Aspire News: October 2024

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SEE Program Graduates Achieve Major Milestone
 
A momentous celebration marked a significant achievement as our Level 4 SEE Program students completed their final level, representing full completion of this transformative educational journey. 
 
The Recognition Ceremony buzzed with extraordinary joy as students, staff, and volunteer instructors gathered to commemorate this remarkable accomplishment.
 
This ceremony was particularly special as it honored students who have persevered through all four levels of the program, demonstrating exceptional dedication to their educational growth and personal development.
 
Aspire's SEE program, created by the Shelton School of Dallas, supports adults with visual or auditory processing challenges. It offers specialized instruction tailored to these unique needs using a structured approach to learning English. The program's small group classes, led by dedicated volunteer instructors, focus on patience and personalized teaching.
 
The pride was evident as each graduate received their final certificate of completion. Many reflected on their journey from their first day in Book 1 to this triumphant moment of completing Book 4. Their transformation went beyond academic achievement – they emerged as confident individuals ready to apply their enhanced skills in their daily lives.
 
The ceremony concluded with an inspiring address from Interim President and CEO Paul DiBiase, who celebrated the graduates' perseverance in completing the entire SEE program. His words reinforced the life-changing impact of their achievement and the bright future that lies ahead for these accomplished learners.

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Celebrating National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, Building Connections, and Empowering Learners
 
Last month, we celebrated National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week with our bi-annual Spirit Week!
 
This special week served as a platform for raising awareness about the need for and value of adult education and family literacy. Its initiative aims to foster increased financial and community support for basic education programs for adults who face challenges in literacy and numeracy.
 
During Aspire Spirit Week, each day had its unique theme at our various ESL locations:
  • Monday was Tourist Day, where students and staff wore their best tropical shirts and sun hats.
  • Tuesday was Crazy Clothes Day, where everyone wore their wildest combinations of patterns, colors and backwards clothing.
  • Wednesday was Hat Day, allowing participants to express their individuality and creativity.
  • Thursday was Sports Day, where everyone showcased their favorite sports teams and celebrated the spirit of teamwork and cooperation.
 
With only a few weeks of classes under their belt, we encouraged our students to participate in building community in a room full of strangers. Our Spirit Week was a success, with students and staff all joining in!
 
Aspire believes it's just as pivotal to build a supportive community as it is to gain new skills, and it's our goal to lean into that connection every chance we get. We're looking forward to the next one!

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SAVE YOUR SPOT FOR THE 2025 TOAST TO LITERACY!
 
The Toast To Literacy website is up and running and waiting for you to visit. This site has everything you need to know about our exciting 2025 event. Please click the button below to secure your spot for our special night.
The 2025 Toast to Literacy will be held at the stunning George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas!
 
The “Toast” is one of the largest funding sources for Aspire’s literacy programs and has helped change the lives of thousands of North Texas residents since it began over a decade ago. Aspire depends on this event to fund its programs each year, and we are working to make this event a fantastic opportunity to socialize, celebrate, and raise money for a beautiful cause!

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Love planning impactful events? Join our Toast to Literacy Committee! 
 
We're seeking creative volunteers to help design an unforgettable evening celebrating literacy and impact in the community. 
 
Whether you have an eye for decor, a knack for organization, or simply want to be part of creating a magical evening, we'd love to have you on our team. Join us as we transform the 2025 venue into an enchanting space that celebrates the power of literacy.
 
If you're interested, please email pauldibiase@aspiretolearn.org.

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Aspire's Success on North Texas Giving Day!
 
We are blown away by the outpouring of generosity from the Aspire community on North Texas Giving Day!
 
This annual event continues to showcase the power of collective philanthropy. Your participation through donations and spreading the word has been crucial to this year's success. Every contribution, regardless of size, has combined to create a wave of positive change across North Texas.
 
We are endlessly grateful and inspired by the trust in local organizations like Aspire. This display of community support reinforces our commitment to continue working hard, innovating, and striving to meet the diverse needs of our region.
 
As we reflect on North Texas Giving Day's success, we are reminded that when we come together, we can achieve remarkable things.
 
Thank you for being part of this journey and your continued support of our community.

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PO Box 570159
Dallas, TX 75357, United States
Formerly known as LIFT and Aberg Center for Literacy
Copyright © 2024 Aspire • Aspire is a 501(c)(3). Our registration number is 75-1095223