TRUMBULL COUNTY Tutor opens books, doors

Want someone to have a better future? Help them learn how to read.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- To several students at Even Start, a state and federal program in which adults can take courses to obtain their high school equivalency diplomas, Judy Kellogg is a hero.
Kellogg, who retired from General Motors in 1992, didn't save their lives or give them money. She did, however, teach them to read.
A volunteer with Warren-Trumbull County Adult Literacy Program, Kellogg has been teaching others to read for the past three years. She tutors adults at Even Start, which is housed in the Trumbull County Community Action Program building on Palmyra Road S.W.
"She has been wonderful for me," said Amanda Bowen, 20, of Niles. "I'm almost ready to take my GED [General Educational Development test], and that is because of her."
Plans: Bowen said she now plans to attend college, something she didn't even think of last year.
"I was struggling," said Bowen. "I dropped out of school when I was 16. I knew I couldn't go anywhere with my future if I didn't get a GED, and to do that I needed to read better."
Pat Walker, a teacher at Even Start, said she is not sure what she would do without Kellogg.
"I can't even begin to stress how much she helps this program," Walker said. "She can provide a student that individual attention. As teachers we can't sit and spend time with each person, so having Judy is a blessing."
Kellogg is among 25 adult literacy tutors in Trumbull County.
More needed: Beth Trace, the program's literacy coordinator, said she needs more tutors.
"I don't think people know, but in Trumbull County 24.6 percent of adults don't have a high school diploma or a GED," Trace said. "Many of those who don't have their diploma or GED either don't know how to read or are poor readers."
A free four-part volunteer literacy tutor training workshop will be conducted from 5:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. March 26 and 28 and April 2 and 4 in the Thomas meeting room at the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library.
The training will teach methods that will enable community volunteers to work with adult beginning readers. Volunteers do not have to have prior teaching experience.
How to help: To sign up for the course, call Trace at (330) 841-2272, extension 257.
"Choosing to be a tutor is the best thing I have ever done," said a smiling Kellogg. "When I finish my day here, I go home and say to myself, 'I helped someone cross a bridge today, and I made their lives better.' It's a great feeling."