Many local nonprofits are facing challenges as money and volunteer hours pour into groups with a more direct role in storm recovery efforts. These groups are trying to address the issue in creative ways, including reaching out to donors and volunteers outside WNC for help.
“I would encourage anyone who’s interested in language and cultural exchange to put aside any fears or doubts they may have about becoming an ESOL tutor and give Literacy Together a try!”
Ray Porter has been a tutor with Literacy Together since 2022. The organization works to meet the literacy and English language needs of people of all ages in Buncombe County.
Ellen Bowditch, a retired elementary school teacher and volunteer tutor with Literacy Together, discusses her work with the local nonprofit, the importance of community involvement and the need to show care and respect to our area’s youth.
Local artists will compete in the inaugural Great Pottery Throwdown to raise money for All Together Art. Plus, a retired Mars Hill religion professor launches a podcast, Asheville plans a big music festival and local artist organizes a rally to support Ukraine.
Local resident Anne Dachowski reflects on her volunteer work with Literacy Together.
“One of the most significant hurdles Literacy Together continues to face is having enough volunteer tutors. We hold ongoing volunteer tutor orientations and trainings all year.”
“We have a literacy crisis in our community, but our community is stepping up to change this.”
While the statistics are bleak and the systemic obstacles are many, local individuals and community-based organizations are pursuing their own approaches to tackling long-standing inequities among students at Asheville City Schools.
