Uptown Tutor Honored For Work With Low-Income Learners

via Literacy Volunteers of Illinois:
Denise Rondini, an adult literacy tutor at Mercy Housing Lakefront in Uptown, was honored with the Tutor of the Year Award at the 20th annual On the Road to Literacy Conference on Saturday, April 9. Mercy Housing Lakefront is a supportive housing nonprofit organization for low-income individuals, and Rondini works with its adult learning program. The award was made by the Literacy Volunteers of Illinois and co-host UIC’s Center for Literacy.

Rondini’s work with Mercy Housing that earned her recognition in Chicago’s adult learner and tutor conference and in the literacy community began in 2006 when she began working one-to-one with one adult learner. Together, they have made tremendous progress in learning and reading, and in personal development. Rondini began leading a creative writing group in 2009, fostering bonds between group members that grew into a compiled book of students’ original writings that Rondini printed and bound. One student says she was proudest in her life when she wrote her first story and saw it published. Reported by the program’s staff, Rondini has “ignited growth within our Learning Program.”

Literacy Volunteers of Illinois is an organization that is committed to developing and supporting volunteer literacy programs that help adults, families, and out of school teens increase their literacy skills. To learn how to become involved with literacy in your area as a tutor or a student, call 312-857-1582 or visit www.lvillinois.org.