Year round, the dedicated tutors who volunteer for the JCC’s literacy and math programs work one-on-one with economically and academically challenged students, helping them focus on education as a means to success. Approximately 85 percent of these students speak Spanish, French, Creole, dialects from African countries, or other languages at home; others reside in temporary housing facilities. Too many children fall behind their peers or fail to move up with their classmates and their families lack the resources to help them. By providing academic support, our tutors give the students a gift they can use throughout their lives.
“Working with an adult who is not judging you builds self-esteem,” says Doug, who has been a volunteer tutor with the program since 1990. He has helped dozens of children improve their reading skills, and thus improve their lives. “This is my community. I see these kids on the street—I am one more adult who they know is looking out for them.”
JCC Manhattan’s literacy and math programs have a lasting impact on participating public school students and on our community as a whole. “[My children] are learning a lot and they love the program so I love it too. It’s not like other afterschool programs; it’s like a family,” noted Raquel, whose two children, Felix and Katherine, have participated as students in the program for several years.
You can make a difference: Click here to become a volunteer tutor with JCC Manhattan’s literacy and math programs. Orientations will take place on Sun, Sep 20; Thu, Sep 24; and Wed, Oct 7. Daytime and evening tutoring options are offered Monday through Fridays from October to May. For more information, please contact Judy Gross, Director of Literacy, Math + Social Action Programs, at jgross@jccmanhattan.org or 646.505.4450.
JCC Manhattan is an affiliate of the National Jewish Coalition for Literacy. Generous support for JCC Literacy programs is provided, in part, by The Louis and Anne Abrons Foundation, Inc., The Frederick P. and Sandra P. Rose Foundation, and The New-Land Foundation. Funding for the Gift of Math Program is provided in loving memory from the estate of Robert V. Tishman.
