Every week the Illinois State Library shines the spotlight on a worthy recipient of a literacy grant from the Secretary of State/Illinois State Library Literacy Office.  This week they honor Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby. 

The Family Literacy program at Illinois Valley Community College offered services to an immigrant family that included a young boy.  When the family joined the program, the parents were concerned with the young child because he could not speak English or Spanish.  The program accompanied him to early doctor appointments and supported him with early learning services. 

This child and family have made tremendous gains.  The child just completed kindergarten and his district reading assessment scores were in the highest category.  His mother was granted U.S. citizenship and has been hired as a translator at the Family Literacy program.  As a result of visits she has made to local families, many more Hispanics seek library and literacy services.