FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 27, 2001 CONTACT: Lisa Lacher, (515) 271-3119 WANTED: TUTORS TO SHARE THE JOY OF READING The Drake University Adult Literacy Center needs volunteers to tutor adults in basic literacy. The center provides literacy instruction to more than 50 adults per year. Tutoring is now offered as well for children with a family member enrolled at the center. "Many adults are waiting for tutors," said Anne Murr, director of the center. "Reading can open a whole new world for them. All it takes is a volunteer willing to devote two hours per week to one-on-one tutoring in reading, writing and speaking. Volunteers receive training, instructional materials and ongoing support. The Drake Adult Literacy Center is located in the School of Education, 3206 University Ave. The center is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday. For more information or to volunteer, call 271-3982 or send an e-mail message to anne.murr@drake.edu. Facts about the Drake University Adult Literacy Center: Serves Adults who seek basic instruction in reading, writing and speaking. Children in families of adults receiving Literacy Center services. Who provides the service Volunteer tutors How One-on-one tutoring in reading, writing and speaking. Two hourly sessions per week. Volunteers receive training and on-going information and support. The Need 38 percent of Des Moines residents perform at the lowest literacy levels. (Source: U.S. Dept. of Ed. National Center for Education Statistics) Why adults come to the Literacy Center "So I can read and understand legal and tax documents, medicine labels, recipes, cards from my children." "So I can read to my grandchildren, read my mail, and read my Bible." "When I have to read, I quit jobs. I want to be able to read and keep a job." "I can't help my children with their homework." "If I could read and write I could do anything."