Boosting literacy is retiree's mission

Irene Haskins

Nov. 3, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Thirty million adult Americans can't read. They can't fill out a job application or get a GED. And millions can't speak English.

Linda Breedlove noticed some adults she would occasionally be around struggled to read. "Everybody should be able to at least functionally read," she firmly believes.

Before retiring from a full-time job six years ago, Linda learned about a training course being given by the Literacy Action Corps, took it and shortly thereafter was matched with a student.

Literacy Action Corps of Columbia, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1968, enables functionally illiterate English and non-English-speaking adults to develop reading, writing, math, communication and other marketable skills. Its mission is to provide opportunities for all to become more self-reliant and productive members of the community. All services are provided by unpaid volunteers who contribute thousands of hours annually in tutoring students at no or minimal expense to them.

"Sometimes the pace is slow, and others may meet their goals and no longer need a tutor. It varies," says Linda, who has worked with "half a dozen students."

Every student-tutor pair is free to select their own location for working together. "I've met people at Hy-Vee, Memorial Union, the library ... anywhere it's quiet." A session usually lasts about an hour once a week. All tutors are given a background check and, if possible, matched with a student by gender and age.

"Around the world people are taught English, starting very young," Linda points out, "so when they come here they already know some of the language."

About four years ago Linda joined the LAC board and didn't tutor as much but substituted whenever possible. She serves as vice president and as a student-tutor coordinator, matching students with teachers. There are two functional divisions to the organization: adult basic literacy, the one Linda coordinates, in which the student's native language is English but the student lacks proper skills after reaching adulthood; and English Language Learner, or ELL, for those for whom English is not their first language.

Born and raised in Jamestown, Linda, 61, came to Columbia to attend the University of Missouri for a degree in English education. After many years of marriage, she and husband Ed Breedlove adopted a son, Matthew, who is now 21 and lives in Columbia. Ed retired in 2002 from the Callaway Nuclear Plant, and Linda followed suit in March 2003, when she retired after 23 years with Shelter Insurance's purchasing department. She "loves retirement" and, besides her work with LAC, finds plenty to keep her busy, including volunteering with the city of Columbia's Hospitality Corps, ushering at Jesse Hall for the University Concert Series, playing the piano, attending as many cultural plays and concerts as she can, traveling and, since "picking up bridge again," playing in several bridge groups. In addition, Linda, who attends Woodcrest Chapel, also has a part-time job teaching English and American culture topics through MU's Asian Affairs Center.

Several local agencies refer students to LAC, where tutors are dedicated to helping people develop skills to improve their lives, whether it be by taking them grocery shopping or helping them read the sports page or write a thank-you note. Board President Mahree Skala says Linda is a dedicated volunteer whose work "helps us keep it all together." The next tutor training sessions are scheduled for Feb. 20 and 27. Anyone interested is encouraged to call Mahree at 474-2195.

"It's been a real joy to work with the organization, to help people learn and improve their English," says Linda. "There's nothing like an Aha! moment."

For both teacher and student.

Volunteer suggestions are welcome and should be directed to Irene Haskins at (573) 815-1721.

Reach Irene Haskins at 573-815-1721 or e-mail ihaskins@columbiatribune.com.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0037-39408563