Read West looking for more volunteers

Read West, a nonprofit organization that teaches literacy to adults, is looking for more volunteers to help teach at its Barbara Loop location.

“We believe that the ability to read and write is essential to economic self-sufficiency and personal well-being. Read West exists to increase literacy skills for adults as the means of achieving basic survival skills, parenting skills, employability and job skills, citizenship, and further education,” Program Coordinator Rene Hernandez said.

According to the website, Read West has served Rio Rancho for more than 30 years and has helped more than 4,000 adults in Sandoval County.

Barbara King, a Corrales librarian, contacted the New Mexico Coalition for Literacy in Santa Fe in 1988 to ask for assistance in starting the Read West program.

Since then, Read West has grown from a single room to a full literacy center with six classrooms for student and tutor meetings, a tutor training site and a large space for student group classes.

Sue Fox, president of Read West Board of Directors and volunteer tutor, says students come from highly diverse backgrounds and cultures; however, they share a common goal of improving their lives.

“Literacy builds a bridge from darkness to light; please join us in bringing the greatest gift we can offer our fellow students: hope,” she said.

Hernandez says people volunteering do not need teaching experience nor a foreign language. Training will be provided on site by coordinators.

The next English as a Second language tutor training with Read West is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25.

To learn more, visit readwest.org or to sign up contact Hernandez at 505-892-1131 or  [email protected].