If you are a Bank of Texas customer or even if you are not, drop by any Bank of Texas branch during the month of June and donate a children's book to their "Caring for Kids" book drive. This year Bank of Texas has chosen the Family Literacy Workshops at LIFT as the recipients of the book drive.
Parents in the LIFT Family Literacy Workshops learn how to read to their children. Children whose parents participate in the program are allowed to choose a book of their very own from donated books. For many of these children, the book they choose is the very first book they have ever received.
A parent is a child's first and best teacher. Thank you Bank of Texas for getting our children off to a good start by encouraging literacy in the home.
Showing posts with label LIFT. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LIFT. Show all posts
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
LIFT Day Manager Receives Accolades
Tomorrow night, LIFT Day Manager, Melissa Gray is being honored by the Roy Stanley Masonic Lodge here in Dallas for her work on behalf of LIFT adult learners. Each new leaner to LIFT meets one on one with Melissa for their initial assessment which determines which class they will enter. Melissa exhibits such grace and patience under fire. In addition to meeting with every new student that walks through the doors here at the Main Street Site, Melissa keeps everything humming smoothly along in the Main Street site. She keeps adult learners and volunteers informed of any closings, changes in policies and needs. Most of all, she is the ultimate cheerleader for LIFT's adult learners and many of these people have not had a cheerleader in their life. She encourages the learners, urges them to try just once more and celebrates their successes. Melissa, hats off to you - you deserve this accolade!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Endings and Beginnings
I was on vacation last week, hence no blog posts! But I am back now and in full throttle.
Today marks the beginning of the new fiscal year at LIFT and with all new beginnings, you also have a time of reflection. I have been at LIFT a little more than a year, having come on board February 20, 2008. I have had all my firsts - first Volunteer and Donor of Distinction Luncheon - a mere eight days after I started work; first Spelling Bee - two months after coming on board; first Champions of Literacy Luncheon - you get the drift.
I remember when I first started at LIFT we were quoting "6,200 adult learners served". We are now quoting "more than 8,000 adult learners at LIFT". It is common knowledge around here that I am no math wizard and calculating percentages is not my forte. One deciding factor in the college I chose to attend was at that time, I would not have to take any math once I got there. I know for a fact that has all changed! But I digress... even I, the math illiterate, can tell you that is phenomenal growth in the past 12 months, serving 6,200 adults then and more than 8,000 now.
What else has LIFT accomplished this year in addition to serving more adult learners? We launched GED Direct, the only on line, interactive GED preparation course in the entire country geared to a reading level below fifth grade. If you can read at a 9th grade level (and 49% of the adults in Dallas County cannot), you can attend GED prep classes in the DISD or several other places. But what happens if you are in that 49% that reads below a fourth grade level? LIFT is the only game in town. Since launching GED Direct, LIFT has seen a tremendous increase in our upper level classes.
LIFT also implemented a Volunteer Newsletter this past year that goes out to more than 500 active volunteers. It is just one way to keep them informed and connected to LIFT. Our programming staff has also started Round Table Discussions where our volunteers share ideas and best practices. In turn, this information is shared among all the teachers, not just those attending.
LIFT has increased its awareness in the community in several ways. In January we received donated air time for our classes on several radio stations and we could barely field the 1,000+ phone calls we received. We have also had donated ads on the Dallas Bus and DART trains - four times this year alone. LIFT has also started a series of Breakfast Club meetings where we bring different groups in to learn about LIFT. These have proved highly successful. The Dallas Morning News, the Advocate and the Dallas Business Journal have all been wonderful about printing our press releases and giving LIFT much needed publicity.
Donations are down, that is for sure, but we are working smarter and leaner. I look forward to the next fiscal year and the new possibilities it brings. I predict this time next year, I will be reporting to you "more than 9,000 served in the past twelve months". Won't that be exciting? - being part of offering a permanent fix to a lifelong problem - adult illiteracy - to more than 9,000 households! Wow - keep watching!
Today marks the beginning of the new fiscal year at LIFT and with all new beginnings, you also have a time of reflection. I have been at LIFT a little more than a year, having come on board February 20, 2008. I have had all my firsts - first Volunteer and Donor of Distinction Luncheon - a mere eight days after I started work; first Spelling Bee - two months after coming on board; first Champions of Literacy Luncheon - you get the drift.
I remember when I first started at LIFT we were quoting "6,200 adult learners served". We are now quoting "more than 8,000 adult learners at LIFT". It is common knowledge around here that I am no math wizard and calculating percentages is not my forte. One deciding factor in the college I chose to attend was at that time, I would not have to take any math once I got there. I know for a fact that has all changed! But I digress... even I, the math illiterate, can tell you that is phenomenal growth in the past 12 months, serving 6,200 adults then and more than 8,000 now.
What else has LIFT accomplished this year in addition to serving more adult learners? We launched GED Direct, the only on line, interactive GED preparation course in the entire country geared to a reading level below fifth grade. If you can read at a 9th grade level (and 49% of the adults in Dallas County cannot), you can attend GED prep classes in the DISD or several other places. But what happens if you are in that 49% that reads below a fourth grade level? LIFT is the only game in town. Since launching GED Direct, LIFT has seen a tremendous increase in our upper level classes.
LIFT also implemented a Volunteer Newsletter this past year that goes out to more than 500 active volunteers. It is just one way to keep them informed and connected to LIFT. Our programming staff has also started Round Table Discussions where our volunteers share ideas and best practices. In turn, this information is shared among all the teachers, not just those attending.
LIFT has increased its awareness in the community in several ways. In January we received donated air time for our classes on several radio stations and we could barely field the 1,000+ phone calls we received. We have also had donated ads on the Dallas Bus and DART trains - four times this year alone. LIFT has also started a series of Breakfast Club meetings where we bring different groups in to learn about LIFT. These have proved highly successful. The Dallas Morning News, the Advocate and the Dallas Business Journal have all been wonderful about printing our press releases and giving LIFT much needed publicity.
Donations are down, that is for sure, but we are working smarter and leaner. I look forward to the next fiscal year and the new possibilities it brings. I predict this time next year, I will be reporting to you "more than 9,000 served in the past twelve months". Won't that be exciting? - being part of offering a permanent fix to a lifelong problem - adult illiteracy - to more than 9,000 households! Wow - keep watching!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Another LIFT Adult Learner Earns GED
LIFT's fabulous programming staff brought to my attention last week that another LIFT adult learner has earned her GED. Since LIFT launched GED Direct in July 2008, we have seen a 12% increase in the number of adult learners who come to use for the upper level (translates to GED preparation) classes. This shows us that GED Direct, an on line interactive GED preparation class geared to lower level adult readers (those who read at the 5th grade level) is just what adult learners are looking for.
LIFT partnered with Aztec Software to develop the software and GED Direct is the only program of its kind in the United States. Other GED prep courses are geared to the adult learner who reads at the 9th grade level. Our adult learners tell us they love the program - most of them leave class here and continue their studies at home for several hours.
At the present time, LIFT offers GED Direct for free to 13 partner agencies and like all our other classes, there is no charge to the adult learner.
Kind of exciting to be on the front lines with new technology that is improving the lives of so many North Texans.
LIFT partnered with Aztec Software to develop the software and GED Direct is the only program of its kind in the United States. Other GED prep courses are geared to the adult learner who reads at the 9th grade level. Our adult learners tell us they love the program - most of them leave class here and continue their studies at home for several hours.
At the present time, LIFT offers GED Direct for free to 13 partner agencies and like all our other classes, there is no charge to the adult learner.
Kind of exciting to be on the front lines with new technology that is improving the lives of so many North Texans.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Full of Possibilities
The last couple of days have been absolutely glorious, weather wise, here in North Texas. In spite of the economic downturns we have all been facing, it is easy to forget them for a moment and just enjoy the sunshine and clear skies.
That spirit of possibility bleeds over into the workplace. I am not going to gloss over the current fundraising environment - things are tough for non profits and LIFT is not exempt. Rather than dwell on what we don't have, I am choosing to view this time as the opportunity to discover new funding sources.
And I see hope when I come to work. I see hope on the faces of our adult learners as they wait every morning for the doors to open. I see hope in their posture when they realize "hey - I CAN do this. I CAN learn." I see hope when our oldest student has decided at the age of 76 that she can learn to read. I see hope when our adult learners go on to earn their GED and then enroll in college. I see hope when one of our adult learners tells me he and his granddaughter do their reading homework together and help each other.
Instead of dwelling on what is not, let's dwell on what is and the positive impact LIFT has on its adult learners. These are people who are choosing to enhance their lives and the lives of their families. They are becoming literate and a whole new world of opportunities await them.
That spirit of possibility bleeds over into the workplace. I am not going to gloss over the current fundraising environment - things are tough for non profits and LIFT is not exempt. Rather than dwell on what we don't have, I am choosing to view this time as the opportunity to discover new funding sources.
And I see hope when I come to work. I see hope on the faces of our adult learners as they wait every morning for the doors to open. I see hope in their posture when they realize "hey - I CAN do this. I CAN learn." I see hope when our oldest student has decided at the age of 76 that she can learn to read. I see hope when our adult learners go on to earn their GED and then enroll in college. I see hope when one of our adult learners tells me he and his granddaughter do their reading homework together and help each other.
Instead of dwelling on what is not, let's dwell on what is and the positive impact LIFT has on its adult learners. These are people who are choosing to enhance their lives and the lives of their families. They are becoming literate and a whole new world of opportunities await them.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Double Gifts to LIFT
On May 20th, you will have the opportunity to double the gift you make to LIFT. On that day, DonorBridge, an on line resource for donors, will launch and to celebrate, Communities Foundation of Texas and The Dallas Foundation, have established the first-ever Dallas Giving Day and will match, dollar-for-dollar, donations given through the DonorBridge website (www.donorbridgetx.org). These two foundations have earmarked $200,000 to be used for the matching funds, so you want to make your gift early in the day before the matching money runs out.
Non profits that offer services to people (food, shelter, clothing, education) have seen at least a 30% increase in requests for services while at the same time donations are drastically down. That is why Dallas Giving Day is such an important event. A $25 gift becomes a $50 gift when made through www.donorbridgetx.org.
Only a couple of caveats apply:
$25 minimum gift
Must be made through the DonorBridge website at www.donorbridgetx.org
Maximum matching contribution per individual is $2,500 (but you can donate
as much as you want.)
Matching dollars only available as long as they last on May 20th.
So, donate early, donate often and double your gift to LIFT
Non profits that offer services to people (food, shelter, clothing, education) have seen at least a 30% increase in requests for services while at the same time donations are drastically down. That is why Dallas Giving Day is such an important event. A $25 gift becomes a $50 gift when made through www.donorbridgetx.org.
Only a couple of caveats apply:
$25 minimum gift
Must be made through the DonorBridge website at www.donorbridgetx.org
Maximum matching contribution per individual is $2,500 (but you can donate
as much as you want.)
Matching dollars only available as long as they last on May 20th.
So, donate early, donate often and double your gift to LIFT
Monday, April 13, 2009
LIFT Adult Learner Earns GED
Tonight at LIFT we are having a little party. We are going to celebrate the fact that one of our adult learners has earned his GED.
Ernest could read - a little. After all, he completed school through the eighth grade and could read at a sixth grade level, but Ernest wanted more from his life. He wanted to go to college and to own an electronics business. To achieve these dreams, Ernest knew he would have to learn to read at a much higher level. Ernest turned to LIFT in 2006 to get what he needed to move his life in that direction.
Ernest attended GED classes four nights a week for three years. Imagine - is there anything you do that takes you away from home four nights a week AFTER working a full time job? That you do willingly? That is determination and dedication.
Learning to read garnered Mr. Piper a job promotion. Previously employed as a janitor, he is now trained as a Crisis Hotline Counselor.
Ernest is all set to enter college . Congratulations Ernest. We wish you the best of luck!
Ernest could read - a little. After all, he completed school through the eighth grade and could read at a sixth grade level, but Ernest wanted more from his life. He wanted to go to college and to own an electronics business. To achieve these dreams, Ernest knew he would have to learn to read at a much higher level. Ernest turned to LIFT in 2006 to get what he needed to move his life in that direction.
Ernest attended GED classes four nights a week for three years. Imagine - is there anything you do that takes you away from home four nights a week AFTER working a full time job? That you do willingly? That is determination and dedication.
Learning to read garnered Mr. Piper a job promotion. Previously employed as a janitor, he is now trained as a Crisis Hotline Counselor.
Ernest is all set to enter college . Congratulations Ernest. We wish you the best of luck!
Monday, March 23, 2009
SpeedPro Imaging Grand Opening Benefits LIFT
Raising money for a non profit is a many varied and splendorous thing, especially in these challenging economic times. Before someone invests in your mission, you need to show them their hard earned dollars and time are going to be well used.
I explain that non profit fundraising is a lot like dating. Relationships must be built. First you get to know each other and then after a while, you start to dance. But sometimes you meet someone and it just clicks. Such is the case with Eric Rozier and SpeedPro Imaging of Greater Dallas.
Eric and I first met at a Coffee Cup Connection event, sponsored by the Dallas Chamber of Commerce. A Coffee Cup Connection is sort of like speed dating - you move between tables of 6-8 and everyone gets about a minute to tell about their business and the types of customers or leads they are looking for. Eric was intrigued by LIFT and realized the importance of the work we do teaching adults to read, so he visited our downtown Dallas site. He decided then and there to become a LIFT partner.
Fast forward just a few weeks and this Thursday, March 26th, SpeedPro Imaging of Greater Dallas will have its Grand Opening and owner Eric Rozier has arranged for the event to benefit LIFT. He opened his Rolodex and is asking attendees to donate their time or their money to LIFT. He didn't have to do this - he is giving from the goodness of his heart. An opportunity like this is golden for LIFT - we are able to reach an audience that, in all honesty, probably does not know about LIFT. We will be able to educate at least 100 more people about the insidious nature of adult illiteracy and how pervasive it is in North Texas.
So, thank you Eric and SpeedPro Imaging of Greater Dallas. It is partnerships like this that keep us going. See you Thursday night!
I explain that non profit fundraising is a lot like dating. Relationships must be built. First you get to know each other and then after a while, you start to dance. But sometimes you meet someone and it just clicks. Such is the case with Eric Rozier and SpeedPro Imaging of Greater Dallas.
Eric and I first met at a Coffee Cup Connection event, sponsored by the Dallas Chamber of Commerce. A Coffee Cup Connection is sort of like speed dating - you move between tables of 6-8 and everyone gets about a minute to tell about their business and the types of customers or leads they are looking for. Eric was intrigued by LIFT and realized the importance of the work we do teaching adults to read, so he visited our downtown Dallas site. He decided then and there to become a LIFT partner.
Fast forward just a few weeks and this Thursday, March 26th, SpeedPro Imaging of Greater Dallas will have its Grand Opening and owner Eric Rozier has arranged for the event to benefit LIFT. He opened his Rolodex and is asking attendees to donate their time or their money to LIFT. He didn't have to do this - he is giving from the goodness of his heart. An opportunity like this is golden for LIFT - we are able to reach an audience that, in all honesty, probably does not know about LIFT. We will be able to educate at least 100 more people about the insidious nature of adult illiteracy and how pervasive it is in North Texas.
So, thank you Eric and SpeedPro Imaging of Greater Dallas. It is partnerships like this that keep us going. See you Thursday night!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Salute to Adult Learners
I am in awe of our adult learners, those individuals who decide for whatever reason that they need to better their reading skills. How hard it must be to take a deep breath and walk through those doors and admit that you can't read well or at all.
Everybody knows that ANYONE can read - you must be really stupid if you can't read, right? Or you just spent too much time goofing off in school - if you had been a better person, you would have learned to read, right?
WRONG on so many levels. 20% of the adult learners are LIFT were born and raised in this country and I would gather the majority of them attended school at least for a few years and yet they cannot read well enough to understand the newspaper. We estimate that the majority of adult learners who come to LIFT have undiagnosed learning differences. They are at LIFT not because they goofed off in school or are stupid - some where along the lines they just didn't get it.
49% of the adults in Dallas County cannot read better than a fourth grade. To show you what that means, here is an excerpt from a fourth grade level book:
There was something furry lying under one of the buses. It was almost hidden under all
the leaves, but Lily had spotted it. What's that?" Lily woofed curiously to herself. Even
though she knew she should get home right away, she couldn't resist taking a little look.
"I'd better be careful, though," she yapped. "It might be dangerous."
These are people who can't read the newspaper, cannot understand the notes that come with a prescription.
We all have faced hard things in our lives and know how difficult it is to just admit we need help. To those adult learners who have faced their fears and shortcomings and decided to take their future into their own hands - I salute you.
Everybody knows that ANYONE can read - you must be really stupid if you can't read, right? Or you just spent too much time goofing off in school - if you had been a better person, you would have learned to read, right?
WRONG on so many levels. 20% of the adult learners are LIFT were born and raised in this country and I would gather the majority of them attended school at least for a few years and yet they cannot read well enough to understand the newspaper. We estimate that the majority of adult learners who come to LIFT have undiagnosed learning differences. They are at LIFT not because they goofed off in school or are stupid - some where along the lines they just didn't get it.
49% of the adults in Dallas County cannot read better than a fourth grade. To show you what that means, here is an excerpt from a fourth grade level book:
There was something furry lying under one of the buses. It was almost hidden under all
the leaves, but Lily had spotted it. What's that?" Lily woofed curiously to herself. Even
though she knew she should get home right away, she couldn't resist taking a little look.
"I'd better be careful, though," she yapped. "It might be dangerous."
These are people who can't read the newspaper, cannot understand the notes that come with a prescription.
We all have faced hard things in our lives and know how difficult it is to just admit we need help. To those adult learners who have faced their fears and shortcomings and decided to take their future into their own hands - I salute you.
Monday, March 2, 2009
National Reading Month
Did you know that March is National Reading Month? Neither did I until I caught a news article this morning. I am one of those individuals who cannot begin her day until she reads the Dallas Morning News cover to cover and checks out on line news articles from several sources. So, in light of this information, how are you going to celebrate National Reading Month?
Reading has always been a part of my life, and I suspect reading is important to LIFT supporters - after all - if reading wasn't so important to us, why would we want to help other adults learn to read? I thought and thought about how to celebrate National Reading Month and then it hit me - LIFT celebrates reading not just in the month of March, but every day. Every milestone that our adult learners reach in their quest to become better readers is a cause for celebration. Doesn't matter if the achievement is being able to identify the letter "a" and the sound it makes or if one of our learners achieves his/her GED. Every step towards literacy is a celebration. LIFT applauds their achievements and our students know this. That is why 46% of LIFT learners complete their courses, compared to a national average of 10%.
So, I don't know about you, but I am not going to limit National Reading Month to March - I am going to join the more than 8,000 adults who learn to read for free at LIFT each year and celebrate literacy every day.
Reading has always been a part of my life, and I suspect reading is important to LIFT supporters - after all - if reading wasn't so important to us, why would we want to help other adults learn to read? I thought and thought about how to celebrate National Reading Month and then it hit me - LIFT celebrates reading not just in the month of March, but every day. Every milestone that our adult learners reach in their quest to become better readers is a cause for celebration. Doesn't matter if the achievement is being able to identify the letter "a" and the sound it makes or if one of our learners achieves his/her GED. Every step towards literacy is a celebration. LIFT applauds their achievements and our students know this. That is why 46% of LIFT learners complete their courses, compared to a national average of 10%.
So, I don't know about you, but I am not going to limit National Reading Month to March - I am going to join the more than 8,000 adults who learn to read for free at LIFT each year and celebrate literacy every day.
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