ICAA Crossroads Literacy

Crossroads Literacy is a community-based volunteer literacy program committed to helping adults and their families acquire the skills necessary to achieve economic self-sufficiency and function effectively as members of the community. This may include:
- Learning to read better
- Learning to speak English
- Improving math skills
- Improving job seeking skills
- Help with resumes & cover letters
- Enhancing computer skills
- Help with budgeting
- Help understanding prescription drug labels
- Help filling out health or school forms or job applications

The current ICAA Crossroads Literacy program evolved from Rusk County Literacy which was started in the mid-1970s. From that time until now the programming has waxed and waned. In January 2010, with a grant from the Servants of Mary Sisters, Crossroads Literacy programming has been re-energized and now has volunteer tutors and learners meeting on a regular basis to help learners learn to read, learn to speak English, learn budgeting and other life skills, get help with resumes and job applications.

Crossroads Literacy provides free services to meet the literacy needs of adults in Rusk County. Volunteer tutors are the foundation of ICAA Crossroads Literacy and the Learning Center. These are individuals who would like to make a difference in someone's life and have the extra time to give to a learner. We train volunteers and match them with an adult learner to provide one-to-one tutoring based on the needs of the learner. Tutors commit to at least an hour a week with their learners. A tutor may also choose to staff the Learning Center, which provides tutoring on an as-needed basis. After a tutor and a learner are matched, we support them with resources and ongoing guidance to aid in their success. Tutors are supported with materials, training, and guidance to assist them in meeting the literacy goals of the adult learners. In addition, Crossroads has retired nurse volunteers staffing a health literacy outreach site, to help people understand prescription drug labels, learn how to make the most of their doctor visits, do blood pressure checks, and help people understand general health information.