The Jewish Coalition for Literacy is determined to eliminate childhood illiteracy in the Bay Area, based on trust in the tutors and schools served by the organization.
While the pandemic has required operational adjustments, the nonprofit is moving forward into the new school year with a mission to help disadvantaged school-age children learn to read.
JCL was founded in Boston in 1997 and began its work in the Bay Area in 1999. Under the leadership of Bay Area Director Lisa Peckler, the organization trains and supports tutors and provides books to local libraries.
"We also involve parents and teach them to read at home with their children," said Judy Pam-Bycel, JCL program manager.
The nonprofit works with 50 Bay Area K-5 schools, mostly public and some charter schools, generally in underserved school districts; it has more than 250 volunteer tutors on its current roster, serving more than 700 students in the region.
It also trains, places tutors and links them with students with learning difficulties in schools.
"A caring relationship with a caring adult is what we offer, as well as having a shared learning journey between tutor and student," Peckler said, noting that JCL provides an opportunity for people from different socioeconomic backgrounds to learn from each other. "We encourage our tutors to be fully engaged in this mission."
Marlene Stein, JCL's mentor for nine years, embodies the philosophy and "whole me" approach of the organization.
Stein began working with a first-grader who couldn't read and avoided social interaction in school. They studied together for two years, and by third grade, their relationship had blossomed to the point where they could walk into a room, close the door, and the girl would teach her dance steps.
By fifth grade, the student was able to read almost at a third grade level.
"We were consistent and I always supported her. She benefited from the relationship of an adult outside the family," Stein said. "I never reprimanded her, but I kept a positive attitude. That's the essence of what we do at JCL."
"I know they provide excellent training at JCL," said Tana Monteiro, who is in charge of tutors at the Richmond charter school. Between six and 12 JCL tutors work with students at the school during a typical year.
The coronavirus has led to school closures and eliminated in-person tutoring over the past year and a half, so the organization shifted the focus of tutoring, relying on Zoom and FaceTime calls to reach its students.
One unexpected consequence of the pandemic is that tutors, who are normally asked to spend an hour a week on organisation, have found time to spend sometimes three or four hours a week with students because they no longer need to travel to face-to-face sessions.
Peckler said one of the biggest challenges facing the organization is determining whether the tutoring will remain online or return to in-person sessions this school year. And securing funding from large corporations and trusts always requires significant effort.
"There have been cuts in the foundation arena," said Peckler, who is trying to increase the nonprofit's revenue by $50,000 to reach half a million dollars this year. "People are also very important in helping us reach our goals."
For those who believe in what JCL is doing, but don't have the time or inclination to tutor, the organization accepts online donations.
But Peckler said the organization is also always looking for new tutors.
"For a tutor, a positive attitude and flexibility are important ingredients for success," Pam-Bycel said.
And the results can be rewarding, both for the tutor and the student.
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