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  • ABOUT
    • Our Mission
    • Our Team
    • Board of Directors
    • Sponsors & Partners
    • Latest News
    • Impact
  • PROGRAMS
    • Student Yearbook ’20-’21
    • Customer Service Skills Program
    • Literacy Foundations
    • High School Equivalency Diploma (HSE)
    • English Language Learners (ELL)
      • Want to Learn English?
      • ¿Quieres aprender inglés?
      • အင်္ဂလိပ်စာလေ့လာချင်ပါသလား
      • Veux-tu apprendre l’anglais?
      • هل تريد تعلم اللغة الإنجليزية؟
      • Queres aprender inglês?
    • Certifications
      • Customer Service Certification
      • Paraprofessional Training and Certification
  • BOOKSTORE
    • Hours & Location
    • Shop Online
    • Donate Books
    • Shop Audiobooks
    • Shop Merch
    • Consignment
  • GET INVOLVED
    • Join Our Team
    • AmeriCorps
    • Volunteer
    • Ways to Give
    • Submit an Event
    • Newsletter
  • EVENT CALENDAR
  • CONTACT
    • Prospective Student Form
  • DONATE
May 16, 2019

Meet Candace: Building a Brighter Future with Literacy!

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Cyclical poverty is a burden far too many of our students have had to endure. All too often, circumstances far, far beyond our students’ control leave them without the education they need to pursue the opportunities — college, a reliable job, access to healthcare — many of us enjoy.

This month’s IndyGo Student of the Month, Candace, came to Indy Reads ready to break out of the cycle of poverty to create the future she wants for herself and her family.

Fellow Community Classrooms Student, Benita Abernathy working with volunteer tutor Juan Sanchez.

Candace’s struggles with reading became apparent when she was placed in special education classes in middle school, and though she made it through high school she still had trouble reading after she graduated. Her teachers had taught her enough to get by in school, but they did not help develop the resources Candace needed to truly learn.

“When I come to class now it’s refreshing in my memory; like, ‘Oh I know how to do that, but maybe I just didn’t hold onto it!’ I didn’t retain it.”

Still, Candace pressed on and enrolled with a local college; it was here that her lack of literacy skills became a major issue. “I had a hard time. I was there for a year or two and I kept failing my classes,” she explained. “I didn’t really succeed in it, because of my reading.”

Without the reading and comprehension skills needed to succeed in college, Candace was left with limited employment options.

She spent the next few years moving from one dead-end job to the next. Feeling stuck and frustrated, Candace decided to make some changes.

“I hit a dead spot,” she said. “I hit a wall like I want to do more. And, I have a child. In order for us to move somewhere in life, I have to get it done now.” Candace realized that in order to move forward she needed to get to the root of her troubles, saying, “I have to take care of the core, main problem, which is reading.”


“If you want to better your life and quit hitting that wall you have to start with yourself.”


After researching adult education programs, and finding it difficult to pinpoint a program that was the right fit, she came across Indy Reads. Once she spoke with student navigator Chris Simmons, she knew Indy Reads was the right place for her, “Right after I got off the phone I turned to my sister and I was just excited!”

Now in Indy Reads’ literacy classes, and having just completed our brand-new customer service certification program, Candace is an exemplary student. Her instructor, Sarika, says, “Candace is amazing! She’s an incredibly promising student. I feel very lucky that Candace joined my class!”

Indy Reads literacy students and volunteers taking a quick tutoring break.

Earlier in her life Candace didn’t even want to read. But now she’s beginning to experience the joy of reading and learning, spending time with her nephew and helping him learn new vocabulary and spelling. 

“Candace is new to the Indy Reads program,” says Chris. “She came in with a fire to better herself. She said by doing so it would better her family life. By stretching herself, she said she is learning that nothing comes easy.”

Candace realized that she needed to take steps to care for herself first. She says, “If you want to better your life and quit hitting that wall you have to start with yourself.”

 


Indy Reads is proud to partner with IndyGo to support students in the Community Classrooms program. Watch for more student stories in each month’s newsletter, and catch Routes 19, 38, or 39 to visit Indy Reads at the Central Library, or Routes 11 or 21 to visit Indy Reads Books! All route and trip information is available at indygo.net.

 

2019 Indy Reads Indy Reads Writes IndyGo Student of the Month
Previous StoryIndy Reads Awarded Grant from The Indianapolis Foundation
Next StoryIndy Reads Awarded Grant from Dollar General Literacy Foundation

About

Our mission is to build the literacy, English language, and job readiness skills to empower adults and families to reach their full potential.
 

Upcoming Events

December

January 2023

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Events for December

26th

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Cindy’s Virtual English Language Learner Class

Sarika Agarwal
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sarika’s Virtual Pre-High School Equivalency Class

5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

David’s Virtual High School Equivalency Class

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27th

Sarika Agarwal
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sarika’s Virtual High School Equivalency Class

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Anne’s High School Equivalency (HSE) Class at Indy Reads

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Paul’s Virtual English Language Learner Class

Events for December

28th

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Cindy’s Virtual English Language Learner Class

Sarika Agarwal
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sarika’s Virtual Pre-High School Equivalency Class

Events for December

29th

Sarika Agarwal
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sarika’s Virtual High School Equivalency Class

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Anne’s High School Equivalency (HSE) Class at Indy Reads

Indy Reads
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Chess Club with Colin Hargreaves

Indy Reads
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Paul’s Virtual English Language Learner Class

5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

David’s Virtual High School Equivalency Class

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30th

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Cindy’s Virtual English Language Learner Class

Events for January

1st

No Events
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3
4
5
6
7
8
Events for January

2nd

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Cindy’s Virtual English Language Learner Class

Sarika Agarwal
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sarika’s Virtual Pre-High School Equivalency Class

5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

David’s Virtual High School Equivalency Class

Events for January

3rd

Sarika Agarwal
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sarika’s Virtual High School Equivalency Class

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Anne’s High School Equivalency (HSE) Class at Indy Reads

Indy Reads
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Paul’s Virtual English Language Learner Class

Events for January

4th

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Cindy’s Virtual English Language Learner Class

Sarika Agarwal
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sarika’s Virtual Pre-High School Equivalency Class

Events for January

5th

Sarika Agarwal
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sarika’s Virtual High School Equivalency Class

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Anne’s High School Equivalency (HSE) Class at Indy Reads

Indy Reads
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Chess Club with Colin Hargreaves

Indy Reads
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Paul’s Virtual English Language Learner Class

5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

David’s Virtual High School Equivalency Class

Events for January

6th

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Cindy’s Virtual English Language Learner Class

Events for January

7th

The author, Vincent Alexander, in a classroom. He is bald and has glasses. He is wearing a light gray tie and a collared button-down.
3:00 pm

Vincent Alexander: Ninety-Nine Problems

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Events for January

8th

4:00 pm

The Book to Film Club with Kan-Kan Cinema

Kan-Kan Theater 1
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Events for January

9th

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Cindy’s Virtual English Language Learner Class

Sarika Agarwal
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sarika’s Virtual Pre-High School Equivalency Class

5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

David’s Virtual High School Equivalency Class

Events for January

10th

Sarika Agarwal
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sarika’s Virtual High School Equivalency Class

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Anne’s High School Equivalency (HSE) Class at Indy Reads

Indy Reads
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Paul’s Virtual English Language Learner Class

Events for January

11th

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Cindy’s Virtual English Language Learner Class

Sarika Agarwal
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sarika’s Virtual Pre-High School Equivalency Class

Events for January

12th

Sarika Agarwal
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sarika’s Virtual High School Equivalency Class

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Anne’s High School Equivalency (HSE) Class at Indy Reads

Indy Reads
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Chess Club with Colin Hargreaves

Indy Reads
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Paul’s Virtual English Language Learner Class

5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

David’s Virtual High School Equivalency Class

Events for January

13th

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Cindy’s Virtual English Language Learner Class

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14th

No Events
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15th

Salmon-colored graphic that reads "Indy Reads Writing Series with Tea Franco & Samantha Fain". Tea Franco has shoulder-length curly dark hair and glasses. Samantha Fain has shoulder-length brown hair with bangs.
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Indy Reads Writing Series with Téa Franco & Samantha Fain

Indy Reads
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Events for January

16th

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Cindy’s Virtual English Language Learner Class

Sarika Agarwal
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sarika’s Virtual Pre-High School Equivalency Class

5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

David’s Virtual High School Equivalency Class

Events for January

17th

Sarika Agarwal
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sarika’s Virtual High School Equivalency Class

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Anne’s High School Equivalency (HSE) Class at Indy Reads

Indy Reads
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Paul’s Virtual English Language Learner Class

Events for January

18th

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Cindy’s Virtual English Language Learner Class

Sarika Agarwal
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sarika’s Virtual Pre-High School Equivalency Class

Events for January

19th

Sarika Agarwal
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sarika’s Virtual High School Equivalency Class

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Anne’s High School Equivalency (HSE) Class at Indy Reads

Indy Reads
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Chess Club with Colin Hargreaves

Indy Reads
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Paul’s Virtual English Language Learner Class

5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

David’s Virtual High School Equivalency Class

Events for January

20th

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Cindy’s Virtual English Language Learner Class

Events for January

21st

No Events
Events for January

22nd

Salmon-colored graphic that reads "Indy Reads Writing Series with Tea Franco & Samantha Fain". Tea Franco has shoulder-length curly dark hair and glasses. Samantha Fain has shoulder-length brown hair with bangs.
2:00 pm

Indy Reads Writing Series with Téa Franco & Samantha Fain

Indy Reads
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24
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Events for January

23rd

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Cindy’s Virtual English Language Learner Class

Sarika Agarwal
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sarika’s Virtual Pre-High School Equivalency Class

5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

David’s Virtual High School Equivalency Class

Events for January

24th

Sarika Agarwal
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sarika’s Virtual High School Equivalency Class

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Anne’s High School Equivalency (HSE) Class at Indy Reads

Indy Reads
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Paul’s Virtual English Language Learner Class

Events for January

25th

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Cindy’s Virtual English Language Learner Class

Sarika Agarwal
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sarika’s Virtual Pre-High School Equivalency Class

Events for January

26th

Sarika Agarwal
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sarika’s Virtual High School Equivalency Class

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Anne’s High School Equivalency (HSE) Class at Indy Reads

Indy Reads
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Chess Club with Colin Hargreaves

Indy Reads
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Paul’s Virtual English Language Learner Class

5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

David’s Virtual High School Equivalency Class

Events for January

27th

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Cindy’s Virtual English Language Learner Class

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28th

10:30 am

Drag Story Hour with Prince Brentlee

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New Year, New Poetry Slam & Open Mic with BOOTH

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29th

No Events
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2
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Events for January

30th

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Cindy’s Virtual English Language Learner Class

Sarika Agarwal
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sarika’s Virtual Pre-High School Equivalency Class

5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

David’s Virtual High School Equivalency Class

Events for January

31st

Sarika Agarwal
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sarika’s Virtual High School Equivalency Class

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Anne’s High School Equivalency (HSE) Class at Indy Reads

Indy Reads
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Paul’s Virtual English Language Learner Class

Events for February

1st

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Cindy’s Virtual English Language Learner Class

Sarika Agarwal
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sarika’s Virtual Pre-High School Equivalency Class

Headshot of Angela Hale. She has long dark brown hair, drop earrings, and is smiling.
6:00 pm

Federal Tax Support Workshop

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Events for February

2nd

Sarika Agarwal
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sarika’s Virtual High School Equivalency Class

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Anne’s High School Equivalency (HSE) Class at Indy Reads

Indy Reads
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Chess Club with Colin Hargreaves

Indy Reads
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Paul’s Virtual English Language Learner Class

5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

David’s Virtual High School Equivalency Class

Events for February

3rd

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Cindy’s Virtual English Language Learner Class

Events for February

4th

Photo of author, Lindsey Frazier, smiling. She has blonde hair and a gray hoodie on.
2:00 pm

Lindsey Frazier: Oh Love, Come Close

Indy Reads
Events for February

5th

4:00 pm

The Book to Film Club with Kan-Kan Cinema

Kan-Kan Theater 1

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