Dear Friends of the Lantern Center,
Happy Holidays! During this season of giving, we invite you to consider a gift to light pathways of opportunity for people like Ana, whose lives were transformed by our mission.
The Lantern Center is a special place where gratitude comes full circle. Tutors offer their time, advice and warmth to the adults studying English and preparing for citizenship. Our students also give back. They bring special homemade food and souvenirs chosen with love from their home country. Students give back monetarily and with their time as volunteers after they advance their linguistic skills. We have had many volunteer tutors who
first came to the Lantern Center as students!
Ana's Journey Comes Full Circle
Ana’s tutoring journey has been life changing. She knew “almost no English” when she came to the Lantern Center. She did not have friends or family who could babysit her two young daughters, and she worked hard at her job during the day. She was grateful that the Lantern Center was a welcoming place for her and her daughters – a place where she felt friendship. Especially after her husband passed away unexpectedly, leaving her as a single mother and sole provider.
After daily work for many years strengthening her English, Ana is helping others navigate life in the Dubuque area. Ana has become an integral part of her community. She interprets, provides transportation, and helps others navigate life’s challenges. Ana has also referred others to the Lantern Center for English classes.
Ana was one of 12 volunteers to receive our Volunteer Champion Award this year!
“I am often touched by how important it is for Ana to give back, not only to her family, but also to anyone who she can help,” said Sharon Kuttler, her good friend and former
volunteer tutor of nearly three years. “She is very cognizant, with great empathy of anyone in need or who may benefit from something she has learned. When she learns something new, it is not unusual for her to come up with an idea of ‘Now, maybe I can help others with this.’ ”
Our community is full of people like Ana, who wholeheartedly pay forward the life-changing help they have received at the Center. Thank you for your invaluable support. Together, let’s keep our light shining brightly for all those who seek it.
With joy and gratitude,
Megan Ruiz
Executive Director
Upper Right/Top: Student AND volunteer, Ana, with her younger daughter, Lisbeth, shortly after she started as a student at the Lantern Center about 10 years ago. Upper Right/Lower: Ana celebrated her friend and former tutor Sharon Kuttler’s birthday this year. Below: Ana was one of 12 volunteers to receive our Champion Award this year.
