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by Sandy Chase


Jack Francis commits himself wholeheartedly to anything he undertakes, whether it be as an Information Technology (IT) professional or currently as a volunteer Project Light Level I instructor of adults and board members.



Volunteer fellow PL teachers have nothing but praise for his dedication to his students.

Emily DiSammartino says, “Jack has added so much to the dynamics of our Project Light faculty. He truly cares about his students and lets them know by praising them and his extreme patience as some struggle to learn. You can tell when you enter Jack’s classroom that he loves what he is doing. He’s making a difference in a lot of lives.”

Jack’s guiding light is his unfaltering thirst for knowledge, saying, “Learning from my students and PL teachers is exciting. I strive to apply my updated teaching skills with different level students.”

Highlighting Jack’s success, volunteer colleague Marva Duley says, “Motivated to learn from other faculty members, Jack continues to adapt his teaching style to best serve his students.”

Marva, who teaches Beginner English, attributes Jack’s successful journey as an educator because “He pulls from other PL teachers’ wisdom, experience, and expertise. Jack gains insights that have helped him direct his own path of learning, critical for nurturing his students to become independent learners.”

Fluent in Arabic, Spanish, and French and pursuing Hebrew enables Jack to explain grammar and vocabulary rules that students can relate to—bolstering his resolve to ensure that they will prosper in this country and be better prepared to educate their children—strengthening our community.

Learning also includes Jack’s mastery of computer science and programming “languages.” With over 25 years of experience and expertise in project management for such diverse industries as publishing, manufacturing, healthcare, software development, and training, Jack thrives on both sides of the educational coin: learning and teaching.

His students and board members benefit, as Board President Emeritus Charlie Cunnigham confirms:

“I have known Jack since he joined the Project Light board a year ago. I recall thinking when I first interviewed him that his background and communication skills would make him an excellent ambassador for Project Light’s outreach program.”

Charlie explains that as an immigrant, Jack knows firsthand what it’s like to overcome

educational and social barriers in order to be successful. His ability to integrate these experiences with the Project Light mission makes him an ideal campaigner when he networks with other organizations to raise public awareness and expand Project Light’s fundraising base.


“This expertise,” says Charlie, “coupled with Jack’s easy-going personality and excellent budget, organizational, and administrative skills acquired as a businessman, make him an invaluable resource for Project Light.” 

Volunteering is part of Jack’s DNA. While living in New Jersey, he assisted at Elijah’s Soup

Kitchen, teaching interviewing skills, resumé writing, and interview strategies in addition to preparing and serving meals and training new volunteers.

Relocating to this area hasn’t diminished Jack’s desire to continue volunteering. PL was the perfect fit.

Executive Director Elena Farkas says that the nonprofit is very lucky to have Jack as one of its dedicated volunteers.

“He continues to make a difference for Project Light and the community. Passionate about helping people: in the classroom and on the board, Jack focuses on educating adults so they can help their children succeed.”

Elena says that Jack’s outreach efforts have also encouraged sponsors and donors alike to support PL efforts. “He even wears his name tag, which features the school name—in his personal and/or business life—encouraging others to inquire about Project Light.”

Fortunately for our community, Jack is always available—going beyond—as he did last year when he volunteered to offer extra lessons on Saturday to help learners catch up with their lessons. A “soldier’s soldier,” he continues his Saturday mentoring.

Elena captures Jack’s essence when she says, “Excited about learning, he possesses valuable knowledge that he shares with his students and other teachers. Jack’s energetic, outgoing personality helps advertise the school, making its vision and mission visible among various community members and organizations.”


  • How did you find out about PL?

When I moved from New Jersey, I wanted to continue volunteering because I wanted to help improve people’s lives.

I checked some local organizations online and looked specifically at opportunities to teach immigrants and nonreaders. After looking at some of these organizations, a friend introduced me to PL. I reached out to Executive Director Elena Farkas.

During my first meeting—and after listening to Ms. Farkas—I decided right then and there to commit my time and efforts to teaching at Project Light. These two years have repeatedly rewarded me.

  • Why do you volunteer at Project Light?

As an immigrant, I want to give back to those who are in the same situation as I was. When I came from Lebanon, 43 years ago, I spoke very little English, with a heavy accent. It was extremely hard for me to learn English, so I relied on reading newspapers—with a dictionary by my side.

Remembering the challenges I faced, I now wish there had been a “Project Light school” when I first arrived in this country.

  • What makes Project Light special for you?

1. We welcome diversity and embrace the cultural differences of our students and teachers,

who are from many different countries, age groups, and social backgrounds.

2. Our teachers are dedicated to teaching at Project Light.

3. The training that’s provided for teachers and students alike is founded on sound

educational principles.

4. PL welcomes all with an open heart and extended hands.

  • Why did you join the board of directors?

Once I started teaching English, I discovered how rewarding it is to help students “function at

home, on the job, and in the community” (from our mission statement). With that in mind, I

wanted to get more involved and spread the word about our organization and our school. These

factors were more than enough to join the board.

  • What do you do as a board member?

Board members work as a team, sharing our vision and core values with other organizations, including educational, social, and governmental agencies.


My role is to help with fundraising and attend different community events. Networking gives me an opportunity to share ideas while collaborating with other organizations.

  • How do you believe that you’re promoting the nonprofit’s mission?

I promote our mission every day through teaching and public speaking. It is always a challenge when you are teaching a “foreign language” to adults.

  • What PL classes do you teach?

I teach Level 1, which is one step above the Basic Level. For the most part, my learners have little understanding of English. But they persevere—wanting to succeed—sometimes learning from one another.

  • What was/is your career?

Most of my background was in IT management. However, I taught computer programming as well. Throughout my career, I conducted seminars on different technical and nontechnical subjects. I trained employees and wrote technical materials and users’ documents.

  • As a board member and mentor, what are your challenges? Rewards?

The challenges are always finding more time to talk about Project Light: the organization and school. Asking others for donations, especially when most of them have never heard of Project Light or how we’re making a difference in the community can be challenging.

I experienced the same challenges back in the 90s' when I ran a campaign to raise funds for the United Way. I did this fundraising while I was employed by The Daily Record, a local Parsippany, NJ, newspaper. I have learned from different experiences and kept going.

Without a doubt, rewards—which are endless—outweigh any challenges. I have met many people, learned about different cultures, and seen adults improve their lives,

  • Where else do you volunteer?

I dedicate most of my free time to Project Light. I believe that to succeed in one mission, I need to focus on that mission—live it day in and day out.

  • What are your pastimes?

Between teaching and serving on the board and working part-time, I have very few pastimes. I use whatever time is left to read and learn other languages, including Hebrew online. I also exercise

regularly in order to keep my body fit as I do my brain.

  • You say that you thrive on learning, especially different languages. Please give some examples.


I learned the composition of some words, writing styles, and nuances of words in Hispanic countries. An added plus is that I continue learning about cultural and social differences, For example, in many Central American countries, the last name is the mother's maiden name, and the middle name is the father's last name.

  • What would you tell others who are interested in volunteering?

I encourage them to do so. Rewards last a lifetime. Volunteers are rewarded every time they help someone: the smile on others’ faces and the heartfelt “thank yous.”

Volunteering will bring you tears of joy, a sense of peacefulness, and build great self-esteem you’ve never felt before in your job or career because you’re helping others while benefitting from learning.

I tell them “Try it and you will get hooked.”

According to a U.S. Department of Education study, 32 million adults in our country cannot read, a troubling statistic. But September is National Literacy Month, a time for stressing the importance of reading for people of all ages. Many programs are available to assist those who wish to learn.



A little history

In colonial times, parents were largely responsible for teaching children to read. However, in the mid-1600s, the laws in both Massachusetts and Connecticut mandated that everyone learn to read—adults, children, servants and apprentices. Today, literacy encompasses not only the reading of books but also the ability to navigate our ever-expanding digital landscape.


Benefitting children

Studies show that the educational achievement of parents is a great motivator for their children to succeed in school. According to studies by the American Academy of Pediatrics, how well children can read by the time they enter the third grade indicates how high their chances are of graduating from high school, and, beyond that, of succeeding in the workplace.


Family literacy programs

Family literacy refers to making reading a family activity. When books are available at home, parents can read to their young children. The children, in turn, will benefit from the parents’ positive attitude toward education and the opportunity for further learning. Various government-sanctioned programs are available for reading instruction. Here in Bradenton, Project Light of Manatee provides beginner to advanced English language proficiency courses for participants 18 years of age and older. The organization is part of the Suncoast Adult Literacy Alliance (SALA), a collaboration of local non-profits that focuses on both adult and family literacy. Included are the Manatee Literacy Council, the Literacy Council of Sarasota and the Literacy Volunteers of South Sarasota County.


Helping immigrants

Only 53% of immigrants in the U.S. are proficient English speakers. As we have seen, helping adults to read and write benefits their children. In fact, studies show that a mother’s reading skill is the leading determinant of her child’s future academic success. The English language courses offered by Project Light are designed to help adult students navigate daily life more easily and enjoy greater success in their chosen careers. Courses include listening, reading comprehension, writing and speaking.

Project Light also offers courses in basic computer skills. In addition, the organization provides a program that helps immigrants prepare for U.S. Citizenship testing.


Looking ahead

Increased literacy leads to higher employment rates. It also helps to reduce dependence on public assistance and to better life in our communities. Our ancestors in America had the right idea in acknowledging the value of reading for both adults and children. It is a concept we carry forward today with help from local non-profits and targeted reminders such as National Literacy Month.


Contacts:

Project Light of Manatee, Inc., Elena Farkas, Executive Director. (941) 745-1659. www.projectlightofmanatee.org

Manatee Literacy Council, Michelle McLean, Executive Director. (941) 746-8197. www.manatee-literacy.org

Literacy Council of Sarasota, Tom Melville, Executive Director. (941) 955-0421. www.sarasotaliteracy.org

Literacy Volunteers of South Sarasota County, Sue Spayd. (941) 861-1352. www.literacychangeslives.org


Updated: Sep 24, 2023

By Sandy Chase



Pam Steen, board secretary, facilities manager, and mentor/teacher continues to ensure that Project Light brightens the lives of adults wanting to learn and/or improve their English so they can teach their children; become citizens; master computer skills; and learn about the job-search process—ultimately giving back to their community.

Pam has always been on a mission. Teaching people of all cultures has enhanced her life while helping to bolster theirs. Volunteering at PL fulfills those goals.

Executive Director Elena Farkas says, “I’ve known Pam as a teacher and board member. She always steps up when I need extra help. Pam loves her students and interacting with others.”



Elena explains how Pam continues to improve PL, saying, “By teaching our students, she’s

gained special insight into how the school functions, critical for a board member. She also seeks donations and participates in our winter fundraiser.”

Elena affirms that her relationship with Pam has contributed to PL’s success: “By helping me expand my knowledge about the city and the Manatee County School District’s (MSD) history, she’s helped me better understand the dynamics of the community that the school serves.”

Pam has been a professional ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) educator since 1979. Applying a master's degree in Linguistics (University of Illinois), she’s taught listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills at public schools and community colleges. Additionally, being bilingual (Spanish certification), she’s instructed that language.

Before joining PL, Pam had retired from MSD as an ESOL specialist, training teachers who

pursued an ESOL endorsement so they could teach English language learners while complying with state laws.

Elena speaks for many when she says that Pam advocates for low-income communities in a variety of ways.

“She helps foster our mission by attending Project Light events organized by the MSD, meeting with parents—spreading the word about PL’s quality day and evening adult classes. She distributes books and supplies—always leaving the message that it’s essential for parents to learn and read English so they can be role models for their children.”

Pam is always available to her students—and other PL learners—providing them with her cell phone number.

Through mentoring, she also encourages students to support their children—enhancing family life. Leah has benefited tremendously from Pam’s dedication and philanthropy. By providing guidance, information, and financial assistance, she’s brightened Leah’s path to financial independence.


Besides mentoring, Pam has helped contribute money for a two-bedroom rental apartment so that Leah and her son, AZ, could move out of her mother’s home and start anew. Promoted full-time as a manager at an Ellenton Outlet shoe store, Leah has become more financially responsible, paying for utilities, food, and other expenses. What’s more important, Leah can now support her son so he can succeed in elementary school—and the future.

“Leah has a tremendous work ethic—tackling tasks quickly and with fervor,” says Pam.

“Educated in Manatee schools, Leah helps AZ with his academics. And it’s paid off multifold because he’s now in advanced math. She’s been looking for a soccer team/league so he can enjoy the life of an active third grader.”

Deflecting the spotlight, Pam beams: “Leah is making it on her own.”


Leah has only praise for her dear friend:

“I had the pleasure of meeting Pam while working at the mall. Little did I know that our teacher-student relationship would one day turn into a genuine friendship that I would cherish for the rest of my life. Pam inspires me, encouraging me through my life's obstacles and even lending her time to care for my son and help him with school studies. She’s an angel on Earth.”

  • Why do you volunteer at Project Light?

After retiring, I learned that Elena had developed a curriculum focused on different proficiency

levels for PL students. Impressed, I wanted to get behind it. Some of my friends in the ESOL department urged me to learn more about the new, improved PL, and they thought I could volunteer there.

  • Why did you join the board of directors?

Soon after, one of my former colleagues, a Haitian woman, asked me to join PL as a board

member, and once I agreed, Board President Emeritus Charles Cunningham, who coordinates the

citizenship program, interviewed me. That was 3 1/2 years ago.

If I’m going to spend my retirement years pursuing my dream, I want my efforts to be quality

and well-spent. PL is a perfect fit.

  • How do you believe that you’re promoting the nonprofit’s mission?

I believe that my past career meshes with PL’s dedication to teaching adults English language

skills, empowering students to function at home, succeed on the job, and improve the

community.

I’ve been teaching Level 2 (of six levels) English writing for two years. I invited my students to

an MSD Back-to-School event at Manatee Technical College (I manned a booth) so they could

build some career goals by seeing the high-quality programs offered at the school.


  • Besides writing and distributing monthly minutes, what other responsibilities do you have as a board member?

All board members were asked to assume an additional role, and I chose facilities manager

because I had renovated a few houses, and I believed I could be an asset.

Since that time, we did some landscaping: planted bushes, cut trees; and cleaned the area.

Perhaps this winter we’ll ask students, the board, and others to help with improving the grounds.

  • What are PL’s challenges? Rewards?

Let me begin with our rewards. Because of the foresight of so many: our altruistic volunteers, professional staff, and dedicated sponsors, our students are succeeding and achieving their academic/employment goals. You can hear their pride when they share how PL is helping them help their children.

Unfortunately, challenges exist. But PL is determined to persevere—refurbishing our building and improving our programs.

I need to provide some history. Our original building—an old garage—has been converted to six classrooms, offices, and a library. We no longer have the thrift store to help with financing. 

Board President Cheryl Evans has sought out new avenues of funding, and PL looks forward to making more money available when we hold our annual December fundraiser. 

But we need financial support for making repairs and other improvements—another challenge to upgrading our building. We sought bids during COVID, but many businesses weren’t available.

We couldn’t find employees who could do the work we needed.

But we were fortunate to receive a grant from the Selby Foundation for 40K, which we used towards upgrading and painting our building façade; getting a new door and hurricane windows; installing entry awnings; and resealing and painting our fenced-in parking lot. 

Even with our repairs, we need to reroof. We’re slowly setting aside money in our roofing fund.

But we need 30K, so we’ll have to seek a grant.

Elena is working with Cool Today to determine what needs to be done to create better air flow inside the building.

Rewards outweigh our challenges. We’re determined to support our students and—community.

  • Where else do you volunteer?

I volunteer on my condo’s grounds beautification committee. I don’t have much time to focus on

other volunteering.


  • What are your pastimes?

I enjoy decorating my new condo, walking my dog, meeting friends for lunch and dinner, and gardening when the weather’s cooler.

  • What would you tell others who are interested in volunteering?

Volunteering is like exercise. Once you do it, you feel so much better. Volunteering at PL is win-win because the adults you mentor feel better too.

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