The Literacy Alliance has partnered with Easter Seals Arc and two other organizations to create a new Job Education and Training program. The goal is to provide academic and job skills training to help Easter Seals Arc clients gain employment. Northeast Indiana Works is funding the pilot program, and Ivy Tech Community College is providing a modified certification course. The program includes classroom instruction in reading, writing, math, and soft skills, as well as field trips to local businesses. Students are making progress toward their goals of independence and employment.

1. 2015 Issue 2 A quarterly publication of The Literacy Alliance
Advancing
Literacy
Partnership Creates Job Education & Training Program
The program, Job Edu-
cation & Training (JET),
grew out of discussions
between The Literacy Alli-
ance and Easter Seals Arc
for an academic/job prep-
aration program for Easter
Seals Arc clients. North-
east Indiana Works is
funding the pilot project to
enhance the employability
skills of persons with in-
tellectual disabilities. Ivy
Tech Community College
is offering a modified cer-
tification-based training.
Further details will be an-
nounced soon.
Brian Schlichtenmyer, The
Literacy Alliance program
director, says, “The cur-
riculum is built around the
workplace so that students
see real world applications
for math, language and
interpersonal skills. The
students are motivated to
work hard and make prog-
ress to reach their goals.
Our partnership with sev-
eral organizations makes
this possible.”In a teamwork exercise, five students control a piece of
string which stretches a rubber band. Working as a team
the group uses the rubber band to pick up plastic cups
and create a cup tower.
“Everyone wants to
be independent. Our
students realize they
need paying jobs and
a high school diploma
as a way to achieve
independence,” says
Josie Greenwell,
The Literacy Alliance
teacher. Josie leads
a newly formed class offered at Easter Seals Arc of
Northeast Indiana for their clients. The class of ten
began in April and meets Monday through Thursday,
six hours a day.
The classroom is set up to simulate an office envi-
ronment with a computer for each student. The stu-
dents are learning academic skills of reading, writing,
and math, as well as soft
skills such as punctuality,
team work, positive think-
ing, clear communication
and following directions.
Initial classes focused on
the students’ dreams and
goals and how they can
create paths to increased
independence. Field trips
to local businesses give
students the opportunity
to practice asking for and
completing a job appli-
cation and to observe or
interact with employees
about their jobs.
Josie Greenwell, Teacher
During a “how to” presen-
tation, a student teaches
the class how to make
a wooden shield. Most
presentations include a
poster or a power point
presentation outlining the
“how to” steps.

2. Although our math teachers might
disagree, we are finding that the
whole is greater than the sum of its
parts. Let me explain.
The Literacy Alliance is in a growth
mode. We are reaching far and wide
into Allen County to identify adults
who can benefit from our literacy ser-
vices. In meeting with Easter Seals
Arc, we learned of young adults with
potential to improve their literacy
skills and work toward competitive
employment. Capitalizing on the ex-
pertise of both organizations, we cre-
ated a new program, Job Education & Training (JET), as we’ve
described in this newsletter.
Two more organizations joined our partnership – Indiana’s De-
partment of Workforce Development for funding and Ivy Tech
Community College for a certification credential. Together our
four agencies will create opportunities for young adults who
face challenges to now move into competitive employment with
newly acquired literacy and work-related skills.
Back to our math teachers. I think we and our math teachers
can safely say that our partnership will experience exponential
growth in benefits. Alone, each of our organizations does great
work in our areas of expertise. Collectively, we are making a
greater impact by preparing young adults to become contribut-
ing members of our community as well as addressing employ-
ers’ needs for trained and capable workers.
We are fortunate to have a wealth of talent, vision, determina-
tion and a collaborative spirit in our community. Not only will our
students benefit, but our community will be stronger.
Mike Landram
Executive Director
When 2 + 2 4
Site Coordinators for our Learning Centers: (L to R) Lori Wacht-
man, Fellowship Missionary Church and Anchor Community
Church; Deb Hetrick, St. Hyacinth Community Center and Cal-
vary UMC; and Elaine Gee, New Haven UMC.
FAQ’s About the HSE Diploma
Making that first call to inquire about getting your high school
equivalency (HSE, formerly called the GED) diploma can be in-
timidating. Knowing a little in advance can help. Three of our
site coordinators answered frequently asked questions.
Q: How do I get started?
A: The first step is to attend an intake session where you will
take an assessment. The results will help determine which of
our classes and learning centers will best meet your needs. We
offer intakes at our learning centers on a set schedule. We also
offer the assessment at our offices at 709 Clay Street. Call us at
426-7323 to sign up for the assessment. You should allow three
hours for an intake session.
Q: How much do the classes cost?
A: Assessments, learning materials and classes are FREE.
Q: How soon after the assessment will I get started?
A: Generally, you will start classes a week or two after you
have completed the intake/assessment. We offer morning, af-
ternoon, and evening classes in eight locations in Allen County.
Q: What happens the first time I attend class?
A: Your first day in class will start with an orientation during
which you will learn more about the class structure and proce-
dures, complete additional paperwork, and have the opportunity
to ask questions. You will then meet with the teacher to develop
your adult learning plan (ALP).
Q: Do you provide child care or transportation?
A: Child care and transportation can be barriers to attendance,
so we offer child care at two of our learning centers. We can
also assist with bus passes for bus transportation.
Please share this newsletter with someone who could benefit from our services.
Answers to their questions might help them get started.
Q: How long will it take to get my high school equivalency (HSE)
diploma?
A: This depends on a number of factors such as results from
the assessment, how often you attend classes, your effort while
in class, and independent study at home. Students who only
need a refresher may finish in months while others may require
a few years. We will assist you as long as you need.
Q: Is the HSE exam free?
A: There is a $90 charge for the HSE, but we offer a voucher of
$65 to help cover the cost of the HSE as long as you complete
your enrollment in our program.

3. Board of Directors
Jeremy Reidy, Chairman
Barnes & Thornburg, JJP
Drew Dunlavy, Vice Chair
Lake City Bank
Kristie Brotherton, Secretary
Parkview Health System
Casey Scheurich, Treasurer
Dulin, Ward & DeWald, Inc.
Eric Clabaugh
Parkview Health System
Becky Cooper
Lincoln Financial Group
Sheri Davis
Comprehensive Marketing, Inc.
Colin Gallagher
Carlex Glass of Indiana, Inc.
Gary Gatman
Northeast Indiana Works
Louise Jackson
Ball State Univ. Development
Tim Jones
Navistar
Josette Jordan
Allen County Public Library
Nicole Krouse
Lutheran Health Network
Laine Mello
Design Collaborative
Jessica Pixler
Rothberg, Logan & Warsco, LLP
Bill Reynolds
Community Volunteer
Amber Schleinkofer
KB Search Team, LLC
Sonja Strahm
Ivy Tech (Retired)
Betsy Thomas
Vera Bradley Designs, Inc.
Staff
Mike Landram
Executive Director
mike.landram@fwliteracyalliance.org
Brian Schlichtenmyer
Program Manager
brian.schlichtenmyer@fwliteracyalliance.org
Jane McGraw
Marketing and Development Director
jane.mcgraw@fwliteracyalliance.org
Chester Baran joined The Literacy Alliance as a volun-
teer tutor about two months ago after moving to Fort
Wayne from Gary, where he had been a literacy tutor.
A retired steelworker, Chester says, “Volunteering is the
best way to get involved with our community. I enjoy
the people I meet, both students and staff.”
One of Chester’s students, Iesha Rile, says, “I’ve done
a lot better in math with volunteer help. I was at a lower
level and now I’m good at math. I can’t wait to take
the next test which moves me closer to the high school
equivalency (HSE) exam. I’m almost there!” Iesha has
already started a program in hospitality to prepare for
a new career. Sponsored by Work One, she attends
classes in hospitality at Anthis Career Center. The HSE
diploma will be necessary for her to find employment.
Lori Wachtman, Fellowship Learning Center Site Coor-
dinator, says, “Our students depend on our volunteer
tutors. They help students make breakthroughs and
form positive attitudes toward difficult subject areas.”
Along with Chester Baran, Deb Whittern, a nurse, tutors
students in math. Dan Jordan, an IPFW psychology
major, recently completed his college internship as a
tutor at Fellowship.
Iesha Rile and Chester Baran tackle algebra formulas.
Students Depend on Volunteers at
Fellowship Learning Center
2536 Tillman Road
The Literacy Alliance needs tutors for several learning centers.
Call us for information on volunteering.

4. 709 Clay Street, Suite 100 · Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802
www.FWLiteracyAlliance.org
Phone: 260-426-7323 · Fax: 260-424-0371
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Fort Wayne, IN
Permit no. 124
All Literacy Alliance services are free. As a non-profit
organization, the agency depends on the generosity
of our community for financial support.
The Literacy Alliance is an equal opportunity, affirma-
tive action employer and service provider.
To learn about classes and intakes, call us at 426-7323. At
intakes, hear about High School Equivalency (HSE) classes
and professional certification opportunities, complete regis-
tration paperwork and take a skills assessment. With results
of completed assessments, students are placed in a class. In-
take sessions are held downtown (Anthis Career Center and
The Literacy Alliance office), south Fort Wayne (Tillman Rd
and Waynedale) and in New Haven. Daytime and evening
intakes are available.
Become a StudentWe Need Your Help
Word on the Street
Special thanks to our 2015 sponsors
of Word on the Street for promoting
awareness of the need for literacy pro-
grams and for their financial support:
Don’t delay or you could miss
a great opportunity. Laughs
for Literacy: A Twisted
Spelling Bee is returning for
a second round on Septem-
ber 24. Corporate teams are
already registering.
Nicole Krouse, event committee chair and board mem-
ber, says, “This is your chance for your company to show
off your spelling skills while raising funds for literacy pro-
grams in a fun evening of comedy.”
The event includes a buffet dinner, spelling bee compe-
tition, audience games and a night of comedy. Contact
Jane.McGraw@FWLiteracyAlliance.org or call 426-7323
for details.
Laughs for Literacy Returns September 24
Literacy Alliance board member Nicole
Krouse was selected as a 2015 winner
of the “40 under 40 Award” presented
by Greater Fort Wayne Business
Weekly to 40 young professionals
under the age of 40 who are making a
difference on the job and in the
community.
Congratulations, Nicole!
We must raise 100% of our operating budget from
donations and grants. Please consider a gift to help us
continue our literacy programs. We thank you!
My gift can help. . .
$50 - Study materials for an adult working on language
and math skills
$100 - Training and support for a volunteer tutor
$250 - A student studying for high school equivalency
exams in a computer lab
$500 - A semester of instruction for a parent learning
English as a new language
$1,000 - A year of adult instruction
Giving Opportunities