Most of us take for granted our ability to read a magazine, order from a menu, fill out an application, or understand a warning label.  For adults with limited reading skill, these everyday activities pose significant problems.

Low literacy has profound effects not only on the individual but also on our communities--from unemployment and poverty to health and welfare issues.

ADULT PROGRAM
Students work one-on-one with tutors who meet with them on a regular basis, usually once or twice a week.  Tutors are volunteers who undergo training that prepares them to work with adult learners and help them achieve their literacy goals.  Since its beginning, ABLE has worked with hundreds of adult learners and offered thousands of hours of instruction.

Individual reading goals are as varied as each learner.  Some want to read to their children or grandchildren, and some want to improve their writing skills.  New readers from countries throughout the world learn English grammar and pronunciation, and many study for citizenship tests.  Still others find that high levels of reading and comprehension skills are required for today's jobs and works with ABLE tutors to achieve their employment goals.

MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM
Several years ago ABLE board members asked the question, "How can we put ourselves out of business," and from there the middle school program at Thomas Jefferson and Lewis and Clark was born.  Trained, volunteer tutors began working with 6th grade students to improve their reading and comprehension skills.  The program has proven to be successful with the majority of the students making progress by the end of the school year with help from the dedicated ABLE volunteers. ABLE proudly promotes the #JCReads initiative in the Jefferson City Public Schools.

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