BJ’s Charitable Foundation Provides Financial Support To Literacy Nassau

(Long Island, N.Y.) Freeport-based Literacy Nassau has announced the receipt of a $10,000 grant from BJ’s Charitable Foundation. These funds have been designated by the Foundation’s board of directors to conduct critical tutor training workshops. According to Literacy Nassau’s Executive Director Tina Sanacore, “Volunteer tutors are the backbone of the services provided by Literacy Nassau. The generous funding provided by BJ’s Charitable Foundation has enabled us to create two Tutor Training Workshops in Freeport, and will result in the recruitment of 25 new tutors.” With a waiting list of more than 300 adult learners eager to meet with tutors, the philanthropic spirit displayed by BJ’s sets a wonderful example for the community.”
 
WHAT IS A TUTOR TRAINING WORKSHOP?
Held multiple times each year at libraries and other locations throughout Nassau County, Tutor Training Workshops prepare volunteers to work with adult learners who seek to improve their reading, writing and English language skills. Tutor Training Workshops last 15 hours over a span of five sessions. Daytime, evening and Saturday workshops are programmed to enable volunteers to participate based on their varying schedules. Additional professional development sessions held throughout the year and tutor roundtables, in addition to newsletters and other resources, provide tutors with the opportunity to share experiences and have questions or concerns addressed. No prior teaching experience is required; tutors come from all walks of life and represent a wide variety of trades and occupations.
 
Once student/tutor matches are made – careful consideration is given to many social, educational and individual factors – volunteer tutors meet with their students once a week, generally for a minimum period of one year. In the words of one 20 year volunteer tutor, “I have had the pleasure of helping to prepare other adults for tutoring, and the self-satisfaction of helping individuals rise to a better functioning level. Our students feel a sense of pride in their accomplishments, and speak with gratitude to their tutors for their time, interest and effort.” 
 
ABOUT LITERACY NASSAU  
Since 1968, Literacy Nassau (www.LiteracyNassau.org) has provided over 30,000 adults in Nassau County with free literacy instruction one-to-one or in very small groups. Serving both native and non-native English speaking adults with the lowest levels of literacy, Literacy Nassau strives to provide people with the option of becoming members of a self-confident and informed populace – understanding issues, representing themselves, taking responsibility for self-improvement and family health, and better able to participate in civic affairs. With over 300 students currently waiting to enter the program, Literacy Nassau’s greatest need is for volunteer tutors. One particular story drives home this need: recently, a 25 year-old waiting student called to find out how long it will take to find him a tutor. Though he graduated from a local high school, he reads at just over the second grade level, doesn’t have a driver’s license, and recently lost his construction job because of an injury. He said with everything going on out there he needs to start moving on his reading. For additional information on becoming a Literacy Nassau Volunteer, call 516.867.3580.
 
ABOUT BJ’s CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
Established with the goal of creating a positive, long-lasting impact on the communities BJ’s serves, the mission of BJ’s Charitable Foundation is to enhance and enrich community programs that primarily benefit children and families. Since its first grant in 2005, BJ’s Charitable Foundation has allocated funds on a quarterly basis, giving more than $5,250,000 to over 500 deserving organizations in the 16 states where BJ’s Clubs are located. The majority of BJ’s Charitable Foundation giving is focused on organizations that promote the safety, security and well-being of children and families; support education and health programs; provide community service opportunities; and aid in hunger and disaster relief.