News & Blog: Advocate Spotlights

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Tutoring is a Family Affair for Champion of Literacy Recipient Loy Adamy

Loy Adamy is no stranger to the Literacy Center. For years, she has attended Literacy Center events with her husband, Rick, Loy and Kamalawho served on the Literacy Center Board of Directors. Just over a year ago, she decided to engage more deeply with the organization as a volunteer tutor. Loy has been working with her learner, Kamala, since that time.

Kamala, a 43 year old mother from the Sudan, has increased in both her reading and listening skills since working with Loy. She’s also increased involvement with her children’s schools, and secured permanent employment with a better salary and benefits. Kamala credits Loy’s assistance and encouragement with her ability to reach these goals, along with her increased self-confidence. 

Loy’s background as an educator compelled her to work with a mother of young children, and her tutoring sessions with Kamala have truly become a family affair. Kamala’s main motivation is her children, and she often begins their sessions with weekly news about her children and their schooling.

Peter and Adamy Families KP 002 copyLoy sums up her experience tutoring in this way, “I can honestly tell you that being a reading tutor for Kamala is one of the most rewarding volunteer experiences I have ever had. To work one-on-one with a woman making her way in a new country; and teach her to read, write and speak English more clearly is a very special endeavor. Carving out two hours each week to meet with an adult in our community who truly wants to learn... it’s worth every minute.”

Last summer, Loy and Rick attended the Literacy Center annual picnic together with Kamala and her children. In Loy and Rick’s own words, they “loaded up the minivan” and set out together for an evening of food, games, and silly photo booth pictures—all of which they did together. Katherine Payne, a Literacy Coordinator, writes “seeing Loy and Rick interact with Kamala’s children perfectly represents our mission of bringing about a just and vibrant West Michigan.”

Loy and Rick Adamy will be receiving the Literacy Center's Champion of Literacy award at our annual Spellebration event on May 11, 2017. To learn more about the event or purchase tickets, visit www.literacycenterwm.org/spellebration

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