In 2019, we partnered with Vancouver Urban Ministries to start a free tutoring program for local students with dyslexia and reading challenges. This program was meant to support families who did not otherwise have access to this type of tutoring. We started with one student and one tutor, and God has done absolutely amazing things through this program.
SDBC Tutoring now has twelve students in the program, four volunteer tutors, and Laurie Jackson as our head tutor and program coordinator. However, over the last five years, we have been able to support 20+ elementary-aged students.
I wanted to share a story with you to showcase the amazing impact this program has had for the students who participate:
"Recently, one of our students brought me to tears, but in an amazing way! This student has been with us for about three years and will be leaving us in June to enter high school. When he started with us, he disliked reading immensely and found it very challenging. Well, this student made me cry last week! Happy, humbled, proud, excited tears! On his way into our building, I couldn't get his attention because he had his nose deep into a BOOK! An actual novel! As nonchalant as I could, I asked what the book was about. He told me that his class was reading it and he was enjoying it. The student went into detail explaining the synopsis of the novel. I bought one and have read it myself. We now discuss it each week when he comes for tutoring."
I wanted to share this story to emphasize the significance this program has on students. When this student started in our program, he was reading below grade level and he was disinterested in reading because of the challenge that it presented. Now, he is reading at grade level and enjoying it! It is incredible the confidence boost that reading skills give a student. It is not just learning to read, it is giving them life skills and independence. We have even had teachers and EAs of our students remark about how impactful SDBC Tutoring's support has been for these students.
SDBC Tutoring is thriving and meeting the tangible needs of students in our community. We work with the students, but we are also able to come alongside the families and walk with them through the challenges of having a child with dyslexia and other reading challenges.
SDBC Tutoring is only made possible through donations and community grants, meaning that every dollar needed to run the program must be raised each year. Continued community support is essential for the program to carry on serving students and families. If you would like to partner with us through financially supporting the program above your regular tithes and offerings, please click the button below. You can donate once or set up automatic giving on a monthly basis. Any amount helps! All donations are eligible for a tax receipt (make sure to include your full name and address).
If you have any questions about SDBC Tutoring, please email the team by clicking here.
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