Donors see results of giving

Susan Acuna, the executive director of the Literacy Council of Bonita Springs gives Shadow Wood resident and United Way donor Connie Lizak information about volunteering at the council. Lizak visited the Old 41 site to see how her donation is being spent.

Griselda Montes couldn’t speak English three years ago.

But no one would ever know unless they knew she was taking English classes at the Literacy Council of Bonita Springs.

The council recently invited United Way donors to visit Montes’ Moms & Tots class and see how the council is spending the money to help mothers like Montes.

“It is very difficult for these moms to learn English because they have nowhere to leave their children,” said Susan Acuna, the executive director of the council, while touring the Old 41 site with resident-campaign organizers. “Here we take care of the children and give moms a gateway to learn.”

The goal of the program is to prepare young children for school and make sure their moms can help as well.

“It’s very heartwarming to see this type of activity going on in the community,” said Connie Lizak, a resident and donor from Shadow Wood. “We don’t just like to give money; we like to get involved and see where it goes too.”

And the money is going to fund several programs, including night classes that teach English and work site literacy programs throughout the area.

There are six sites that the council has opened to better serve the need in the community.

“We started investing seven years ago in the Literacy Council and it’s amazing to come back and see what they have done,” said Cliff Smith, who has served as president of the United Way of Lee County since 1993.

Together, residents from Bonita Bay, Mediterra, The Brooks and Verandah raised $1.1 million for the United Way this year — more than 15 percent of the $6.9 million overall goal.

“I liked the idea that I could learn English and somebody could take care of my son,” said Montes in a letter she wrote and read aloud to visiting donors. “I think that without you we cannot have this and I thank you.”

The letter was just part of what donors got to see during their visit.

They also spent time listening to mothers get English instruction and watched their children play.

“Right now, we are trying to stimulate a lot more involvement in our community,” said Lizak, who is going to encourage her neighbors to volunteer their time at the council.

At least, she says, they should make an effort to see what the program is doing.

“You have to feel it in the heart and see it,” she said.