The Moline Even Start Family Literacy program offers opportunities that assist families in furthering their education, learning English and American culture, learning new parenting skills, job skills, or even getting a GED. That may change as of June 30th, when the program officially loses all federal funding.George Carizey, the program coordinator said that 57 families and about 80 children are active at the programs classes at Lincoln Irving Elementary School and Bethel Wesley Church in Moline. The state of Ill. usually
\n recommends that at least thirty families are served for similar programs in Peoria and Springfield. Most of the students are Hispanic females with children and are not able to attend without the childcare. The Floreciente neighborhood had an ESL (English as a Second Language) class but only five students attended the morning session because of the lack of child care.\u201cChildcare is an issue,\u201d George Carizey said, \u201cit is an issue of maintaining attendance.\u201d Imelda Vega, a student in the program said that many students would be lost.\u201cWe simply can\u2019t go to school,\u201d Vega said, \u201cthe childcare is very important because it prepares the children for pre-school.\u201dVega\u2019s daughter Paulina benefited from the program.
\n\u201cAt home, she knew a little but she was not ready.\u201d Vega said. \u201cShe learned to play with other kids, learned shapes, drawings, and learned her name.\u201d\u00a0 She said that as a result of the program \u201cshe was ahead of the other students for pre-school.\u201d
\nAnother student Fabiola Mu\u00f1oz comes to classes to get help in making doctor\u2019s appointments, get faculty advice, and use the computer lab and to get information. She said that the staff helps motivate parents and children alike.
\n\u201cSometimes, you don\u2019t know what age level your child should be at.\u201d Mu\u00f1oz said. \u201cYou would think it\u2019s not much but they help in a variety of ways.\u201d
\nInstructor Mary Knepp said that the more advance students go to college for college student ESL. Some of the GED students go on to college as well.
\nThe program may continue in some way next year but without adequate funds, including childcare \u2013 a popular necessity for many students \u2013 would no longer serve the community.
\nTo raise funds for the summer session, the Moline Even Start is having a taco dinner that is open to the public. The event takes place on Thursday, March 29 at Bethel Wesley Church, 1201 13th Street, Moline, Ill. from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children and the dinner includes tacos, desert, and a drink. Tickets may be purchased in advanced by calling (309) 757-0350, visiting Bethel Wesley or at the door.<\/p>\n
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