READ Ottawa has new, familiar executive director

READ Ottawa is welcoming Ally Velderman back to West Michigan as its new executive director.

Velderman, a Hamilton High School and Hope College graduate, spent 10 years in Memphis, Tenn., working in community development with Service Over Self, Inc., before returning to West Michigan. 

“Her people-first passion for nonprofit work is a quick fit with the organization and its staff, participants, and volunteers. Her work with READ Ottawa began earlier this year,” a press release from READ Ottawa says.

Courtesy READ OttawaREAD Ottawa helps adults improve their literacy.

READ Ottawa has championed adult literacy improvement through personalized one-on-one tutoring since its inception in 2009. The organization has provided support to more than 700 learners, transforming lives along the way. Based in Grand Haven, READ Ottawa extended its services to encompass the Holland and Zeeland areas in 2022.

“My years of non-profit work in Memphis were based in community development and youth programming, but the undercurrent was strategic support, reciprocal relationships, dignity, and friendship,” Velderman says. “READ Ottawa is moving the needle on local adult literacy with the same foundation.”

The work of READ Ottawa isn’t overly complicated, but it is extremely impactful for all involved.

Nearly 18% of adults in Michigan are identified as having low literacy.

READ Ottawa is unique in two distinct ways: first, the tutoring is one-on-one, and second, the tutoring is free.

“The one-on-one nature of our work creates freedom to work strategically to the learner’s goal and with their personality and learning style in mind,” Velderman says. “The incredible gift of local volunteers serving as tutors allows us to provide the services without cost, so there’s no financial barrier.”

Anyone can be a READ Ottawa volunteer.

“The READ Ottawa staff has created a system where anyone can be trained and empowered as a volunteer tutor and provides ongoing support to ensure it. In talking with tutors, it is clear and oft-repeated that this volunteer work is life-giving and often builds relationships that grow fruit beyond the meeting of literacy goals of learners. 
READ Ottawa is continually looking for new and more volunteers. For details, visit readottawa.org/volunteer.

READ Ottawa is a place for tutoring, resources, and support, officials say. Inquiries for tutoring services continually outpace available volunteer tutors’ time.

The nonprofit currently serves nearly 100 adult learners. More individuals are regularly reaching out for literacy assistance. Those seeking assistance often face incredible challenges — among them learning disabilities, leaving high school prematurely due to unforeseen circumstances, learning disabilities, or being a migrant worker, political refugee, or immigrant.

Training and ongoing support, as well as all learning materials and curriculum, is provided by the READ Ottawa staff.

READ Ottawa is hosting tutor training sessions this fall. Upcoming sessions will be 5:30 to 8 p.m. Sept. 24 and 26 in Holland, 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 1 and 3 in Grand Haven, and 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 8 and 10 in Allegan. This comprehensive training equips volunteers with the essential resources and materials needed to effectively tutor adult learners.