Literacy Changes Lives: A Success Story Through the Literacy Council

At the Family Resource Center of Sheboygan County, we know that literacy can open doors, build confidence, and create opportunities for individuals and families. One of our programs that makes this possible is the Literacy Council.

The Literacy Council is dedicated to helping adults improve their literacy skills and achieve their educational goals. Through one-on-one tutoring, small group instruction, and supportive learning opportunities, the Literacy Council assists community members in areas such as:

• Reading and writing skills
• English language learning
• GED preparation
• Digital literacy
• Workforce readiness
• Goal setting and lifelong learning

A cornerstone of the Literacy Council’s work is its volunteer tutoring program, which pairs learners with trained tutors who provide encouragement, guidance, and personalized support throughout their educational journey.

A Partnership for Success: Nina’s Story

One of the most inspiring aspects of the Literacy Council’s work is seeing how determination, paired with individualized support, can change lives.

Nina first applied for a tutor through the Literacy Council in April 2023 and was matched with a volunteer tutor the following month. At the time, she was taking English classes at Lakeshore College but found the pace challenging and wanted additional support to help her succeed. Her goals were clear: earn her GED and find stable employment. Together, Nina and her tutor began working toward those goals.

Within a few short months, Nina passed the science portion of the GED exam. Soon after, however, life presented an unexpected challenge. Her mother became seriously ill, and Nina stepped into the role of primary caregiver. As a result, she had to withdraw from classes and put her educational goals on hold.

After taking some time off to care for her family, Nina returned to her studies with renewed determination. Her hard work paid off as she passed the math portion of the GED in October 2024 and the language arts portion in December. This left only the social studies (civics) exam.

Throughout 2025, Nina continued working diligently toward her final GED requirement. She was also pursuing another important goal: earning her commercial driver’s license.

In October 2025, she passed the test for her driving permit. One month later, she successfully completed the written examination and earned her CDL. In December 2025, Nina achieved another major milestone. She passed her civics exam and graduated with her GED from Lakeshore College. Today, Nina has begun training with a company for a commercial driving position using her newly earned CDL.

Nina’s story is about much more than passing tests. It is a story of perseverance, of setting goals and asking for the support needed to move forward, even through challenges.  The support of a dedicated tutor provided encouragement and accountability, but it was Nina’s commitment, resilience, and hard work that transformed her goals into reality.

To protect the learner’s privacy, we’ve changed their name and omitted identifying details.

Interested in Getting Involved?

Whether you are looking to improve your own literacy skills, earn a GED, learn English, or give back as a volunteer tutor, the Literacy Council offers opportunities to make a meaningful impact. Please connect with the Shannon Schuren, Literacy Council Coordinator (sschuren@frc-sc.org) for more information and to learn how literacy changes lives.