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

"Training is everything.  The peach was once a bitter almond; cauliflower is nothing but cabbage with a college education."  Mark Twain

 

"My name is Danielle DeGaetano.  I live in Kingston, NY.  When I was in regular school I went to 9 different schools.  I had trouble learning.  I really couldn't read or write." 

A friend of mine was going back to school to be a nurse.  She said, "Why don't you go back to school too."  We saw a sign about the Literacy Program.  She said that I should try it.  I had to wait a while to get a teacher.  Then I moved to Florida.  When I came back to Kingston I started again.  Yvonne Sill is my teacher now.  We meet at Barnes and Noble.  You can read the magazines and books.  It is a good place to read and write stories. 

I love to read now.  I want to read everything.  I can read for a long time.  I go to the library and pick out new books.  I read books by Nicholas Sparks and James Patterson.  I love reading recipes and trying to make new things.  I can follow the directions.  I read newspapers.  I love reading childrens books to my son Thomas.  I even helped the little girl next door learn how to read.  I can read the hymns at church and help out in Sunday School.

I feel I have accomplished a lot.  I feel successful and more confident. 

My Goals:

  1. I want to learn how to use a computer.
  2. I want to get my GED so I can make something of myself."

Danielle DeGaetano, student

"I have truly been impressed with the progress Danielle has made.  To see her unlock a new word is almost magical.  Danielle is committed to learning and works hard.  I am most pleased with her new found confidence.  I very much enjoy working with Danielle through the Literacy Program." 

Yvonne Sill, tutor

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Student

How ULA can help you

Ulster Literacy Association (ULA) offers free tutoring to adults, 16 and older, looking to improve their English reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.

Four people sitting at a round table, studying.

Hard at work.

Our students are native speakers of the English language and those who are just learning English.

Tutoring is offered one-to-one and in small group settings by volunteers who have completed an 18-hour training course with ULA. Tutors provide instruction, support, and encouragement to our students.

Students and tutors working one-to-one typically meet once a week for at least an hour in a public space, such as the ULA offices in Kingston, a local library, church or diner.  ULA also offers the Literacy Center program for students interested in learning in a small group. The Literacy Center is held three times a week - Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday - from 5 to 7 p.m. at our Kingston office.  Feel free to stop by.  There is no need to call ahead.

Getting started

Applying to be matched with a tutor is easy.  Please to contact our office to set up an appointment.  We will ask you some questions about your background and schedule.  Then, we will also give you an informal reading assessment to find out where to start your lessons.

There are many Ulster County adults in need of our services.  So, once you have applied for a tutor, it may take some time for us to match you with a tutor.  Don't worry, there is someone out there ready to work with you.

If you or someone you know needs tutoring, contact our office at (845) 331-6837.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who asks ULA for tutoring?

A: ULA's students range in age from 16 to 80. About 54% are male, and 46% female.  Our students are from a variety of cultures and backgrounds, with 33% white, 15% black, 25% Hispanic, 11% Asian, and 16% unknown.

Q: How long does it take an adult to learn to read in the ULA program?

A: It varies from person to person.  Some students will need only six months to acquire reading skills.  Others will work hard for several years toward a high school equivalency diploma or to enter higher education.

Q: Where do student referrals come from?

A: Referrals often come from other social service agencies in Ulster County.  The Department of Social Services, Golden Hill, Gateway Industries, Ulster BOCES, U.C. Mental Health Association, Ulster Association for Retarded Citizens, public libraries, and public schools.  Word of mouth, publicity, posters, and special ULA events also create an ever-growing adult student roster.

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

Literacy NY logo  United Way logo  Dyson Foundation logo