A mother and her 2 1/2 year old daughter joined the Clase Familiar family literacy program, one of the programs of the Regional Office of Education Whiteside County Family Literacy Program, to learn English. After only one year in the program, the mother is capable of conversing, reading and writing in English. She is also studying for U.S. citizenship tests and will be applying soon to become a U.S. citizen.

The woman was recently named to the National Adult Education Honor Society (NAEHS), which is a great accomplishment considering less than 5 percent of all adult education students are selected for NAEHS membership each year. The woman and her daughter love books and reading together. However, they live just beyond the city limits and would have to pay a non- resident fee for a library card.

Clase Familiar was able to provide financial assistance so the family could obtain a library card. They have been consistent and motivated library users ever since. The family enjoys PACT (Parent-Child Together Activities) time and have borrowed literacy backpacks that include books and other activities. The mother has become a friend and role model to her fellow students.