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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
CONGRATULATING THE WORK OF AQUINAS LITERACY CENTER AND 25TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY
WHEREAS, was founded in 1996 by the Adrian Dominican Sisters- a Catholic Religious Institute of Dominican Sisters- in response to the needs of immigrants to learn English as a second language through individualized tutoring; and
WHEREAS, from humble beginnings in the basement of the Our Lady of Good Counsel Convent, Aquinas Literacy Center has served McKinley Park and surrounding communities for twenty-five (25) years; and
WHEREAS, Aquinas Literacy Center is known as a place of hope for the immigrant population as they strive to help every individual who walks through our door; and
WHEREAS, Aquinas Literacy Center takes a holistic teaching approach and provides English as a Second Language (ESL) participants with weekly tutoring sessions, conversation groups, writing workshops, book clubs, computer-based instruction, and computer literacy; and
WHEREAS, Aquinas Literacy Center’s goal is to enable learners to transform their lives by acquiring skills to become successful parents, productive workers, and responsible residents; and
WHEREAS, the Aquinas Literacy Center programs are free of cost and facilitated by trained volunteer tutors; and
WHEREAS, the Aquinas Literacy Center moved to its new location at 1751 W. 35th St., Chicago, Illinois in 2017. The new facility has allowed the organization to expand its mission of helping neighborhood residents learn English and gain other necessary skills; and
WHEREAS, during the pandemic, Aquinas Literacy Center did not stop serving their participants and moved their literacy training, volunteer tutor development, and organization’s events online; and
WHEREAS, Aquinas Literacy Center’s atmosphere of mutual teaching and learning brings together diverse people of various ages, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, the program’s motto “Each one, Teach one” highlights their one-on-one learning experience of care and compassion through using a proven method and following a curriculum, students learn the English language in a step-by-step process; and
WHEREAS, Aquinas Literacy Center awards the Sister Claudia Hinds Scholarships annually to outstanding graduates with the goal of helping the graduates continue their education; and
WHEREAS, Aquinas Literacy Center proudly ensures that their graduates are ready to self-advocate, to obtain gainful employment, and to achieve their dreams; and
WHEREAS, Aquinas Literacy Center is dedicated to continuing their efforts to serve the public and provide their valuable services for many years to come.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, The Cook County Board President and the Cook County Board of Commissioners do hereby congratulate the staff, volunteers, and supporters of Aquinas Literacy Center on their 25th anniversary; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, this text be spread upon the proceedings of this Honorable Body and that a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Aquinas Literacy Center in honor of its outstanding achievements and 25th anniversary.
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