Lake Co. United Way launches new tutor program

It was slow going, but third-grader Tania Sotelo didn't miss a word.

"Beep, beep, beep, a taxi calls. But the traffic creeps and the traffic crawls," read the Clearview School student.

Volunteer reading tutor Anathalie Dailey inched closer to Sotelo's shoulder.

"Perfect. Now, read the next line."

"Honk, honk, honk, a bus drives by. A startled baby starts to cry," Sotelo read.

"Perfect again!" Dailey smiled.

This scene at the Waukegan school will be repeated dozens of times as the Lake County United Way launches a new tutoring program this year. Organizers are hoping to expand and are looking for more volunteers to do so.

The two-phase approach focuses on volunteers reading to the students and also one-on-one tutoring, explained United Way Community Development Director Michelle Crombie. "Our readers work to make sure kids understand reading is enjoyable," she said. "The tutoring aspect aims at students who need extra help."

Survey results were the catalyst to start the program, Crombie said. "Between interviews and surveys about the needs in the county, education came out near the top of the list," she said. "After third grade you must be able to read to learn all of the other subjects. If not, there is a downward spiral that is hard to stop."

Crombie said nearly 55 volunteers have signed on already but said the program could use more helpers. Volunteers go through three two-hour training sessions to prepare them for the task. The program is running in four Waukegan schools: Clearview, Carmen Buckner, Glen Flora and North Elementary.

Clearview Principal Jose Lara said the volunteers are already making a noticeable difference with the students.

"This is more than a reading program. The students are learning phonics, vocabulary and comprehension," he said. "And the one-on-one attention some of them receive is very helpful and more than we can provide. The kids really crave that."

And if the kids benefit, the volunteers say the experience is rewarding for them as well. Anathalie Dailey says it's energizing to see kids make progress. "We'll be working on some difficult words and then you see the light bulbs go off," said the Gurnee woman. "They aren't just learning words, they are understanding them in context. I love what I do. Time goes by so quickly. Forty minutes is just not enough."

Program organizers say they would like to have at least 25 new volunteers for the spring session. Those interested can call (847) 775-1000.

"Lake County United Way has a mission to meet as many needs as possible," Crombie said. "We are putting some extra people power behind the big issues in the county. The volunteers are completely into this and really enthused."