Miracles Happen When the Gift of Reading Is Given

December 2005

Miracles are happening at the St. Vincent’s Learning Lab. Just speak to Sister Rosella, who can tell you how learning to read has been creating miracles in their lives of her 70 students every day.

One such miracle is that of José*. When José first came to St. Vincent’s for help, his low level of education and self-confidence made him so nervous, when it came to attempting to read, that it caused him to shake and tremble.

“(José) wanted so very much to learn to read so he could get a better job,” says Sister Rosella. “He needed a lot of help to begin with, but now he comes in before class, sits at the computer, and never budges until it is class time. His confidence and self-esteem have increased, he walks straighter, and he looks you in the eye. It is phenomenal!”

José credits his excellent teacher and a literacy program called Reading Horizons, designed specifically for adults, for his success. Thanks to a recent, generous grant, St. Vincent’s Learning Lab was able to upgrade their Reading Horizons software and add two more computer stations to their site, bringing the total to six.

“The students are doing extremely well on the program,” proclaims Fred Leinhauser, a former educator and principal who volunteers his services at the lab. “We are extremely pleased and thrilled to see the changes in our students. We want to help the students in any way we can.”

For more information about the St. Vincent’s Learning Lab, contact Sister Rosella at (215) 849-9416; for more information on the Reading Horizons program, log on to the Internet at www.readinghorizons.com.

*Name has been changed