In an effort to bring literacy services to the Turlock Gospel Mission’s Homeless Assistance Ministry Center, Stanislaus Literacy Center and Stanislaus County Library will be providing a volunteer tutor training through the ReadingWorks Adult Literacy Program.  This training is for any volunteer who wants to work with one of the 15 adults who have already asked for help in learning to read or improving their reading skills.  However, other opportunities to help Turlock community members may also be available for volunteers.

The training will be provided from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 30 at Monte Vista Chapel located at 1619 E. Monte Vista Ave. in Turlock.  Volunteers who attend this training can indicate at that time whether they would like to help at the HAM Center or in one of the other tutoring programs offered by ReadingWorks.  Volunteers are asked to make a six-month commitment as a tutor and to spend at least two days a week for 90 minutes each session providing tutoring.  Materials will be provided to both the tutor and student.  The HAM center on East Avenue will be the primary location for tutoring the homeless adults who spend their day at this site.

“We are excited to be asked to launch this program with Turlock Gospel Mission,” Karen Williams, SLC’s executive director, said.  “It’s obviously a big need which has been identified since there are already 15 adults signed up to be tutored.  Improving reading and writing skills is key to helping these adults obtain jobs and stabilize their lives.”

To sign up for this training, call Julia Washington at 558-4505 or e-mail jwashington@readingworks.net.  There is a registration fee of $10 which can be waived upon request. More information about being a volunteer at Stanislaus Literacy Center is on the website www.readingworks.net.