We invite you to meet Nicola, our featured student this month in our “Learner Spotlight”.  Featured adult learners represent the Literacy Council’s programs, including authors from Reflections: Voices of English Learners, the Literacy Council’s literary magazine, as well as adult learners in other programs. Nicola contributed several stories to the eighth edition.

My name is Nicola B., and I was born in Italy a long time ago. I moved to Frederick during the COVID pandemic, in October 2020. My first years here were difficult for many reasons— one of the biggest challenges was communication. I started taking classes at the Literacy Council to improve my spoken and written English. The people I’ve met over the years have been very kind, and they have helped me a lot in reaching my goals. My journey is still ongoing, but I want to say thank you to everyone who works at the Literacy Council.

We hope you enjoy Nicola’s written works, “Climate Change”, “How to Learn a New Language?”, and “Fall”. View all of our students’ stories on our Reflections: Voices of English Learners web page. Below is one of Nicola’s articles.

“Fall”

We have four seasons, and they are different in temperature, light, and weather. Spring starts on the 20th of March. Nature wakes up, trees start to have leaves, animals come out of the underground burrows, the days will be longer and a little bit warmer. The 20th of June starts summer; the days are very long and hot, with nice weather and less rain. The fall starts on the 22nd of September. During this season the temperature and light decrease, but nature starts to change and the leaves have more than a thousand brilliant colors; it is like watching a painting. Winter starts the 21st of December when the days are shorter and coldest. We have snow and the only animals you can find are birds.

Each of these seasons are very special, but my favorite season is the fall. In this season in my town, we have the harvest of grapes, it is hard work, and the days are very long working days. During the night the grapes are worked to make the wine. In this time the people stay together to help each other, and there is so much work, but sometimes you don’t get tired because you are happy! (Sometimes it is also the alcohol.)

I like the fall because I remember the days when I was a young and strong man, when I went to help my neighbors or my uncle with the harvest. They were so happy, and they looked at me with a big smile, and I was happy too. Maybe one day I will go back again, but the nostalgia is the feelings I have now, and I know that those days won’t come back. The people I left 15 years ago are now different from how I remember them. The people that I knew are alive only in my mind now.

Read Nicola’s other stories and more student stories in our 8th edition of Reflections.

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When did you first start volunteering with The Literacy Council of Frederick County and what made you decide to do so?

I started volunteering in February 2020 shortly after I retired. I chose to volunteer at the Literacy Council because I wanted to find a way to help others, and I felt tutoring was something I could learn to become proficient at whereas a physically demanding volunteering requirement would not be a good match for my limited motor capabilities (disability) as the result of a stroke many years ago.

What kind of volunteering do you do with us? Please describe a meaningful experience that you have had while volunteering.

I do one-on-one ESL and basic literacy tutoring, and lead high beginner/low intermediate community conversation classes.

I have had a few meaningful experiences but not one single experience that stands out. I had a basic literacy student who was 67 years old and unable to say the alphabet when we began to work together. Upon seeing this student at one of the Baker Park summer concerts, she hugged me, danced with my wife, and happily recited the alphabet perfectly. One ESL student I have been seeing kept her head down and almost never made a sound when we first started working together. Now she greets me in clearly understandable English and asks me how I am doing.

What is something that you have learned as a volunteer for the Literacy Council that you would like to share with our volunteer community?

I have learned we need to be appreciative and understanding of the incredible pressures some of our students face in navigating in a community not of their native language. One thing I have learned is the value of sending reminder texts to students the day before a lesson with all the details of the meeting (date time, and location). Early in my tutoring, I had quite a few no-shows or very late arrivals after reserving a study room, preparing a lesson, and going to the library. I found that sending a reminder text practically eliminated no-shows and motivated the students to respond with a text if they were running late or needed to reschedule.

What do you like to do when you’re not volunteering with us? 

In addition to the Literacy Council, I volunteer at Frederick Health Hospital – at the same-day surgery desk, at the information badging desk, and I edit the volunteer auxiliary newsletter. For the Mental Health Association of Frederick County, I am a supervised visitation volunteer monitor, a role in which I record the activities and communication in visits between children and their non-residential parent.  For hobbies, I enjoy reading non-fiction, following my original hometown (Ohio) and new hometown (Maryland) sports teams, attending local shows (concerts and speaker series) at the Weinberg, the summer concert series at Baker Park, as well as concerts at the Birchmere in Alexandria and Rams Head Live On stage in Annapolis. I also like to try local restaurants and attend community festivals.

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We invite you to meet Stephane, our featured student this month in our “Learner Spotlight”.  Featured adult learners represent the Literacy Council’s programs, including authors from Reflections: Voices of English Learners, the Literacy Council’s literary magazine, as well as adult learners in other programs. Stephane contributed his story to the eighth edition.

My name is Stephane M. I was born in Gabon, a central African country. I’m married and a father of a daughter and stepson. I’ve always wanted to discover the United States, and living here is a dream of mine. For me, like many people who live outside of this country, coming to the U.S. is a dream, an ideal.
I’ve been living unforgettable moments with the Frederick County Literacy Council program since 2021, when I started my classes. Currently I am in the progress of learning English and interacting with different teachers and students from all over the world. I’m right in the middle of my American dream.

We hope you enjoy Stephane’s written works, “My Snow Vacation, Part 1”, “My Snow Vacation, Part 2”, and “My Snow Vacation, Part 3”. View all of our students’ stories on our Reflections: Voices of English Learners web page. Below is an excerpt of Stephane’s article.

“My Snow Vacation, Part 1”

During primary school, I must have been between 10 or 11 years old, my school offered a snow vacation for one week. This opportunity was possible because I was in a French private school. The activities offered were mountain hikes and sport activities such as skiing and ice skating.

The program was attractive, but an obstacle stood before me—convincing my parents to offer me this excursion, which was not financially affordable for everyone. The task was not so easy, to get my parents to agree to offer me this trip, but it was on the condition of obtaining good results at school. So, I was even more motivated than usual, and I respected the reward by obtaining good results.

The plane ride from Gabon to France lasted about seven hours. We landed in the city of Marseille. To do a little geography, Marseille is in the south of France, and this city is the second most populated after Paris. Arriving at Marseille airport, we had a final five-to six-hour bus ride to reach the Aiguilles en Queyras ski resort, our destination.

It was a spectacular and breathtaking journey. As we got closer to our goal, the landscape transformed. We went from flat fields to mountainous ground, with the first appearance of snow at the summit. One of the most impressive things was the narrow and climbing road which we could not see below because we were at a high altitude. So, the adrenaline rush dominated my fear from minute to minute, on this “ zigzag” route

Read the rest of Stephane’s story and more student stories in our 8th edition of Reflections.

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When did you first start volunteering with The Literacy Council of Frederick County and what made you decide to do so?

I first started volunteering with the Literacy Council of Frederick County (LCFC) in June of 2025.On social media, I had heard so much about the literacy crisis in America, and it inspired me to get involved and support my community. I wanted to make an impact while strengthening my interpersonal skills. Volunteering at LCFC felt like a meaningful way to help others while improving myself.

What kind of volunteering do you do with us? Please describe a meaningful experience that you have had while volunteering.

At LCFC, I am a tutor and an outreach volunteer.

One meaningful experience I had was seeing my student pass her exam. It was great to be a part of her support system and witness her hard work pay off. This experience showcased the beauty of community and reminded me how meaningful it can be to support someone on their journey.

What is something that you have learned as a volunteer for the Literacy Council that you would like to share with our volunteer community?

As a volunteer, I’ve learned so much, but one perspective I’d like to share is that while volunteering is often seen as a way to help others, it is also a wonderful way to help yourself. Whether you’re looking to expand your mind, step outside your comfort zone, or even learn more about yourself, volunteering is a great way to go.

What do you like to do when you’re not volunteering with us? 

When I’m not volunteering, I enjoy running, reading, exploring new cities, and trying new restaurants.

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We invite you to meet Tânia, our featured student this month in our “Learner Spotlight”.  Featured adult learners represent the Literacy Council’s programs, including authors from Reflections: Voices of English Learners, the Literacy Council’s literary magazine, as well as adult learners in other programs. Tânia contributed multiple stories to the eighth edition.

My name is Tânia H. I came to the United States from Brazil 2 ½ years ago. I did not speak English when I arrived. I wanted to learn English to talk with my husband. He is American and does not speak my language. In 2024, I got my driver’s license. I also had some small jobs. I go to an American church every week. I made good friends with people from other countries. We speak in English together. My goal for 2025 is to become a U.S. citizen. I know it is hard, but I am learning and growing. I am also very thankful to the Literacy Council and its volunteers for helping me learn English and for them making my life easier.

We hope you enjoy Tânia’s written works, “Sunflowers”, “Peanut Paçoca, With Love”, and “The Ideal Driving Age” . View all of our students’ stories on our Reflections: Voices of English Learners web page. Below is an excerpt of from one of Tânia’s works.

“Peanut Paçoca, With Love”

I will tell you and teach you about the history of the food that makes me happy when I make it. In all my childhood, my father made Peanut Paçoca. It is our favorite dessert.

My father farmed peanuts every year, so my siblings and I have learned how to make this dessert. We gathered the peanuts, to hull them, and then roast them. After that process, we put them in the big mortar and mixed cassava flour, sugar, and salt. We pounded all ingredients with the pestle and mortar, using a piece of wood that is called a pestle hand. We have a lot of fun because we used two handed pestles and pounded together at the same time.

Nowadays and after we sold our farm, we could make that paçoca in the blender. That food, besides being nutritious, warms my heart.

Read the rest of Tânia’s story and more student stories in our 8th edition of Reflections.

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When did you first start volunteering with The Literacy Council of Frederick County and what made you decide to do so?

I wanted to do something useful for the community and I missed interacting with people from different cultures.

What kind of volunteering do you do with us? Please describe a meaningful experience that you have had while volunteering. 

I started tutoring in 2022 and began teaching intermediate conversation classes at the LCFC office in 2023. There is no one most meaningful experience, but it has been wonderful to see a number of students improve and become more confident in their English language ability.

What is something that you have learned as a volunteer for the Literacy Council that you would like to share with our volunteer community?

That it is essential to be flexible and meet students where they are. Adult students have busy lives and teaching must adjust to each individual’s schedule, needs, and ability. Rigid curricula do not work.

I worry that the declining enrollment in in-person classes by Hispanic students represents fear in the community that should not exist among people trying to improve their lives.

One can also learn a lot about the United States by listening to students’ perspectives on the differences between the United States and their home countries, and their restaurant recommendations are great!

What do you like to do when you’re not volunteering with us? 

I spend time with my grandchildren, do Tai Chi, play golf, walk with my dogs, and work on historical fiction novels about espionage in the early years of the United States.

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We invite you to meet Sajitha, our featured student this month in our “Learner Spotlight”.  Featured adult learners represent the Literacy Council’s programs, including authors from Reflections: Voices of English Learners, the Literacy Council’s literary magazine, as well as adult learners in other programs. Sajitha contributed her story to the eighth edition.

My name is Sajitha J., and I am from Sri Lanka. I arrived in the United States about 11 years ago. I used to be a teacher for middle and high school students back in Sri Lanka. Currently, I am self-employed. I love baking, doing outdoor activities, reading books, and doing volunteer work. I heard about the Literacy Council from the Walkersville Library. I attended a high beginner English language class. Then I attended intermediate classes, including writing and conversation classes via Zoom and was able to improve my English knowledge.

We hope you enjoy Sajitha’s written works: “Buddhism For a Good Life” and “The Happiest Moment of My Life”. View all of our students’ stories on our Reflections: Voices of English Learners web page. Below is an excerpt from one of Sajitha’s articles.

“Buddhism For a Good Life”

Once Lord Buddha said, “Peace comes from within” and “The mind is everything.”
As a Buddhist, I always try to do good things. If my mind is not good, everything is not going to be good. So, I think most of my personality builds from my religion. When I was a little one, I started going to temple and to see the monks to get advice from them. Everything they said helped me to shape my life in a good way.
If you know a Buddhist person, you know they must follow precepts every day in their lives. There are five for lay people. In Buddhism, lay people are Buddhists who live a secular life while practicing their faith. They are also known as householder-practitioners.

Read the rest of Sajitha’s story and other work, “The Happiest Moment of My Life”, in our 8th edition of Reflections.

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The $36,000 grant will address the growing need in Frederick County for programs that foster self-sufficiency through literacy and life skills.   

Frederick, MD [June 11, 2026] — The Literacy Council of Frederick County (Literacy Council) is proud to announce it has been awarded a $36,000 grant through the 2026 Women’s Giving Circle of Frederick County grant cycle. The funding will support the Literacy Council’s 2026–2027 initiative, “Expanding Literacy and Life Skills for Women.” 

This year-long program will expand access to tutoring, community-based classes, parent literacy programming, and new life skills and workforce readiness workshops. The initiative is designed to help women in Frederick County facing barriers to self-sufficiency build the English language and practical skills needed to succeed at home, at work, and in the community. 

Low literacy remains a significant challenge in Frederick County and across the nation. In Frederick, according to Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies: State and County Estimates of Adult Skills data, 14% of adults score at or below Level 1 literacy, putting them at risk of difficulty understanding basic printed materials, while 16% report speaking English not well or not at all. The nationwide impact extends far beyond the individual, with the National Council for Adult Learning suggesting at least $225 billion in lost productivity, increased crime, and reduced tax revenue due to low literacy. Together, these barriers limit economic mobility, strain community resources, and prevent individuals and families from reaching their full potential. 

“Literacy is more than reading and writing. It is a pathway to opportunity, stability, and connection,” said Literacy Council Executive Director Denise Hill. “We are honored to be among this year’s grantees working to improve lives and create a brighter future for our neighbors and families in Frederick.” 

Advancing parent literacy is a well-researched driver of stronger, long-term economic and employment outcomes for families. The National Institutes of Health also found that a mother’s reading ability is the strongest predictor of her children’s future academic success, surpassing factors like neighborhood and family income. 

The 2026 Women’s Giving Circle grant cycle focused on four critical areas affecting women’s self-sufficiency: health, education, housing, and transportation. The Literacy Council’s grant was among $290,000 in total funding awarded to 11 organizations in Frederick County. More information about the 2026 grants can be found at www.frederickwgc.org.  

About the Women’s Giving Circle of Frederick County 

The Women’s Giving Circle of Frederick County is a collective giving organization that funds local nonprofit programs empowering women to achieve self-sufficiency. Through member and donor contributions and strategic grantmaking, the organization works to improve the quality of life for women throughout Frederick County.

About the Literacy Council of Frederick County 

Founded in 1963, the Literacy Council provides Frederick County adults with pathways to essential literacy skills. We empower adults with the tools they need to thrive, from English language learning and workplace communication to reading, digital literacy, and everyday life skills. 

Through one-on-one tutoring, ESL classes, workplace English programs, Learning Labs, and practical workshops, we help adults build confidence, strengthen families, and open doors to better jobs and fuller participation in community life. When adults gain these skills, the entire community grows stronger. The Literacy Council has served over 12,000 students to date.

The post Literacy Council of Frederick County Awarded Women’s Giving Circle Grant to Expand Programs for Women appeared first on Literacy Council Frederick County.

The Literacy Council of Frederick County is proud to celebrate three of our students, who have each been awarded the Second Chance Scholarship through the Community Foundation of Frederick County. 

This scholarship, supported by The Mary Alice and R. David Stup Scholarship Fund, was established to uplift individuals who have faced past challenges or experiences of harm and are seeking a fresh start. With a focus on hope, resilience, and future success, the scholarship provides recipients with the opportunity to pursue education and career advancement. 

We are especially proud to share that all three students nominated by the Literacy Council received the full amount they requested, a powerful testament to their dedication, perseverance, and potential. 

Meet the Recipients 

Steefanny

Originally from Venezuela, Steefanny brings with her an educational background in Bioanalysis, earned in her home country. Determined to build on that foundation, she plans to continue her studies and pursue a career in the laboratory and healthcare fields. This scholarship will help her take the next steps toward reestablishing her professional path here in the United States. 

Jean 

Jean has demonstrated a deep commitment to his growth, consistently participating in learning opportunities at the Literacy Council. Beyond the classroom, he gives back by volunteering at his church, showing leadership and compassion within his community. With the support of this scholarship, Jean will pursue training in diesel technician work, opening doors to a rewarding career that is his passion. 

Maria  

A dedicated participant in the Literacy Council’s conversation classes, Maria is a mother of two who is working hard to strengthen her English skills. Her determination to improve communication for herself and her family is inspiring. This scholarship will allow her to continue her English language learning journey, empowering her to better navigate opportunities in her daily life and future. 

These three students exemplify the mission of the Second Chance Scholarship, turning perseverance into possibility and challenges into new beginnings. They will be among the many individuals recognized at our upcoming Celebration of Achievements, where we honor the hard work and accomplishments of our students. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for this inspiring event. By becoming a sponsor, you help ensure that more individuals like Steefanny, Jean, and Maria have access to life-changing educational opportunities. Contact us at info@frederickliteracy.org for more information. 

Looking for more ways to get involved? The Literacy Council offers programs designed to help adult learners become more successful, productive and involved members of our community, including classes, workshops, tutoring programs, and more. Our programs are powered by volunteer tutors who give just 1–2 hours a week to help change lives. Become a student, volunteer, or supporter today at FrederickLiteracy.org.

The post Celebrating Second Chances: Three Literacy Council of Frederick County Students Awarded Scholarship appeared first on Literacy Council Frederick County.

When did you first start volunteering with The Literacy Council of Frederick County and what made you decide to do so?

I started back in 20II. Although I worked with a basic literacy student at that time, I changed to working with ESL students in 20I3. I had taught ESL Writing at the College level in Urban College, Boston and found it a very rewarding experience and wanted to work with ESL students again. I started with tutoring ESL students and then as a facilitator for a Student Led Conversation Class.

What kind of volunteering do you do with us? Please describe a meaningful experience that you have had while volunteering.

In addition to working as an ESL coordinator, I also teach the writing classes here and the Student Led Conversation Class. I’m the founding co-editor of Reflections: Voices of English Learners.

Before Covid, my student-led class would serve meals at each session. We met for about 2 hours in person. It was fabulous realizing that we share more similarities with people from different parts of the world than differences, especially where food is concerned. It brought us all together. One student said that if she hadn’t learned English, she wouldn’t have been able to make such good friends from people around the world. Friendship building is a great motivator.

What is something that you have learned as a volunteer for the Literacy Council that you would like to share with our volunteer community?

The Literacy Council is a real community for our students. They come to class yes to gain English skills for work, and other forms of literacy like math and digital literacy, but many return because they want to see their friends. It is a safe place to tell their stories and to gain skills to make their lives better. I would recommend that teachers build a relationship with their students first because that bond is the basis for all the learning that comes later. I found that listening is the biggest technique for teaching ESL students. Get them talking and then listen to what they have to say. Give them time to formulate their thoughts.

What do you like to do when you’re not volunteering with us?

I enjoy gardening and swimming in the summer, and reading and writing on rainy days and during the winter. I am learning to knit and to play the Irish Whistle. I also enjoy dinners with my family and meeting friends for lunch.

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