This Thanksgiving, We’re Grateful for You!

Khalil is a student in Indy Reads’ English Language Learners (or ELL) classroom. Khalil and his classmates — all of them seeking a brighter future and a second chance in America — learn and develop their English reading, writing, and speaking skills together, and build up an incredible community in the process.

Despite his excellent progress, he shyly says he doesn’t speak English well — that he’s still learning. “[Indy Reads] is good for me, because I speak here and the teacher, every day, speaks with us to [learn] English. It’s very good,” Khalil says. “I think it’s the best for learning English.”

Khalil arrived in America three years ago, and began his Indy Reads journey in the fall 2018 semester. He says, “I came here because my daughter studies here; she’s a resident at IU.”

He decided to enroll at Indy Reads because he considers Indianapolis his home, and wants to integrate better.

“If I want to connect to the people [in America], I must learn English,” he says. “English is very important for me. Indy Reads has helped me to know what can I do to make connections with the kind people [of Indianapolis].”

Khalil’s teacher and fellow students know him for his artwork, and for the handmade notecards he gives to show his gratitude.

“Drawing is good for me,” he says. It’s both therapy and celebration: “When I was sad, or when I was very glad, I paint. When I am alone and I’m happy, I draw. It’s very good.”

We’re grateful for friendships and stories like Khalil’s — and grateful to you for making their Indy Reads stories possible!

Give the gift of full hearts and full minds this Thanksgiving —
and help students like Khalil succeed — with a gift to Indy Reads!
Click here to make your contribution today!

Sharing Gratitude

We asked a few students in our literacy classrooms what they were thankful for this Thanksgiving; here are a few of their responses!

“I am thankful to join the class at Indy Reads this year, and your tutors are a unique help; cheery and easy to talk with through each lesson. I am grateful to be in a world with many races that gives appreciation by committing of getting along with one another. Thank you God of Heaven for my mommy and friendship that will grow entirely as the year goes on.”
Benita

“I am thankful for God waking me up every morning.
Reggie

“I’m thankful for getting up in the morning because I have a job and good friends.  I am also thankful for good people in the community, especially for my patient tutors.”
Paul

“I’m thankful for my family. I like getting together with family and eating together and playing games. I’m thankful for reading and my nephew. I’m thankful for my best friend Virgie. I’m thankful for my friend Benita. I’m thankful for my tutor Rose.”
Christina

“I am thankful for not giving up my hope and dream of getting my high school diploma. I am thankful for my friend Christina and Benita for believing in me not giving up!”
Virgie

“I’m thankful for my family and friends.”
Darryl