Hindman Settlement School relies on volunteers each week of our after-school tutoring program to support local children with dyslexia characteristics in their pursuit of grade-level reading. Our volunteers commit to connecting virtually with a student at least one hour, twice per week to deliver our guided, research-based curriculum.
One of our most dedicated volunteers is Linda Hoade of West Point, Pennsylvania. Linda is a member of the Towamencin Chapter NSDAR, which she joined after retiring in order to find service opportunities. When she learned about the volunteer opportunity with Hindman Settlement School, one of five NSDAR-supported schools in the country, she knew she wanted to be apart.
“My father was severely dyslexic. It was always hidden and a cause of shame for him. He passed 5 years ago at 85 and, when he was younger, no one knew why he couldn’t read or write like the other students. There was no diagnosis back then. Later in life, we found a tutor to get him to a basic reading level and was able to pick up a paper and read some. I do the tutoring in honor of my late father. I don’t want any other child or adult to feel the shame he did if I could offer help,” Linda shared when asked about why she chose to volunteer with the Settlement.
Linda has been working weekly for several semesters with six-year-old Maddox and has helped him make substantial progress in that short period of time.
“Maddox has come far since our first session in August,” Linda said. “He is sounding out many things on his own, remembering his cues when he gets stuck, and has really improved on his spelling tests. A few weeks ago, he even read a book to me that he made himself. We’ve gotten to know each other over the months and he delights in a reward after a tutoring session. Our deal is that if he works really hard and tries his best we will take a few minutes for show and tell. We have not missed a show and tell yet!”
For her commitment to helping Maddox, Linda was recently awarded a NSDAR Literacy Champion Award. In accepting the award, which she dedicated to her late father, Linda thanked Hindman for giving her the opportunity to make a difference. In return, we thank Linda for all she does to support our students and help them succeed!
For more information on volunteer opportunities with Hindman Settlement School, visit our Volunteer Recruitment site.
