. California Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Brandi to serve on the Regional Advisory Committee for the Lived Experience Advisory Group. In that position, Brandi represents all areas serving the Inland Regional Center and advocates for people with developmental disabilities, bringing information and resources back to the people where they live. She also participates in California Self-Determination Program and is a member of the Safetypowers Workpower Advisory Council.
Despite her many accomplishments, a longtime goal of Brandi’s was to become a published writer. In May, she achieved that dream when her article, “When Home Stopped Being Home,” was accepted for publication in a national magazine.
Brandi started working on her article in the adult literacy writing class. In response to a magazine call for submissions about the theme of “home,” adult learners brainstormed ideas, developed personal narratives, strengthened vocabulary, and refined their writing through grammar and editing sessions. Participants learned how to tell their stories more clearly and effectively. Brandi shared, “In being part of the writing class, I am learning about the power of what each word does in a sentence and how to choose the right word for what I’m trying to say.”
Brandi credits the adult literacy program with providing the supportive learning community she had long sought: “I love everyone in the program and the classes,” she said. “There’s no other place like it. Everyone really cares about each other.”
That encouragement gave her the confidence to submit her work for publication. She described the moment she received the acceptance email. She reported, “The subject line was, ‘YES to Brandi Halstead!’ That was life-changing for me! I never thought that would happen!”
Today, Brandi continues to pursue her passion for writing on issues that support people like her who live with disabilities. She is working on a practical guide to help people with cognitive or physical challenges and is also writing a children’s book. She wants to encourage others with her writing, and said, “If there’s something hard to talk about, I’ll do it.”
Reflecting on how the Redlands Adult Literacy Program has changed her, Brandi added, “People always assumed incompetence in me.” She shared that those who need help with learning to read and write often face other people’s misperception and discouragement. “But in the Redlands Adult Literacy Program, concepts are explained in an approachable way that was not available to me in the group setting of my special needs classes. In the literacy program, my tutor and teachers help me learn in ways my brain understands. They have the attitude of ‘Let’s make sure Brandi is understanding this.’” Brandi will be able to apply her newfound writing skills in her work, thereby helping the clients she serves.
Whether adult learners are reading to their child, earning a diploma, passing a driver’s test, securing employment, or fulfilling a dream of becoming a published writer, each achievement builds confidence and reinforces the belief that learning is possible at any age. Literacy builds stronger readers, writers, and families, leading to a stronger community—one learner at a time.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer tutor, please contact the Redlands Adult Literacy Program at (909) 307-7377 or email literacy@akspl.org. Our next Volunteer Tutor Orientation will be held on August 19 at 6:00 p.m. at A.K. Smiley Public Library.
If you know someone who would benefit from improving their reading and writing skills, encourage them to take the first step—come to the library and ask for help. The Redlands Adult Literacy Program provides free services, free learning materials, and caring support to help adults reach their goals.