Barbara Raybon, the volunteer coordinator for the center, said she hopes the open house will generate some interest in helping out at the already taxed center.
The reason they need help: The number of students enrolling in literacy or English as a second language programs is continually on the rise.
“Our needs are great and our literacy students that we serve were not successful in the public school system,” she said. “Our students need one-on-one help and group tutoring, which makes all the difference in the world in helping them.”
She said the center currently serves 55 students on the literacy side, and 150 students per quarter in English classes. One reason for that, Raybon said, is the economy.
“Many of the people we now have coming in for classes realize that they need to learn English in order to be employable,” Raybon said.
Cathy Mitchell, the head of the language program, said Spanish-speaking individuals make up a large portion of her students, but individuals from all over the world learn English in the program.
She said the center has been filled lately because students realize the importance of learning English to help their job opportunities.
“They work hard and are studying for up to 20 hours a week,” she said. “They realize they need to learn English and get a GED in order to have a shot at getting a job in this economy.”
For more information about the open house or how to volunteer, contact the center at 706-236-4617.
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