480 Aaron Court
Willowbrook Park
Kingston New York 12401
Phone: 845-331-6837
info@ulsterliteracy.org
Directions

 

Two women, a robed judge and a newly sworn-in citizen, in front of the judge's bench.

Zahida becomes a citizen.

"My teacher's name is Nelsie.  She has such a good physique that she looks more like a mother than a tutor.  She wears simple but neat and clean clothes.  She is good natured and kind hearted.  She is so loving.  She is very hard working and dutiful.  She is also very punctual.  She is never late for class.  She often comes to class fifteen minutes earlier.  Several teachers came in my life but she is very respectful myself because everybody desires success.  So a good teacher is very important for all students.  I am a very crazy student.  Because I am 47 my memory is not good.  Sometimes I forget some things but my teacher is very helpful.  I am proud of my teacher because she understands me.  Thank you." 

Zahida Parveern, student

"Two and a half years ago I started tutoring an adult Pakistani woman.  She had come to this country as an adult with four children.  Although she could understand a great deal of English she struggled in understanding and especially speaking English correctly.  I recalled that my grandmother came to this country as an adult Puerto Rican woman who spoke no English.  She never was able to learn to speak it even though she worked here for 30 years in the garment industry.  So...in memory of my grandmother I will work with my student until she is proficient in speaking English in the expectation that this will bring her much pride and joy!  Of course I will also feel pride and joy that I have provided this to someone who needed it." 

Nelsie Aybar-Grau, tutor

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About ULA

Ulster Literacy Association (ULA) provides Ulster County residents with the tools they need to read, write, and speak the English language.

ULA has provided literacy tutoring for adults since 1981.  Tutoring is provided on a one-to-one or small group setting.  All tutoring is free.

The community of ULA consists of tutors and students, as well as volunteers and professional staff, who are dedicated to enriching the lives of Ulster County residents through the gift of literacy.

The organization, which is an affiliate of ProLiteracy Worldwide and Literacy New York, is funded by federal and state aid, sponsorship, and donations.

Our tutors

We have more than 150 volunteers who come from all walks of life.  Retired or working.  Men and women.  Accountants, bakers, lawyers, homemakers, salesmen, and teachers.  All are welcome to participate.

No prior teaching experience is necessary.  Tutors go through an 18-hour training course in order to become certified.

Tutors focus on teaching basic reading and writing skills to adults whose literacy skills are below a sixth-grade reading level and who are not eligible for public school education.  Tutors also provide instruction for adults whose first language is not English.  Some tutors may help students gain math proficiency and prepare for the GED or United States citizenship test.

Our students

More than 4,000 students have benefited from the services of ULA.  Our students come from a variety of backgrounds.  Some are lifelong Ulster County residents while others immigrated to the United States from another country.  Our students have secured better jobs, started their own businesses, and pursued vocational training as nurses, home-health companions, mechanics, and computer technicians.

All ULA learners share one trait: determination.

Our students meet with their tutors once a week to work toward achieving personal goals set by the student.  These goals may include achieving financial independence, acquiring a library card, opening a bank account, or earning a driver's license.  It could be the joy of being able to read to a child or grandchild for the first time.

Our services

In addition to providing free tutoring in one-to-one and small group settings, our Kingston office has a library filled with approximately 1,500 helpful items, including workbooks, books, and other reference materials to support the learning requirements of our students.  We also have six computers available for our students.

Other important services are the Jail Writing Workshop and the Literacy Center.

Join our organization

We are always looking for volunteers as we have a waiting list of students who can't wait to begin learning.

Ulster Literacy does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin or religious affiliation.

The mission of Ulster Literacy Association is supported by a dedicated group of directors and staff.

Major funding for Ulster Literacy is provided through the generosity of:

Literacy NY logo  United Way logo  Dyson Foundation logo