The purpose of this basic education program is to provide a tutoring service and a comfortable learning environment. This program will help adults improve their ability to meet successfully the challenges of everyday living by learning how to read, write, do basic math, and perform basic computer tasks.

Description:
One-on-one tutoring by trained volunteers is done in math, reading, spelling, writing and basic computer skills. Non-English speaking students are welcomed and aided in improving their speaking, reading and writing skills.

This is the second of two centers, one on each side of the city, which are projects of the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Their strong commitment to education is well known throughout the Detroit area. The tutoring is provided by trained volunteers and is free of charge.

History:
Siena Literacy Center opened in October 1995 in response to a need for adult basic education in northwest Detroit and its environs. Interested adults continue to enroll at a consistent rate. We are currently seeing an influx of adults interested in learning to read and write English. Tutor training is held twice a year with over 150 ProLiteracy certified tutors actively involved to date. The Center has grown from an enrollment of 20 to over 150 today.

Contact person: Mary Hemmen, Director, (313) 532-8404, (email)
Office fax number: (313) 532-8409

Address:

16161 Winston Street Detroit, MI 48219 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.sienaliteracy.org

Directions:

We are located west of Telegraph and south of 6 Mile Road. Winston is off of 6 Mile Road.   Nearest Bus Stop: 6 Mile/McNichols and Telegraph lines, 5 min. minute walk

Overall Experience   
Rewarding

I've been tutoring a Polish speaking student for over 10 months now (once a week, hour and a half sessions). The Siena Literacy Center provides all of the tools, lession plans, etc. that I need to help my student learn English. This experience has been very rewarding and I plan on continuing to tutor my student for as long as she needs me. posted by Danee47 on February 16, 2006

Overall Experience   
Great experience, I've learned quite a few teaching skills from tutoring.

I meet with an adult and tutor him in reading and writing. We meet once a week for about an hour and half. I've learned different teaching approaches and I better understand the difficulty in learning the rules of grammar. This experience has been very valuable and fun. posted by Midgee110977 on September 23, 2003