Funding literacy

Eron Ben-Yehuda

HUNTINGTON BEACH -- Gaudencia Marin couldn’t read books to her son before

she enrolled two years ago in a literacy program at the Oak View library

branch.

Now she reads at a third-grade level, and 5-year-old Christian joins her

almost every day at the library for story time.

“For me, it’s beautiful,” Marin, 34, said.

But the Family Literacy Program, which helps about 100 parents learn to

read to their children, is in jeopardy after losing a $9,500 state grant

this year, program director Rose Saylin said.

“We’ve always managed to survive because people help us,” she said,

adding that even the smallest donations have made a difference.

“It’s very touching,” she said. “We got a $10 donation from a man [a

program student] who works part time for minimum wage.”

A contribution of $300 helps teach an adult for a full year, and $50 buys

training materials for tutors.

More than half of the parents who enroll in the program read at a

sixth-grade level or below, literacy coordinator Amy Crepeau said.

Teaching them to read “empowers” the parents, and getting the children

involved instills a love of learning in the next generation, she said.

“I think being able to read and use information is key in this day and

age,” she said.

The program has encouraged Marin to finish at least 20 books a month, but

she reads more, said Claudia Hilbck, an assistant at the Oak View library

branch. Christian can’t read yet, but he memorizes the stories his mom

recites to him, Crepeau said. His favorites come from the book series

“Clifford the Big Red Dog.”

“He’ll tell himself the story while he’s looking at it,” she said.

Marin worked in a machine parts factory until Christian developed medical

problems. She now takes care of her boy full time. But she plans to work

again once Christian enrolls in kindergarten at Oak View Elementary

School in September, she said. Some day, she hopes to be a teacher’s

aide.

The 5-year-old program at Oak View is part of a nationwide effort led by

the nonprofit group Literacy Volunteers of America. Its local chapter is

headquartered in the Central Library. The group receives city, state and

federal funding, as well as private donations.

FYI

Anyone interested in donating to the Family Literacy Program can mail a

tax-deductible contribution to: Literacy, Huntington Beach Central

Library, 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach 92648. Make checks payable

to LVA-Huntington Valley.