Five years ago, Leslie began volunteering at Ardmore Family Literacy, a program that helps adult learners earn their high school equivalency diplomas. Her volunteer efforts ignited a passion inside of her. Inspired by the courage of the students, Leslie left her career in the insurance industry to work full time serving others and be a part of their remarkable stories. Today, as Executive Director, Leslie is helping the program grow. She is energized by seeing her students achieve their goals and open doorways to new opportunities for themselves and their families.

Zhanna came to America from Russia in 2012, speaking very little English. She made some progress teaching herself the language, but English classes at her local public library helped her succeed beyond expectations. With a new sense of confidence, she set her sights on becoming an American citizen. Zhanna worked hard in her citizenship classes and achieved her goal in 2018. She now plans to train for a career in the medical field so she can help others have bright, healthy futures.

Leslie is a determined mother of four who came to her local family literacy program in 2018 to work toward her High School Equivalency (HSE). She was motivated by the desire to be an example for her children – to show them that education is important and to never give up. Leslie came to every class without fail, achieved perfect attendance and soon graduated. Today Leslie gives back to the community as an employee of a non-profit organization, where she is a shining light of inspiration to others.

You might think having a seven-year-old child, a newborn baby and a job would be enough to keep anyone busy. But Kaila was ready to take on one more important goal: earning her High School Equivalency (HSE). Dreaming of a better future for her family, she started taking classes at a local family literacy program in 2016. With motivation, perseverance and hard work, she recently earned her HSE. Today Kaila attends college and is energized by all the possibilities now open to her and her family.

As children, sisters Melody and Hope spent their summers attending the Cities In Schools (CIS) mentoring and literacy program. Now in their 20s, the sisters are happy to be back at CIS – this time as employees. They work with children in their hometown community every day, providing mentorship to help the next generation shine. The sisters are inspiring role models for the kids, as both are also taking college classes to prepare for bright futures.

Five years ago, Leslie began volunteering at Ardmore Family Literacy, a program that helps adult learners earn their high school equivalency diplomas. Her volunteer efforts ignited a passion inside of her. Inspired by the courage of the students, Leslie left her career in the insurance industry to work full time serving others and be a part of their remarkable stories. Today, as Executive Director, Leslie is helping the program grow. She is energized by seeing her students achieve their goals and open doorways to new opportunities for themselves and their families.

Zhanna came to America from Russia in 2012, speaking very little English. She made some progress teaching herself the language, but English classes at her local public library helped her succeed beyond expectations. With a new sense of confidence, she set her sights on becoming an American citizen. Zhanna worked hard in her citizenship classes and achieved her goal in 2018. She now plans to train for a career in the medical field so she can help others have bright, healthy futures.

Leslie is a determined mother of four who came to her local family literacy program in 2018 to work toward her High School Equivalency (HSE). She was motivated by the desire to be an example for her children – to show them that education is important and to never give up. Leslie came to every class without fail, achieved perfect attendance and soon graduated. Today Leslie gives back to the community as an employee of a non-profit organization, where she is a shining light of inspiration to others.

You might think having a seven-year-old child, a newborn baby and a job would be enough to keep anyone busy. But Kaila was ready to take on one more important goal: earning her High School Equivalency (HSE). Dreaming of a better future for her family, she started taking classes at a local family literacy program in 2016. With motivation, perseverance and hard work, she recently earned her HSE. Today Kaila attends college and is energized by all the possibilities now open to her and her family.

As children, sisters Melody and Hope spent their summers attending the Cities In Schools (CIS) mentoring and literacy program. Now in their 20s, the sisters are happy to be back at CIS – this time as employees. They work with children in their hometown community every day, providing mentorship to help the next generation shine. The sisters are inspiring role models for the kids, as both are also taking college classes to prepare for bright futures.