Jim Maahs’ goal is to have his own general contracting business. With a background in carpentry, he is knowledgeable about buildings and structure, and feels contracting is a perfect fit. But what has been a less than perfect fit for him is reading and writing, essential tools for becoming a licensed contractor.
To achieve this goal, Maahs started working with a tutor from OC READ, the adult literacy services of the Orange County Public Libraries. With the help of his tutor, Maahs is connecting the structure of words in a story with the structure of a house and the foundation it is built on.
OC READ offers free assistance in basic reading and writing skills to adult learners throughout Orange County. Learners are matched with volunteer tutors who meet with them on a weekly basis to focus on the learner’s individual needs. With tutoring assistance, learners are able to achieve life goals such as reading to their children, reading the newspaper, getting a better job, registering to vote, or overcoming any personal reading and writing challenge.
For Maahs, this has meant learning to read by building on his practical professional experience as a carpenter. Maahs sees the value of planning and proper placement of a strong foundation from his years of work in the construction business. As Maahs meets with his volunteer tutor each week, he is connecting those experiences with the placement of the right words as he re-reads and rewrites. Focusing on his reading and writing skills from such a personalized perspective has made it possible for Maahs to work toward assessing homes and properties for real estate sales, insurance companies, and home improvement projects as a licensed independent contractor. Now that his skills have improved so much, he is even thinking about becoming a tutor himself, to pass along what he has learned.
If you or someone you know needs help with basic reading and writing, or if you would like to become a volunteer tutor, call OC READ at 714-566-3070. It’s never too late to achieve your goals!
