From the Director
Hello Friends,
The holiday season is starting and there’s a lot going on! We want to thank all of you for what you do to support Palmetto Literacy Council. We cannot express that gratitude enough.
We had two successful fundraising campaigns this fall, particularly when you consider these were our first attempts on our own since we opened in August, 2019. Covid impeded our growth in multiple ways, yet here we are and growing! This can only be because of the dedicated, passionate volunteers we have in the organization.
We’ve experienced some growing pains, which I prefer to call a term one of my sons introduced to me, “success mess.” How cool is that term? And it is so positive! We experience occasional “messes” and yet we problem-solve to grow bigger and better—a success. Our students are our biggest achievement! They are developing new skills and a love of learning.
Once any human loves learning, there is nothing ti stop them from reaching their dreams. My dream was to help everyone learn to read, write, and do math. It has been a lifelong passion. I started my career teach- ing children with emotional and behavioral disabilities. Most of my students were dealing with poverty, a lack of resources, and experiencing verbal and/or physical abuse.
I have a variety of experiences working with those who want to learn and those who wanted to teach, which just means I’m old (smiling). Now, I get to work with those of you who have volunteered, donated, and supported our organization who share my passion to help others learn, no matter how old, where they live, or where they come from.
I cannot think of a more satisfying experience to share…helping others learn.
As a reminder, many of our families and volunteers will be travelling during their holiday seasons. A temporary hold on tutoring sessions during these travel times are essential. We’ll just pick up where we left off. I encourage the students and volunteers to share with each other where they went, what reading they did (signs, brochures, books, etc.). Pictures are great too. Building a rapport with each other helps students learn and encourages them to read. On that note, I encourage students to read 20 minutes every night whether they are attending tutoring sessions or not. It doesn’t matter what they read, it needs to be easy enough for them to read independently or out loud to someone.
I wish all of you the happiest, safest, and healthiest holiday season!
Dodi
Dodi Hodges Executive Director
