Volunteer of the Month 

Name: Deborah Freeman

Age: 64

Livelihood: Retired teacher

City of residence: Glenville

Agency volunteering with: Adult Basic Education

 

 

How long have you been involved with Adult Basic Education and how long have you been volunteering?

I’ve been involved with ABE for four years. While teaching, I had worked with students from kindergarten through seniors in high school, but never adults. A few weeks before my retirement, I saw an article online from the Minnesota Literary Council about volunteer opportunities with adult literacy programs. That sounded interesting to me. Through that website, I found the program at Brookside School. I called, was welcomed into the program and began volunteering soon after I retired.

 

What is the agency’s impact in our community?

The ABE program provides adults with resources to improve skills that will help them be active participants of the community. I work with people who are improving their English. More proficiency in English increases their job opportunities and it makes it easier for them to participate in their children’s schooling.

 

How can others volunteer and get involved?

To volunteer with the Albert Lea ABE program, contact Penny Jahnke at 507-379-4867.