This week the Illinois State Library spotlights John A. Logan College in Carterville.

When a young mother and her seven-year-old son joined the Family Literacy program at John A. Logan College, they were living a tumultuous life with a husband/father who was involved in several disturbing activities. The man never abused the child, but police were called to the house many times for domestic violence incidents inflicted upon the mother. Sadly, the young child witnessed this abuse. He was friendly, but became withdrawn and preoccupied with his thoughts. He was having trouble concentrating at school, and soon began having stress-related health problems.

The mother attended parenting classes and other activities when she was not prevented from doing so by her husband. In a parenting class, a new series called “Building Family Strengths” was introduced. Those in attendance completed a survey on “mutual respect within the family unit.” The woman was so upset that she could not complete the survey and determined she needed to make changes in her life and the life of her son. She took her son and moved in with her mother, applied for housing assistance, accepted a part-time job and purchased a used car. Her son’s health issues are improving and he is doing better at school. With her work schedule the mother has not been able to participate in the Family Literacy program, but hopes to return soon. Life is gradually improving for this mother and son.