Literacy program seeking volunteer tutors for the Illinois Youth Center

Literacy Volunteers of Illinois is seeking men and women who are compassionate, flexible and non-judgmental to become volunteer tutors for youth incarcerated at the Illinois Youth Center in St. Charles.

The tutoring program, called Jump Start, is offering an information session on Thursday, Dec. 2, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Kava Diem, 1 Illinois St. in St. Charles. It is not necessary to be there the entire time. Reservations are requested.

Teaching experience is not required, as 12 hours of tutor training are provided to volunteers free of charge. Most tutors volunteer between one and two hours a week and tutoring is done one-on-one in a safe and supervised environment.

Becoming a volunteer tutor can be a lengthy process, as an extensive background check is required, but volunteers in the program find the work very rewarding.

"Youth who have the advantage of working with a tutor are more likely to achieve a high school diploma or GED and are less likely to re-enter the system,"states Dorothy Miaso, executive director of Literacy Volunteers of Illinois.

Located on Route 38 west of St. Charles, the Youth Center hosts approximately 35 young men involved in the juvenile justice system.

While ages range from 13 to 20, most are between 16 and 17 years old. Educational ability among the youth varies widely, with some youth struggling to learn basic reading and math skills, and others working toward diplomas or GEDs.

For more information or to make a reservation, contact Melissa Auer at mauer@lvillinois.or by callling (312) 857-1582.

This project was made possible by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a division of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds designated for literacy.