As a literacy tutor, Maria Baker met her student, who goes by "J," at the library during the height of the pandemic 11 months ago. English is J’s first language, but he has dyslexia. As someone with dyslexia, herself, Baker knows firsthand the experience of living with a reading disability.
“He didn’t know there was a ‘t’ in the word ‘nutmeg’ for 66 years,” Baker said. “That I can relate to, having dyslexia, myself.”
Dyslexia runs in Baker’s family. Her father had it and one of her three teenagers has it. Growing up, she never saw her father hold a book or a newspaper. She never saw him vote. Her son, on the other hand, is graduating from high school at the top of his class.
Early intervention allowed Baker’s son to get the help he needed to reach his full potential. Seeing the huge difference between her father’s life and her son’s life inspired Maria to become a literacy tutor. She was matched with J when she reached out to Lisa Regimbal, an adult literacy coordinator for the Multnomah County Library.
Since they began working together, J is thriving. "When you learn to read and write, words take on new meaning and better pronunciations,” Baker said. “It’s life changing, and I’m enjoying giving that gift to him.”
Baker was an invited guest at Thursday, April 21 board meeting as the Board proclaimed April 17 through April 23, 2022 as Volunteer Week in Multnomah County. The event—sponsored by the Office of Community Involvement— honors and acknowledges County volunteers, and recognizes their outstanding contributions to the County’s programs and services.
“We take great pleasure in honoring all volunteers with gratitude and appreciation for their selfless efforts,” said Dani Bernstein, who directs the Office of Community Involvement.
The proclamation also served as the 2022 Volunteer Awards ceremony. This year, County departments and offices were invited to nominate volunteers who have made significant contributions to their work. Forty-three individuals received certificates in recognition of their service to Multnomah County and the community.
The volunteer awards span across almost every County department. The awards recognize volunteers who contributed in multiple ways, from those who walk dogs for Animal Services on Saturdays at 6 a.m. to those who study the County’s charter and recommend changes for voters to approve.
“Volunteerism isn’t only a matter of helping others,” Commissioner Susheela Jayapal said. “It’s also a way to build connection and relationships within the community.”
View the recipients of the 2022 Volunteer Awards
Volunteer-powered library literacy programs serve youth and adults
Volunteers deliver a significant amount of the Library's services, said Liza Dyer, a volunteer engagement specialist for the Library. Volunteers also provide behind-the-scenes work that is not always visible, both online and in person.
The Library’s Adult Literacy Team works with more than 70 volunteers who provide practice for English language learners. The program also provides one-on-one tutoring for GED students and adults learning to read. Most of their programs are virtual, and the goal is to transition to a hybrid program.
The Library also has a dedicated Youth Literacy Program. The service began in March 2021 in response to challenges families were experiencing with online school. Caregivers were asking for academic support, and the Library listened, said Jen May, a Youth and Family Services librarian.
Following in the footsteps of the Adult Literacy Program, the Library recruited volunteers willing to work with youth from kindergarten to 12th grade covering language arts, math, social studies, and science.
The first term had six volunteer tutors serving 12 students. Since then, it’s grown to 22 tutors helping 66. As of March 1, 2022, the program has hosted more than 1,000 tutoring sessions. “This would be absolutely impossible without our volunteers, who range in age and background and experience, and even geography,” May said.
Volunteers help justice-involved youth “explore their dreams for the future”
Volunteers also play a role in helping young people involved in the juvenile justice system with healing, hope and resiliency, said Stephanie Bolson, the Volunteer & Intern Program Manager with the Department of Community Justice.
One example is the Portland State University Capstone Program, which gives justice-involved youth a voice and an outlet to express themselves. Through the program, PSU students conduct weekly creative workshops in which DCJ youth produce art and prose.
The culmination of the program is a zine, similar to a literary magazine. Throughout the year, students work with the youth to produce a print publication featuring their writing and artwork. Students, faculty, and family members see the youth’s work reflected in the pages.
“I love the zine and the poetry and the ability for youth to express who they are, their feelings and their creativity,” Commissioner Sharon Meieran said.
Each capstone project has a theme. One recent theme was “What I wish people knew about me.” Through each theme, in-detention youth get to express and process meaningful experiences.
“This whole process of coming in, meeting the students each week and working with them gives our youth an ability to express their feelings,” said Karie Will, a DCJ evidence-based practices lead. “It gives them an opportunity to explore their dreams for the future.”
Will then shared an excerpt from one of the youth in detention:
I understand all things happen for a reason. I say I’m okay. I dream to be outside. I try to stay calm. I hope everything goes all right. I am strong and caring.
“It is really about witnessing someone’s trauma and acknowledging their pain and their path, and their future,” Commissioner Lori Stegmann said.
The capstone projects are equally meaningful for PSU students, said Matt Ross, an adjunct professor at PSU who coordinates the program. Many students who volunteer for the program decide to pursue a career working with youth in detention.
“It isn’t a one-sided relationship,” Ross said. “It’s a two-sided thing, and we all get to learn and grow, and become better people in society as a result of it.”
Ross says another benefit of the project is that it builds empathy and relationships between the students and the youth who they mentor. Many of the youth in detention have been marginalized, Ross said. By working with them, he said, his students become allies.
“The work that you’re doing individually, the work that you’re leading for the students, and the impact that you guys shared that it has on the lives of the people that we’re serving at Multnomah County is really incredible,” Commissioner Jessica Vega Pederson said.
At the conclusion of the presentation, Bernstein read the proclamation aloud. Board members expressed their gratitude to all County volunteers for their service to the community.
Chair Deborah Kafoury noted the commitment of those who dedicated their time and service, especially in light of the challenges and obstacles the community has faced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I just want to say how much I appreciate you,” Chair Deborah Kafoury told presenters. “I really enjoy hearing your personal stories—it makes the work so much more real.”