Every week the Illinois State Library honors a recipient of one of the literacy grants awarded by Secretary of State Jesse White and the Illinois State Library Literacy Office. This week they shine the spotlight on Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville.

One family has reaped enormous benefits recently from the Southwestern Illinois College Family Literacy Program at Madison Middle School. Last year, one of the students enrolled in GED classes at Madison became homeless. She and her children moved from place to place, staying with friends and family members. The Family Literacy staff at Madison encouraged the student to keep working on her education in spite of the situation around her. She did continue to attend classes, and her children accompanied her, since childcare is provided while she attends classes. The woman’s children are in a safe learning environment and feel comfortable with their mother nearby. The woman persevered with her studies and passed the GED test. She enrolled in vocational education classes to become a Certified Nursing Assistant, completed that training and will be taking her state board exam. Most importantly, the woman has found housing for her family. With both education and a home, the woman’s outlook on life is positive, and her children are happy to be in a home with their mother.