Commentary: There is help for those who cannot read this

When Phil was a child, he liked school but found it challenging to retain information. Starting in the second grade, his family moved frequently and his life became chaotic. Changing schools frequently made it difficult for him to develop his reading skills.

Then, in 2006, Phil came to OC READ, the adult literacy service of the OC Public Libraries. With the help of a tutor, he has gained confidence and now views reading and learning as a lifelong adventure and a partnership, rather than an overwhelming and embarrassing experience. He enjoys reading to children in his wife’s daycare program and is focusing on a new learning goal for himself: getting his U.S. Citizenship.

OC READ is the adult literacy service of OC Public Libraries, serving about 600,000 adults in Orange County who need help learning and improving basic reading skills. Through the help of volunteer tutors, OC READ offers free, confidential, individualized tutoring at the local library.

Learners use their personal goals as a means to improve their literacy skills, by focusing on the reading and writing that they need in order to fill out a job application, read a prescription label, register to vote, help their kids with homework, write a letter to a friend, or just read for fun.

Thousands more still need help. Although many learners are reluctant to seek help because they are embarrassed by their reading challenges, they don’t need to feel alone. OC READ tutoring is confidential and offers the flexibility that many adults need in order to overcome the barriers that have kept them from learning in the past.

Phil is excited about lifelong learning and offers some encouraging words to share with other adults in Orange County who may be seeking help to improve their literacy skills:

“When we can’t put it together, we feel lost. But, we shouldn’t — we can do it! We’ve got to be honest with ourselves, tell our tutors how it really is, and we need to grow together to fix it. Break the wall of “Can’t do,” “It’s hard,” and “Never!”

If you or someone you know has similar challenges with reading and writing, share Phil’s story and encourage them to call OC READ to request their own tutor.

For more information, call (714) 566-3070 or visit readoc.org

EVAN SHAFFER volunteers with OC READ.