Learning Lab Blog

I was working as a volunteer doing fund distribution for the United Way the first time I even became aware of the Learning Lab.  I was immediately impressed with the staff and the impact they made with such limited funding.  Their professionalism and dedication was truly inspiring.  The following year, by bosses wife, Mitzi Aden, invited me to attend the Lunch for Literacy.  I agreed to go, and have been to each one for at least 10 years now.  My wife, Diane, has also been a regular.

You can't attend a Lunch for Literacy without being moved by the personal stories of the student speaker.  It is always emotional, but ultimately inspiring to hear them speak.  The difficulties that they overcome during their lives makes me feel grateful for the chances I have been given in my own life.  Every year, I find that the experience bolsters my dedication to supporting the mission that the Learning Lab has to assist adults and families improve their lives. 

The dramatic economic slowdown of the past two years has been difficult for all non-profits, including the Learning Lab.  As a member of the Board, I have been impressed at how the staff of the Learning Lab have worked together to find ways to stretch precious dollars, while maintaining service levels in a time of unprecedented needs in the community.  The teamwork and leadership it takes to accomplish this is remarkable.  Ann Heilman and all the other wonderful people at Learning Lab never cease to amaze me.  

We all have to make decisions about donating to causes, all urgent and worthy.  I can't recommend enough to my friends and family that they find a way to attend the Lunch for Literacy or donate directly.  You will never be disappointed!

Ron Harrell
President of the Board of Directors
Learning Lab 

I can barely wait for this year's Lunch for Literacy.  My first lunch was back in the 90s, and as a member of the Junior League, I joined several members in attending.  At the time my only priority was that I didn't want to miss out on any fun.  By the end of the first lunch, I was so grateful to live in a community, with such an important resource and had only started to understand that many people have different levels of ability and how it can impact their lives.  I have attended every Lunch for Literacy -- it's an important part of my year.

I am dedicated to The Lab because it provides a life long gift to the students.  Even with a fabulous keynote speaker, the student speaker is always my favorite part.  A previous student said (paraphrasing) "my Mother told me they could take your house, your land, and even your family, but they can never take away your education."  The words frequently replay through my head. 

All I can say is please come, please come...it will be the best part of your day!

Kathy Winterton
Vice President of Learning Lab's Board of Directors

    This week, we had our site visit by the United Way volunteers who help determine if or how much United Way funding our program gets.   After we gave the group a tour of our classrooms, we had one of our students come speak.  She was so nervous.  I told her these volunteers are some of the nicest people around, and were really interested in what she has to say.

    She came in the Board room, so anxious she kept her hands in her pockets of her hoodie the whole time.  She talked about how she came here to work on her GED, because she was teased during high school, not only by the students, but a few teachers too.  She has a little trouble with dyslexia, and really had a tough time at school.  She ended up dropping out.   She told the volunteers she decided she had to get her GED because she wanted a better future for her and her two little kids.   She said, “I never thought I could do this.”   Christi, our education director, asked her to tell the volunteers about passing her first GED test.   She just smiled so big, when told them about passing her reading test.  And she said, I really like coming to Learning Lab.  I know more about how to teach my kids.  She said she was so proud of her little girl, “she’s only 2 and a half and she can count to ten and knows her ABC song.”  

    Well, I am standing against the wall, and a big lump is in my throat.  It isn’t cool for the director to cry at stuff like this.   I swallowed hard, looked up so the tears wouldn’t come.   Our student finished her comments in the same nervous way.   She said thank you to all the people there.   

    Still gets to me.   This sweet young mom thought she couldn’t learn.   But she can, and she is.  Thanks to everyone who helps Learning Lab, her teachers, her volunteer tutors, and every single person in our community that has decided to support our work.     

    Come meet some of our students and our staff at this year’s Lunch for Literacy on February 5^th at the Boise Centre.  We would love to see you there!

Ann Heilman, Executive Director