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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Make a Difference in a Child's Life, Volunteer for Experience Corps in Georgia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/31/20 by <b>Ann Hardie</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As a young girl, Sara Thomas rarely ventured far from her small Alabama hometown but still traveled the world, through books.<br><br>“Reading allowed me to dream, to visualize the way that other people lived and thought,” said Thomas, 79, of Conyers, a retired educator who helped children with special needs learn to read.<br><br>Today, she is opening up the world to even more students by volunteering with AARP Foundation Experience Corps. The literacy program, which pairs adults 50-plus with children reading below grade level, has flourished in Georgia.<br><br>Launched four years ago in Macon, it expanded in 2019 to DeKalb County, where 39 volunteers tutored 86 students in four public elementary schools.<br><br>Experience Corps is on hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic, but it is scheduled to return in the fall, provided that in-person interactions have resumed by then.<br><br>Though the program was cut short by more than two months because of the outbreak, it still made significant inroads. After five months of tutoring, nearly all of the students improved their reading scores, and 43 percent were reading at or above grade level. At E.L. Miller Elementary, in Stone Mountain, 93 percent of kids showed gains in their scores.<br><br>Nationwide, some 31,000 children and 2,300 volunteers are participating in Experience Corps, which is for students in kindergarten through third grade.<br><br>Statistics show that children who are not reading at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely not to graduate from high school.<br><br>“All of the volunteer tutors realize that working with a student who is reading below grade level—sometimes below two grade levels—is a big deal,” said Shun Dorsey, program manager at United Way of Greater Atlanta, which hosts DeKalb’s program. “They understand the importance of literacy in a child’s life.”<br><br><b>A sense of purpose for tutors</b><br><br>Since 2016, more than 80 volunteers with Macon’s Experience Corps program have helped roughly 1,440 students in 10 elementary schools. Its success fueled the expansion into DeKalb County last year, and program leaders hope to eventually move into other areas of the state.<br><br>Volunteers meet one-on-one with students for 30 minutes, twice a week. They receive training in the fall, and the program typically begins in late September or October.<br><br>The benefits of Experience Corps extend well beyond the classroom, said Angelique Smith, 52, a retired school principal who now serves as site coordinator for the program at Redan Elementary, in Lithonia. Students get a confidence boost that can carry over into their personal lives, she said. “It is very rare that they can get that one-on-one time during the school day that the program offers.”<br><br>The program also gives tutors a sense of purpose. Experience Corps has provided Barbara Currence-Davis, 70, an opportunity to connect with her community since she moved to Stone Mountain two years ago from Canton, Ohio, where she also volunteered as a literacy tutor.<br><br>“I wanted to get involved, and the program has helped me find that sense of community,” Currence-Davis said. “The children and I bonded very quickly.”<br><br>Want to volunteer? Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/experience-corps/" target="_blank">aarp.org/experience-corps</a></span></span>.<br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/giving-back/" target="_blank">Learn About Volunteering with AARP</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarpcommunityconnections.org/?_gl=1%2Ah0dl5f%2A_gcl_aw%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.%2A_gcl_dc%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.&_ga=2.83272469.2080182867.1590072717-112503043.1585059471&_gac=1.149213764.1590086705.Cj0KCQjwzZj2BRDVARIsABs3l9KYxnyslbdaFzM_pfNMgF0H9Nh-7b2WkOUZOlaVyVi-McZU75h7z9UaAkN1EALw_wcB" target="_blank">Help Your Neighbors During the Coronavirus Pandemic</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="default" data-video-id="6148471831001" data-video-title="Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic" data-account-id="3772599298001"data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6148471831001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Georgia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank">AARP Georgia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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The literacy program, which pairs adults 50-plus with children reading below grade level, has flourished in Georgia.<br><br>Launched four years ago in Macon, it expanded in 2019 to DeKalb County, where 39 volunteers tutored 86 students in four public elementary schools.<br><br>Experience Corps is on hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic, but it is scheduled to return in the fall, provided that in-person interactions have resumed by then.<br><br>Though the program was cut short by more than two months because of the outbreak, it still made significant inroads. After five months of tutoring, nearly all of the students improved their reading scores, and 43 percent were reading at or above grade level. At E.L. Miller Elementary, in Stone Mountain, 93 percent of kids showed gains in their scores.<br><br>Nationwide, some 31,000 children and 2,300 volunteers are participating in Experience Corps, which is for students in kindergarten through third grade.<br><br>Statistics show that children who are not reading at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely not to graduate from high school.<br><br>“All of the volunteer tutors realize that working with a student who is reading below grade level—sometimes below two grade levels—is a big deal,” said Shun Dorsey, program manager at United Way of Greater Atlanta, which hosts DeKalb’s program. “They understand the importance of literacy in a child’s life.”<br><br><b>A sense of purpose for tutors</b><br><br>Since 2016, more than 80 volunteers with Macon’s Experience Corps program have helped roughly 1,440 students in 10 elementary schools. Its success fueled the expansion into DeKalb County last year, and program leaders hope to eventually move into other areas of the state.<br><br>Volunteers meet one-on-one with students for 30 minutes, twice a week. They receive training in the fall, and the program typically begins in late September or October.<br><br>The benefits of Experience Corps extend well beyond the classroom, said Angelique Smith, 52, a retired school principal who now serves as site coordinator for the program at Redan Elementary, in Lithonia. Students get a confidence boost that can carry over into their personal lives, she said. “It is very rare that they can get that one-on-one time during the school day that the program offers.”<br><br>The program also gives tutors a sense of purpose. Experience Corps has provided Barbara Currence-Davis, 70, an opportunity to connect with her community since she moved to Stone Mountain two years ago from Canton, Ohio, where she also volunteered as a literacy tutor.<br><br>“I wanted to get involved, and the program has helped me find that sense of community,” Currence-Davis said. “The children and I bonded very quickly.”<br><br>Want to volunteer? Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/experience-corps/" target="_blank">aarp.org/experience-corps</a></span></span>.<br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/giving-back/" target="_blank">Learn About Volunteering with AARP</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarpcommunityconnections.org/?_gl=1%2Ah0dl5f%2A_gcl_aw%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.%2A_gcl_dc%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.&_ga=2.83272469.2080182867.1590072717-112503043.1585059471&_gac=1.149213764.1590086705.Cj0KCQjwzZj2BRDVARIsABs3l9KYxnyslbdaFzM_pfNMgF0H9Nh-7b2WkOUZOlaVyVi-McZU75h7z9UaAkN1EALw_wcB" target="_blank">Help Your Neighbors During the Coronavirus Pandemic</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="default" data-video-id="6148471831001" data-video-title="Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic" data-account-id="3772599298001"data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6148471831001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Georgia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank">AARP Georgia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Utah Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Utah Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Utah</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:UTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">UTAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/utah/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Utah</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-3/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-PLEASANTGROVE-UT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpUT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Make a Difference in a Child's Life, Volunteer for Experience Corps in Georgia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/31/20 by <b>Ann Hardie</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As a young girl, Sara Thomas rarely ventured far from her small Alabama hometown but still traveled the world, through books.<br><br>“Reading allowed me to dream, to visualize the way that other people lived and thought,” said Thomas, 79, of Conyers, a retired educator who helped children with special needs learn to read.<br><br>Today, she is opening up the world to even more students by volunteering with AARP Foundation Experience Corps. The literacy program, which pairs adults 50-plus with children reading below grade level, has flourished in Georgia.<br><br>Launched four years ago in Macon, it expanded in 2019 to DeKalb County, where 39 volunteers tutored 86 students in four public elementary schools.<br><br>Experience Corps is on hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic, but it is scheduled to return in the fall, provided that in-person interactions have resumed by then.<br><br>Though the program was cut short by more than two months because of the outbreak, it still made significant inroads. After five months of tutoring, nearly all of the students improved their reading scores, and 43 percent were reading at or above grade level. At E.L. Miller Elementary, in Stone Mountain, 93 percent of kids showed gains in their scores.<br><br>Nationwide, some 31,000 children and 2,300 volunteers are participating in Experience Corps, which is for students in kindergarten through third grade.<br><br>Statistics show that children who are not reading at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely not to graduate from high school.<br><br>“All of the volunteer tutors realize that working with a student who is reading below grade level—sometimes below two grade levels—is a big deal,” said Shun Dorsey, program manager at United Way of Greater Atlanta, which hosts DeKalb’s program. “They understand the importance of literacy in a child’s life.”<br><br><b>A sense of purpose for tutors</b><br><br>Since 2016, more than 80 volunteers with Macon’s Experience Corps program have helped roughly 1,440 students in 10 elementary schools. Its success fueled the expansion into DeKalb County last year, and program leaders hope to eventually move into other areas of the state.<br><br>Volunteers meet one-on-one with students for 30 minutes, twice a week. They receive training in the fall, and the program typically begins in late September or October.<br><br>The benefits of Experience Corps extend well beyond the classroom, said Angelique Smith, 52, a retired school principal who now serves as site coordinator for the program at Redan Elementary, in Lithonia. Students get a confidence boost that can carry over into their personal lives, she said. “It is very rare that they can get that one-on-one time during the school day that the program offers.”<br><br>The program also gives tutors a sense of purpose. Experience Corps has provided Barbara Currence-Davis, 70, an opportunity to connect with her community since she moved to Stone Mountain two years ago from Canton, Ohio, where she also volunteered as a literacy tutor.<br><br>“I wanted to get involved, and the program has helped me find that sense of community,” Currence-Davis said. “The children and I bonded very quickly.”<br><br>Want to volunteer? Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/experience-corps/" target="_blank">aarp.org/experience-corps</a></span></span>.<br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/giving-back/" target="_blank">Learn About Volunteering with AARP</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarpcommunityconnections.org/?_gl=1%2Ah0dl5f%2A_gcl_aw%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.%2A_gcl_dc%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.&_ga=2.83272469.2080182867.1590072717-112503043.1585059471&_gac=1.149213764.1590086705.Cj0KCQjwzZj2BRDVARIsABs3l9KYxnyslbdaFzM_pfNMgF0H9Nh-7b2WkOUZOlaVyVi-McZU75h7z9UaAkN1EALw_wcB" target="_blank">Help Your Neighbors During the Coronavirus Pandemic</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="default" data-video-id="6148471831001" data-video-title="Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic" data-account-id="3772599298001"data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6148471831001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Georgia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank">AARP Georgia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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The literacy program, which pairs adults 50-plus with children reading below grade level, has flourished in Georgia.<br><br>Launched four years ago in Macon, it expanded in 2019 to DeKalb County, where 39 volunteers tutored 86 students in four public elementary schools.<br><br>Experience Corps is on hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic, but it is scheduled to return in the fall, provided that in-person interactions have resumed by then.<br><br>Though the program was cut short by more than two months because of the outbreak, it still made significant inroads. After five months of tutoring, nearly all of the students improved their reading scores, and 43 percent were reading at or above grade level. At E.L. Miller Elementary, in Stone Mountain, 93 percent of kids showed gains in their scores.<br><br>Nationwide, some 31,000 children and 2,300 volunteers are participating in Experience Corps, which is for students in kindergarten through third grade.<br><br>Statistics show that children who are not reading at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely not to graduate from high school.<br><br>“All of the volunteer tutors realize that working with a student who is reading below grade level—sometimes below two grade levels—is a big deal,” said Shun Dorsey, program manager at United Way of Greater Atlanta, which hosts DeKalb’s program. “They understand the importance of literacy in a child’s life.”<br><br><b>A sense of purpose for tutors</b><br><br>Since 2016, more than 80 volunteers with Macon’s Experience Corps program have helped roughly 1,440 students in 10 elementary schools. Its success fueled the expansion into DeKalb County last year, and program leaders hope to eventually move into other areas of the state.<br><br>Volunteers meet one-on-one with students for 30 minutes, twice a week. They receive training in the fall, and the program typically begins in late September or October.<br><br>The benefits of Experience Corps extend well beyond the classroom, said Angelique Smith, 52, a retired school principal who now serves as site coordinator for the program at Redan Elementary, in Lithonia. Students get a confidence boost that can carry over into their personal lives, she said. “It is very rare that they can get that one-on-one time during the school day that the program offers.”<br><br>The program also gives tutors a sense of purpose. Experience Corps has provided Barbara Currence-Davis, 70, an opportunity to connect with her community since she moved to Stone Mountain two years ago from Canton, Ohio, where she also volunteered as a literacy tutor.<br><br>“I wanted to get involved, and the program has helped me find that sense of community,” Currence-Davis said. “The children and I bonded very quickly.”<br><br>Want to volunteer? Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/experience-corps/" target="_blank">aarp.org/experience-corps</a></span></span>.<br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/giving-back/" target="_blank">Learn About Volunteering with AARP</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarpcommunityconnections.org/?_gl=1%2Ah0dl5f%2A_gcl_aw%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.%2A_gcl_dc%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.&_ga=2.83272469.2080182867.1590072717-112503043.1585059471&_gac=1.149213764.1590086705.Cj0KCQjwzZj2BRDVARIsABs3l9KYxnyslbdaFzM_pfNMgF0H9Nh-7b2WkOUZOlaVyVi-McZU75h7z9UaAkN1EALw_wcB" target="_blank">Help Your Neighbors During the Coronavirus Pandemic</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="default" data-video-id="6148471831001" data-video-title="Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic" data-account-id="3772599298001"data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6148471831001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Georgia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank">AARP Georgia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Utah Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Utah Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Utah</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:UTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">UTAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/utah/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Utah</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-3/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-PLEASANTGROVE-UT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpUT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Make a Difference in a Child's Life, Volunteer for Experience Corps in Georgia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/31/20 by <b>Ann Hardie</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As a young girl, Sara Thomas rarely ventured far from her small Alabama hometown but still traveled the world, through books.<br><br>“Reading allowed me to dream, to visualize the way that other people lived and thought,” said Thomas, 79, of Conyers, a retired educator who helped children with special needs learn to read.<br><br>Today, she is opening up the world to even more students by volunteering with AARP Foundation Experience Corps. The literacy program, which pairs adults 50-plus with children reading below grade level, has flourished in Georgia.<br><br>Launched four years ago in Macon, it expanded in 2019 to DeKalb County, where 39 volunteers tutored 86 students in four public elementary schools.<br><br>Experience Corps is on hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic, but it is scheduled to return in the fall, provided that in-person interactions have resumed by then.<br><br>Though the program was cut short by more than two months because of the outbreak, it still made significant inroads. After five months of tutoring, nearly all of the students improved their reading scores, and 43 percent were reading at or above grade level. At E.L. Miller Elementary, in Stone Mountain, 93 percent of kids showed gains in their scores.<br><br>Nationwide, some 31,000 children and 2,300 volunteers are participating in Experience Corps, which is for students in kindergarten through third grade.<br><br>Statistics show that children who are not reading at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely not to graduate from high school.<br><br>“All of the volunteer tutors realize that working with a student who is reading below grade level—sometimes below two grade levels—is a big deal,” said Shun Dorsey, program manager at United Way of Greater Atlanta, which hosts DeKalb’s program. “They understand the importance of literacy in a child’s life.”<br><br><b>A sense of purpose for tutors</b><br><br>Since 2016, more than 80 volunteers with Macon’s Experience Corps program have helped roughly 1,440 students in 10 elementary schools. Its success fueled the expansion into DeKalb County last year, and program leaders hope to eventually move into other areas of the state.<br><br>Volunteers meet one-on-one with students for 30 minutes, twice a week. They receive training in the fall, and the program typically begins in late September or October.<br><br>The benefits of Experience Corps extend well beyond the classroom, said Angelique Smith, 52, a retired school principal who now serves as site coordinator for the program at Redan Elementary, in Lithonia. Students get a confidence boost that can carry over into their personal lives, she said. “It is very rare that they can get that one-on-one time during the school day that the program offers.”<br><br>The program also gives tutors a sense of purpose. Experience Corps has provided Barbara Currence-Davis, 70, an opportunity to connect with her community since she moved to Stone Mountain two years ago from Canton, Ohio, where she also volunteered as a literacy tutor.<br><br>“I wanted to get involved, and the program has helped me find that sense of community,” Currence-Davis said. “The children and I bonded very quickly.”<br><br>Want to volunteer? Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/experience-corps/" target="_blank">aarp.org/experience-corps</a></span></span>.<br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/giving-back/" target="_blank">Learn About Volunteering with AARP</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarpcommunityconnections.org/?_gl=1%2Ah0dl5f%2A_gcl_aw%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.%2A_gcl_dc%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.&_ga=2.83272469.2080182867.1590072717-112503043.1585059471&_gac=1.149213764.1590086705.Cj0KCQjwzZj2BRDVARIsABs3l9KYxnyslbdaFzM_pfNMgF0H9Nh-7b2WkOUZOlaVyVi-McZU75h7z9UaAkN1EALw_wcB" target="_blank">Help Your Neighbors During the Coronavirus Pandemic</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="default" data-video-id="6148471831001" data-video-title="Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic" data-account-id="3772599298001"data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6148471831001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Georgia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank">AARP Georgia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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The literacy program, which pairs adults 50-plus with children reading below grade level, has flourished in Georgia.<br><br>Launched four years ago in Macon, it expanded in 2019 to DeKalb County, where 39 volunteers tutored 86 students in four public elementary schools.<br><br>Experience Corps is on hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic, but it is scheduled to return in the fall, provided that in-person interactions have resumed by then.<br><br>Though the program was cut short by more than two months because of the outbreak, it still made significant inroads. After five months of tutoring, nearly all of the students improved their reading scores, and 43 percent were reading at or above grade level. At E.L. Miller Elementary, in Stone Mountain, 93 percent of kids showed gains in their scores.<br><br>Nationwide, some 31,000 children and 2,300 volunteers are participating in Experience Corps, which is for students in kindergarten through third grade.<br><br>Statistics show that children who are not reading at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely not to graduate from high school.<br><br>“All of the volunteer tutors realize that working with a student who is reading below grade level—sometimes below two grade levels—is a big deal,” said Shun Dorsey, program manager at United Way of Greater Atlanta, which hosts DeKalb’s program. “They understand the importance of literacy in a child’s life.”<br><br><b>A sense of purpose for tutors</b><br><br>Since 2016, more than 80 volunteers with Macon’s Experience Corps program have helped roughly 1,440 students in 10 elementary schools. Its success fueled the expansion into DeKalb County last year, and program leaders hope to eventually move into other areas of the state.<br><br>Volunteers meet one-on-one with students for 30 minutes, twice a week. They receive training in the fall, and the program typically begins in late September or October.<br><br>The benefits of Experience Corps extend well beyond the classroom, said Angelique Smith, 52, a retired school principal who now serves as site coordinator for the program at Redan Elementary, in Lithonia. Students get a confidence boost that can carry over into their personal lives, she said. “It is very rare that they can get that one-on-one time during the school day that the program offers.”<br><br>The program also gives tutors a sense of purpose. Experience Corps has provided Barbara Currence-Davis, 70, an opportunity to connect with her community since she moved to Stone Mountain two years ago from Canton, Ohio, where she also volunteered as a literacy tutor.<br><br>“I wanted to get involved, and the program has helped me find that sense of community,” Currence-Davis said. “The children and I bonded very quickly.”<br><br>Want to volunteer? Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/experience-corps/" target="_blank">aarp.org/experience-corps</a></span></span>.<br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/giving-back/" target="_blank">Learn About Volunteering with AARP</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarpcommunityconnections.org/?_gl=1%2Ah0dl5f%2A_gcl_aw%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.%2A_gcl_dc%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.&_ga=2.83272469.2080182867.1590072717-112503043.1585059471&_gac=1.149213764.1590086705.Cj0KCQjwzZj2BRDVARIsABs3l9KYxnyslbdaFzM_pfNMgF0H9Nh-7b2WkOUZOlaVyVi-McZU75h7z9UaAkN1EALw_wcB" target="_blank">Help Your Neighbors During the Coronavirus Pandemic</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="default" data-video-id="6148471831001" data-video-title="Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic" data-account-id="3772599298001"data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6148471831001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Georgia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank">AARP Georgia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Utah Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Utah Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Utah</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:UTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">UTAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/utah/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Utah</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-3/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-PLEASANTGROVE-UT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpUT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Make a Difference in a Child's Life, Volunteer for Experience Corps in Georgia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/31/20 by <b>Ann Hardie</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As a young girl, Sara Thomas rarely ventured far from her small Alabama hometown but still traveled the world, through books.<br><br>“Reading allowed me to dream, to visualize the way that other people lived and thought,” said Thomas, 79, of Conyers, a retired educator who helped children with special needs learn to read.<br><br>Today, she is opening up the world to even more students by volunteering with AARP Foundation Experience Corps. The literacy program, which pairs adults 50-plus with children reading below grade level, has flourished in Georgia.<br><br>Launched four years ago in Macon, it expanded in 2019 to DeKalb County, where 39 volunteers tutored 86 students in four public elementary schools.<br><br>Experience Corps is on hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic, but it is scheduled to return in the fall, provided that in-person interactions have resumed by then.<br><br>Though the program was cut short by more than two months because of the outbreak, it still made significant inroads. After five months of tutoring, nearly all of the students improved their reading scores, and 43 percent were reading at or above grade level. At E.L. Miller Elementary, in Stone Mountain, 93 percent of kids showed gains in their scores.<br><br>Nationwide, some 31,000 children and 2,300 volunteers are participating in Experience Corps, which is for students in kindergarten through third grade.<br><br>Statistics show that children who are not reading at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely not to graduate from high school.<br><br>“All of the volunteer tutors realize that working with a student who is reading below grade level—sometimes below two grade levels—is a big deal,” said Shun Dorsey, program manager at United Way of Greater Atlanta, which hosts DeKalb’s program. “They understand the importance of literacy in a child’s life.”<br><br><b>A sense of purpose for tutors</b><br><br>Since 2016, more than 80 volunteers with Macon’s Experience Corps program have helped roughly 1,440 students in 10 elementary schools. Its success fueled the expansion into DeKalb County last year, and program leaders hope to eventually move into other areas of the state.<br><br>Volunteers meet one-on-one with students for 30 minutes, twice a week. They receive training in the fall, and the program typically begins in late September or October.<br><br>The benefits of Experience Corps extend well beyond the classroom, said Angelique Smith, 52, a retired school principal who now serves as site coordinator for the program at Redan Elementary, in Lithonia. Students get a confidence boost that can carry over into their personal lives, she said. “It is very rare that they can get that one-on-one time during the school day that the program offers.”<br><br>The program also gives tutors a sense of purpose. Experience Corps has provided Barbara Currence-Davis, 70, an opportunity to connect with her community since she moved to Stone Mountain two years ago from Canton, Ohio, where she also volunteered as a literacy tutor.<br><br>“I wanted to get involved, and the program has helped me find that sense of community,” Currence-Davis said. “The children and I bonded very quickly.”<br><br>Want to volunteer? Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/experience-corps/" target="_blank">aarp.org/experience-corps</a></span></span>.<br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/giving-back/" target="_blank">Learn About Volunteering with AARP</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarpcommunityconnections.org/?_gl=1%2Ah0dl5f%2A_gcl_aw%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.%2A_gcl_dc%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.&_ga=2.83272469.2080182867.1590072717-112503043.1585059471&_gac=1.149213764.1590086705.Cj0KCQjwzZj2BRDVARIsABs3l9KYxnyslbdaFzM_pfNMgF0H9Nh-7b2WkOUZOlaVyVi-McZU75h7z9UaAkN1EALw_wcB" target="_blank">Help Your Neighbors During the Coronavirus Pandemic</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="default" data-video-id="6148471831001" data-video-title="Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic" data-account-id="3772599298001"data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6148471831001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Georgia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank">AARP Georgia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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The literacy program, which pairs adults 50-plus with children reading below grade level, has flourished in Georgia.<br><br>Launched four years ago in Macon, it expanded in 2019 to DeKalb County, where 39 volunteers tutored 86 students in four public elementary schools.<br><br>Experience Corps is on hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic, but it is scheduled to return in the fall, provided that in-person interactions have resumed by then.<br><br>Though the program was cut short by more than two months because of the outbreak, it still made significant inroads. After five months of tutoring, nearly all of the students improved their reading scores, and 43 percent were reading at or above grade level. At E.L. Miller Elementary, in Stone Mountain, 93 percent of kids showed gains in their scores.<br><br>Nationwide, some 31,000 children and 2,300 volunteers are participating in Experience Corps, which is for students in kindergarten through third grade.<br><br>Statistics show that children who are not reading at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely not to graduate from high school.<br><br>“All of the volunteer tutors realize that working with a student who is reading below grade level—sometimes below two grade levels—is a big deal,” said Shun Dorsey, program manager at United Way of Greater Atlanta, which hosts DeKalb’s program. “They understand the importance of literacy in a child’s life.”<br><br><b>A sense of purpose for tutors</b><br><br>Since 2016, more than 80 volunteers with Macon’s Experience Corps program have helped roughly 1,440 students in 10 elementary schools. Its success fueled the expansion into DeKalb County last year, and program leaders hope to eventually move into other areas of the state.<br><br>Volunteers meet one-on-one with students for 30 minutes, twice a week. They receive training in the fall, and the program typically begins in late September or October.<br><br>The benefits of Experience Corps extend well beyond the classroom, said Angelique Smith, 52, a retired school principal who now serves as site coordinator for the program at Redan Elementary, in Lithonia. Students get a confidence boost that can carry over into their personal lives, she said. “It is very rare that they can get that one-on-one time during the school day that the program offers.”<br><br>The program also gives tutors a sense of purpose. Experience Corps has provided Barbara Currence-Davis, 70, an opportunity to connect with her community since she moved to Stone Mountain two years ago from Canton, Ohio, where she also volunteered as a literacy tutor.<br><br>“I wanted to get involved, and the program has helped me find that sense of community,” Currence-Davis said. “The children and I bonded very quickly.”<br><br>Want to volunteer? Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/experience-corps/" target="_blank">aarp.org/experience-corps</a></span></span>.<br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/giving-back/" target="_blank">Learn About Volunteering with AARP</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarpcommunityconnections.org/?_gl=1%2Ah0dl5f%2A_gcl_aw%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.%2A_gcl_dc%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.&_ga=2.83272469.2080182867.1590072717-112503043.1585059471&_gac=1.149213764.1590086705.Cj0KCQjwzZj2BRDVARIsABs3l9KYxnyslbdaFzM_pfNMgF0H9Nh-7b2WkOUZOlaVyVi-McZU75h7z9UaAkN1EALw_wcB" target="_blank">Help Your Neighbors During the Coronavirus Pandemic</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="default" data-video-id="6148471831001" data-video-title="Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic" data-account-id="3772599298001"data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6148471831001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Georgia. 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As a young girl, Sara Thomas rarely ventured far from her small Alabama hometown but still traveled the world, through books.
“Reading allowed me to dream, to visualize the way that other people lived and thought,” said Thomas, 79, of Conyers, a retired educator who helped children with special needs learn to read.
Today, she is opening up the world to even more students by volunteering with AARP Foundation Experience Corps. The literacy program, which pairs adults 50-plus with children reading below grade level, has flourished in Georgia.
Launched four years ago in Macon, it expanded in 2019 to DeKalb County, where 39 volunteers tutored 86 students in four public elementary schools.
Experience Corps is on hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic, but it is scheduled to return in the fall, provided that in-person interactions have resumed by then.
Though the program was cut short by more than two months because of the outbreak, it still made significant inroads. After five months of tutoring, nearly all of the students improved their reading scores, and 43 percent were reading at or above grade level. At E.L. Miller Elementary, in Stone Mountain, 93 percent of kids showed gains in their scores.
Nationwide, some 31,000 children and 2,300 volunteers are participating in Experience Corps, which is for students in kindergarten through third grade.
Statistics show that children who are not reading at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely not to graduate from high school.
“All of the volunteer tutors realize that working with a student who is reading below grade level—sometimes below two grade levels—is a big deal,” said Shun Dorsey, program manager at United Way of Greater Atlanta, which hosts DeKalb’s program. “They understand the importance of literacy in a child’s life.”
A sense of purpose for tutors
Since 2016, more than 80 volunteers with Macon’s Experience Corps program have helped roughly 1,440 students in 10 elementary schools. Its success fueled the expansion into DeKalb County last year, and program leaders hope to eventually move into other areas of the state.
Volunteers meet one-on-one with students for 30 minutes, twice a week. They receive training in the fall, and the program typically begins in late September or October.
The benefits of Experience Corps extend well beyond the classroom, said Angelique Smith, 52, a retired school principal who now serves as site coordinator for the program at Redan Elementary, in Lithonia. Students get a confidence boost that can carry over into their personal lives, she said. “It is very rare that they can get that one-on-one time during the school day that the program offers.”
The program also gives tutors a sense of purpose. Experience Corps has provided Barbara Currence-Davis, 70, an opportunity to connect with her community since she moved to Stone Mountain two years ago from Canton, Ohio, where she also volunteered as a literacy tutor.
“I wanted to get involved, and the program has helped me find that sense of community,” Currence-Davis said. “The children and I bonded very quickly.”
Want to volunteer? Go to aarp.org/experience-corps.
Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.
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This story is provided by AARP Georgia. Visit the AARP Georgia page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.
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Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT
Zoom
Online Event
Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1]Code Context$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = falseinclude - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Make a Difference in a Child's Life, Volunteer for Experience Corps in Georgia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/31/20 by <b>Ann Hardie</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As a young girl, Sara Thomas rarely ventured far from her small Alabama hometown but still traveled the world, through books.<br><br>“Reading allowed me to dream, to visualize the way that other people lived and thought,” said Thomas, 79, of Conyers, a retired educator who helped children with special needs learn to read.<br><br>Today, she is opening up the world to even more students by volunteering with AARP Foundation Experience Corps. The literacy program, which pairs adults 50-plus with children reading below grade level, has flourished in Georgia.<br><br>Launched four years ago in Macon, it expanded in 2019 to DeKalb County, where 39 volunteers tutored 86 students in four public elementary schools.<br><br>Experience Corps is on hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic, but it is scheduled to return in the fall, provided that in-person interactions have resumed by then.<br><br>Though the program was cut short by more than two months because of the outbreak, it still made significant inroads. After five months of tutoring, nearly all of the students improved their reading scores, and 43 percent were reading at or above grade level. At E.L. Miller Elementary, in Stone Mountain, 93 percent of kids showed gains in their scores.<br><br>Nationwide, some 31,000 children and 2,300 volunteers are participating in Experience Corps, which is for students in kindergarten through third grade.<br><br>Statistics show that children who are not reading at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely not to graduate from high school.<br><br>“All of the volunteer tutors realize that working with a student who is reading below grade level—sometimes below two grade levels—is a big deal,” said Shun Dorsey, program manager at United Way of Greater Atlanta, which hosts DeKalb’s program. “They understand the importance of literacy in a child’s life.”<br><br><b>A sense of purpose for tutors</b><br><br>Since 2016, more than 80 volunteers with Macon’s Experience Corps program have helped roughly 1,440 students in 10 elementary schools. Its success fueled the expansion into DeKalb County last year, and program leaders hope to eventually move into other areas of the state.<br><br>Volunteers meet one-on-one with students for 30 minutes, twice a week. They receive training in the fall, and the program typically begins in late September or October.<br><br>The benefits of Experience Corps extend well beyond the classroom, said Angelique Smith, 52, a retired school principal who now serves as site coordinator for the program at Redan Elementary, in Lithonia. Students get a confidence boost that can carry over into their personal lives, she said. “It is very rare that they can get that one-on-one time during the school day that the program offers.”<br><br>The program also gives tutors a sense of purpose. Experience Corps has provided Barbara Currence-Davis, 70, an opportunity to connect with her community since she moved to Stone Mountain two years ago from Canton, Ohio, where she also volunteered as a literacy tutor.<br><br>“I wanted to get involved, and the program has helped me find that sense of community,” Currence-Davis said. “The children and I bonded very quickly.”<br><br>Want to volunteer? Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/experience-corps/" target="_blank">aarp.org/experience-corps</a></span></span>.<br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/giving-back/" target="_blank">Learn About Volunteering with AARP</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarpcommunityconnections.org/?_gl=1%2Ah0dl5f%2A_gcl_aw%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.%2A_gcl_dc%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.&_ga=2.83272469.2080182867.1590072717-112503043.1585059471&_gac=1.149213764.1590086705.Cj0KCQjwzZj2BRDVARIsABs3l9KYxnyslbdaFzM_pfNMgF0H9Nh-7b2WkOUZOlaVyVi-McZU75h7z9UaAkN1EALw_wcB" target="_blank">Help Your Neighbors During the Coronavirus Pandemic</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="default" data-video-id="6148471831001" data-video-title="Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic" data-account-id="3772599298001"data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6148471831001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Georgia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank">AARP Georgia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Utah Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Utah Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Utah</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:UTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">UTAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/utah/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Utah</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-3/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-PLEASANTGROVE-UT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpUT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Make a Difference in a Child's Life, Volunteer for Experience Corps in Georgia</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Make a Difference in a Child's Life, Volunteer for Experience Corps in Georgia"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="As a young girl, Sara Thomas rarely ventured far from her small Alabama hometown but still traveled the world, through books.“Reading allowed me to dream," name="description"/> <meta content="Make, Difference, in, Child, s, Life, Volunteer, Experience, Corps, Georgia" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/georgia/make-a-difference-in-a-childs-life-volunteer-for-experience-corps-in-georgia" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/make-a-difference-in-a-childs-life-volunteer-for-experience-corps-in-georgia-ga-2020-05-31.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Make a Difference in a Child's Life, Volunteer for Experience Corps in Georgia"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The AARP Foundation's Experience Corps literacy program that pairs older adults with elementary school students is flourishing with hundreds of kids in Macon"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/441e99e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5157x3315+0+61/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F60%2Ff7%2F0ce20b944aeabb372ad26b47de53%2Fgettyimages-73773840.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Make a Difference in a Child's Life, Volunteer for Experience Corps in Georgia"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The AARP Foundation's Experience Corps literacy program that pairs older adults with elementary school students is flourishing with hundreds of kids in Macon"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/441e99e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5157x3315+0+61/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F60%2Ff7%2F0ce20b944aeabb372ad26b47de53%2Fgettyimages-73773840.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Make a Difference in a Child's Life, Volunteer for Experience Corps in Georgia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/31/20 by <b>Ann Hardie</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As a young girl, Sara Thomas rarely ventured far from her small Alabama hometown but still traveled the world, through books.<br><br>“Reading allowed me to dream, to visualize the way that other people lived and thought,” said Thomas, 79, of Conyers, a retired educator who helped children with special needs learn to read.<br><br>Today, she is opening up the world to even more students by volunteering with AARP Foundation Experience Corps. The literacy program, which pairs adults 50-plus with children reading below grade level, has flourished in Georgia.<br><br>Launched four years ago in Macon, it expanded in 2019 to DeKalb County, where 39 volunteers tutored 86 students in four public elementary schools.<br><br>Experience Corps is on hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic, but it is scheduled to return in the fall, provided that in-person interactions have resumed by then.<br><br>Though the program was cut short by more than two months because of the outbreak, it still made significant inroads. After five months of tutoring, nearly all of the students improved their reading scores, and 43 percent were reading at or above grade level. At E.L. Miller Elementary, in Stone Mountain, 93 percent of kids showed gains in their scores.<br><br>Nationwide, some 31,000 children and 2,300 volunteers are participating in Experience Corps, which is for students in kindergarten through third grade.<br><br>Statistics show that children who are not reading at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely not to graduate from high school.<br><br>“All of the volunteer tutors realize that working with a student who is reading below grade level—sometimes below two grade levels—is a big deal,” said Shun Dorsey, program manager at United Way of Greater Atlanta, which hosts DeKalb’s program. “They understand the importance of literacy in a child’s life.”<br><br><b>A sense of purpose for tutors</b><br><br>Since 2016, more than 80 volunteers with Macon’s Experience Corps program have helped roughly 1,440 students in 10 elementary schools. Its success fueled the expansion into DeKalb County last year, and program leaders hope to eventually move into other areas of the state.<br><br>Volunteers meet one-on-one with students for 30 minutes, twice a week. They receive training in the fall, and the program typically begins in late September or October.<br><br>The benefits of Experience Corps extend well beyond the classroom, said Angelique Smith, 52, a retired school principal who now serves as site coordinator for the program at Redan Elementary, in Lithonia. Students get a confidence boost that can carry over into their personal lives, she said. “It is very rare that they can get that one-on-one time during the school day that the program offers.”<br><br>The program also gives tutors a sense of purpose. Experience Corps has provided Barbara Currence-Davis, 70, an opportunity to connect with her community since she moved to Stone Mountain two years ago from Canton, Ohio, where she also volunteered as a literacy tutor.<br><br>“I wanted to get involved, and the program has helped me find that sense of community,” Currence-Davis said. “The children and I bonded very quickly.”<br><br>Want to volunteer? Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/experience-corps/" target="_blank">aarp.org/experience-corps</a></span></span>.<br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/giving-back/" target="_blank">Learn About Volunteering with AARP</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarpcommunityconnections.org/?_gl=1%2Ah0dl5f%2A_gcl_aw%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.%2A_gcl_dc%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.&_ga=2.83272469.2080182867.1590072717-112503043.1585059471&_gac=1.149213764.1590086705.Cj0KCQjwzZj2BRDVARIsABs3l9KYxnyslbdaFzM_pfNMgF0H9Nh-7b2WkOUZOlaVyVi-McZU75h7z9UaAkN1EALw_wcB" target="_blank">Help Your Neighbors During the Coronavirus Pandemic</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="default" data-video-id="6148471831001" data-video-title="Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic" data-account-id="3772599298001"data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6148471831001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Georgia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank">AARP Georgia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Make a Difference in a Child's Life, Volunteer for Experience Corps in Georgia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/31/20 by <b>Ann Hardie</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As a young girl, Sara Thomas rarely ventured far from her small Alabama hometown but still traveled the world, through books.<br><br>“Reading allowed me to dream, to visualize the way that other people lived and thought,” said Thomas, 79, of Conyers, a retired educator who helped children with special needs learn to read.<br><br>Today, she is opening up the world to even more students by volunteering with AARP Foundation Experience Corps. The literacy program, which pairs adults 50-plus with children reading below grade level, has flourished in Georgia.<br><br>Launched four years ago in Macon, it expanded in 2019 to DeKalb County, where 39 volunteers tutored 86 students in four public elementary schools.<br><br>Experience Corps is on hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic, but it is scheduled to return in the fall, provided that in-person interactions have resumed by then.<br><br>Though the program was cut short by more than two months because of the outbreak, it still made significant inroads. After five months of tutoring, nearly all of the students improved their reading scores, and 43 percent were reading at or above grade level. At E.L. Miller Elementary, in Stone Mountain, 93 percent of kids showed gains in their scores.<br><br>Nationwide, some 31,000 children and 2,300 volunteers are participating in Experience Corps, which is for students in kindergarten through third grade.<br><br>Statistics show that children who are not reading at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely not to graduate from high school.<br><br>“All of the volunteer tutors realize that working with a student who is reading below grade level—sometimes below two grade levels—is a big deal,” said Shun Dorsey, program manager at United Way of Greater Atlanta, which hosts DeKalb’s program. “They understand the importance of literacy in a child’s life.”<br><br><b>A sense of purpose for tutors</b><br><br>Since 2016, more than 80 volunteers with Macon’s Experience Corps program have helped roughly 1,440 students in 10 elementary schools. Its success fueled the expansion into DeKalb County last year, and program leaders hope to eventually move into other areas of the state.<br><br>Volunteers meet one-on-one with students for 30 minutes, twice a week. They receive training in the fall, and the program typically begins in late September or October.<br><br>The benefits of Experience Corps extend well beyond the classroom, said Angelique Smith, 52, a retired school principal who now serves as site coordinator for the program at Redan Elementary, in Lithonia. Students get a confidence boost that can carry over into their personal lives, she said. “It is very rare that they can get that one-on-one time during the school day that the program offers.”<br><br>The program also gives tutors a sense of purpose. Experience Corps has provided Barbara Currence-Davis, 70, an opportunity to connect with her community since she moved to Stone Mountain two years ago from Canton, Ohio, where she also volunteered as a literacy tutor.<br><br>“I wanted to get involved, and the program has helped me find that sense of community,” Currence-Davis said. “The children and I bonded very quickly.”<br><br>Want to volunteer? Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/experience-corps/" target="_blank">aarp.org/experience-corps</a></span></span>.<br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/giving-back/" target="_blank">Learn About Volunteering with AARP</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarpcommunityconnections.org/?_gl=1%2Ah0dl5f%2A_gcl_aw%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.%2A_gcl_dc%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.&_ga=2.83272469.2080182867.1590072717-112503043.1585059471&_gac=1.149213764.1590086705.Cj0KCQjwzZj2BRDVARIsABs3l9KYxnyslbdaFzM_pfNMgF0H9Nh-7b2WkOUZOlaVyVi-McZU75h7z9UaAkN1EALw_wcB" target="_blank">Help Your Neighbors During the Coronavirus Pandemic</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="default" data-video-id="6148471831001" data-video-title="Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic" data-account-id="3772599298001"data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6148471831001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Georgia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank">AARP Georgia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Utah Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Utah Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Utah</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:UTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">UTAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/utah/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Utah</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-3/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-PLEASANTGROVE-UT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpUT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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The literacy program, which pairs adults 50-plus with children reading below grade level, has flourished in Georgia.<br><br>Launched four years ago in Macon, it expanded in 2019 to DeKalb County, where 39 volunteers tutored 86 students in four public elementary schools.<br><br>Experience Corps is on hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic, but it is scheduled to return in the fall, provided that in-person interactions have resumed by then.<br><br>Though the program was cut short by more than two months because of the outbreak, it still made significant inroads. After five months of tutoring, nearly all of the students improved their reading scores, and 43 percent were reading at or above grade level. At E.L. Miller Elementary, in Stone Mountain, 93 percent of kids showed gains in their scores.<br><br>Nationwide, some 31,000 children and 2,300 volunteers are participating in Experience Corps, which is for students in kindergarten through third grade.<br><br>Statistics show that children who are not reading at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely not to graduate from high school.<br><br>“All of the volunteer tutors realize that working with a student who is reading below grade level—sometimes below two grade levels—is a big deal,” said Shun Dorsey, program manager at United Way of Greater Atlanta, which hosts DeKalb’s program. “They understand the importance of literacy in a child’s life.”<br><br><b>A sense of purpose for tutors</b><br><br>Since 2016, more than 80 volunteers with Macon’s Experience Corps program have helped roughly 1,440 students in 10 elementary schools. Its success fueled the expansion into DeKalb County last year, and program leaders hope to eventually move into other areas of the state.<br><br>Volunteers meet one-on-one with students for 30 minutes, twice a week. They receive training in the fall, and the program typically begins in late September or October.<br><br>The benefits of Experience Corps extend well beyond the classroom, said Angelique Smith, 52, a retired school principal who now serves as site coordinator for the program at Redan Elementary, in Lithonia. Students get a confidence boost that can carry over into their personal lives, she said. “It is very rare that they can get that one-on-one time during the school day that the program offers.”<br><br>The program also gives tutors a sense of purpose. Experience Corps has provided Barbara Currence-Davis, 70, an opportunity to connect with her community since she moved to Stone Mountain two years ago from Canton, Ohio, where she also volunteered as a literacy tutor.<br><br>“I wanted to get involved, and the program has helped me find that sense of community,” Currence-Davis said. “The children and I bonded very quickly.”<br><br>Want to volunteer? Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/experience-corps/" target="_blank">aarp.org/experience-corps</a></span></span>.<br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/giving-back/" target="_blank">Learn About Volunteering with AARP</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarpcommunityconnections.org/?_gl=1%2Ah0dl5f%2A_gcl_aw%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.%2A_gcl_dc%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.&_ga=2.83272469.2080182867.1590072717-112503043.1585059471&_gac=1.149213764.1590086705.Cj0KCQjwzZj2BRDVARIsABs3l9KYxnyslbdaFzM_pfNMgF0H9Nh-7b2WkOUZOlaVyVi-McZU75h7z9UaAkN1EALw_wcB" target="_blank">Help Your Neighbors During the Coronavirus Pandemic</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="default" data-video-id="6148471831001" data-video-title="Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic" data-account-id="3772599298001"data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6148471831001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Georgia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank">AARP Georgia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Utah Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Utah Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Utah</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:UTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">UTAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/utah/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Utah</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-3/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-PLEASANTGROVE-UT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpUT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Make a Difference in a Child's Life, Volunteer for Experience Corps in Georgia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/31/20 by <b>Ann Hardie</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As a young girl, Sara Thomas rarely ventured far from her small Alabama hometown but still traveled the world, through books.<br><br>“Reading allowed me to dream, to visualize the way that other people lived and thought,” said Thomas, 79, of Conyers, a retired educator who helped children with special needs learn to read.<br><br>Today, she is opening up the world to even more students by volunteering with AARP Foundation Experience Corps. The literacy program, which pairs adults 50-plus with children reading below grade level, has flourished in Georgia.<br><br>Launched four years ago in Macon, it expanded in 2019 to DeKalb County, where 39 volunteers tutored 86 students in four public elementary schools.<br><br>Experience Corps is on hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic, but it is scheduled to return in the fall, provided that in-person interactions have resumed by then.<br><br>Though the program was cut short by more than two months because of the outbreak, it still made significant inroads. After five months of tutoring, nearly all of the students improved their reading scores, and 43 percent were reading at or above grade level. At E.L. Miller Elementary, in Stone Mountain, 93 percent of kids showed gains in their scores.<br><br>Nationwide, some 31,000 children and 2,300 volunteers are participating in Experience Corps, which is for students in kindergarten through third grade.<br><br>Statistics show that children who are not reading at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely not to graduate from high school.<br><br>“All of the volunteer tutors realize that working with a student who is reading below grade level—sometimes below two grade levels—is a big deal,” said Shun Dorsey, program manager at United Way of Greater Atlanta, which hosts DeKalb’s program. “They understand the importance of literacy in a child’s life.”<br><br><b>A sense of purpose for tutors</b><br><br>Since 2016, more than 80 volunteers with Macon’s Experience Corps program have helped roughly 1,440 students in 10 elementary schools. Its success fueled the expansion into DeKalb County last year, and program leaders hope to eventually move into other areas of the state.<br><br>Volunteers meet one-on-one with students for 30 minutes, twice a week. They receive training in the fall, and the program typically begins in late September or October.<br><br>The benefits of Experience Corps extend well beyond the classroom, said Angelique Smith, 52, a retired school principal who now serves as site coordinator for the program at Redan Elementary, in Lithonia. Students get a confidence boost that can carry over into their personal lives, she said. “It is very rare that they can get that one-on-one time during the school day that the program offers.”<br><br>The program also gives tutors a sense of purpose. Experience Corps has provided Barbara Currence-Davis, 70, an opportunity to connect with her community since she moved to Stone Mountain two years ago from Canton, Ohio, where she also volunteered as a literacy tutor.<br><br>“I wanted to get involved, and the program has helped me find that sense of community,” Currence-Davis said. “The children and I bonded very quickly.”<br><br>Want to volunteer? Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/experience-corps/" target="_blank">aarp.org/experience-corps</a></span></span>.<br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/giving-back/" target="_blank">Learn About Volunteering with AARP</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarpcommunityconnections.org/?_gl=1%2Ah0dl5f%2A_gcl_aw%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.%2A_gcl_dc%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.&_ga=2.83272469.2080182867.1590072717-112503043.1585059471&_gac=1.149213764.1590086705.Cj0KCQjwzZj2BRDVARIsABs3l9KYxnyslbdaFzM_pfNMgF0H9Nh-7b2WkOUZOlaVyVi-McZU75h7z9UaAkN1EALw_wcB" target="_blank">Help Your Neighbors During the Coronavirus Pandemic</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="default" data-video-id="6148471831001" data-video-title="Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic" data-account-id="3772599298001"data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6148471831001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Georgia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank">AARP Georgia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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--primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Make a Difference in a Child's Life, Volunteer for Experience Corps in Georgia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/31/20 by <b>Ann Hardie</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As a young girl, Sara Thomas rarely ventured far from her small Alabama hometown but still traveled the world, through books.<br><br>“Reading allowed me to dream, to visualize the way that other people lived and thought,” said Thomas, 79, of Conyers, a retired educator who helped children with special needs learn to read.<br><br>Today, she is opening up the world to even more students by volunteering with AARP Foundation Experience Corps. The literacy program, which pairs adults 50-plus with children reading below grade level, has flourished in Georgia.<br><br>Launched four years ago in Macon, it expanded in 2019 to DeKalb County, where 39 volunteers tutored 86 students in four public elementary schools.<br><br>Experience Corps is on hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic, but it is scheduled to return in the fall, provided that in-person interactions have resumed by then.<br><br>Though the program was cut short by more than two months because of the outbreak, it still made significant inroads. After five months of tutoring, nearly all of the students improved their reading scores, and 43 percent were reading at or above grade level. At E.L. Miller Elementary, in Stone Mountain, 93 percent of kids showed gains in their scores.<br><br>Nationwide, some 31,000 children and 2,300 volunteers are participating in Experience Corps, which is for students in kindergarten through third grade.<br><br>Statistics show that children who are not reading at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely not to graduate from high school.<br><br>“All of the volunteer tutors realize that working with a student who is reading below grade level—sometimes below two grade levels—is a big deal,” said Shun Dorsey, program manager at United Way of Greater Atlanta, which hosts DeKalb’s program. “They understand the importance of literacy in a child’s life.”<br><br><b>A sense of purpose for tutors</b><br><br>Since 2016, more than 80 volunteers with Macon’s Experience Corps program have helped roughly 1,440 students in 10 elementary schools. Its success fueled the expansion into DeKalb County last year, and program leaders hope to eventually move into other areas of the state.<br><br>Volunteers meet one-on-one with students for 30 minutes, twice a week. They receive training in the fall, and the program typically begins in late September or October.<br><br>The benefits of Experience Corps extend well beyond the classroom, said Angelique Smith, 52, a retired school principal who now serves as site coordinator for the program at Redan Elementary, in Lithonia. Students get a confidence boost that can carry over into their personal lives, she said. “It is very rare that they can get that one-on-one time during the school day that the program offers.”<br><br>The program also gives tutors a sense of purpose. Experience Corps has provided Barbara Currence-Davis, 70, an opportunity to connect with her community since she moved to Stone Mountain two years ago from Canton, Ohio, where she also volunteered as a literacy tutor.<br><br>“I wanted to get involved, and the program has helped me find that sense of community,” Currence-Davis said. “The children and I bonded very quickly.”<br><br>Want to volunteer? Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/experience-corps/" target="_blank">aarp.org/experience-corps</a></span></span>.<br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/giving-back/" target="_blank">Learn About Volunteering with AARP</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarpcommunityconnections.org/?_gl=1%2Ah0dl5f%2A_gcl_aw%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.%2A_gcl_dc%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.&_ga=2.83272469.2080182867.1590072717-112503043.1585059471&_gac=1.149213764.1590086705.Cj0KCQjwzZj2BRDVARIsABs3l9KYxnyslbdaFzM_pfNMgF0H9Nh-7b2WkOUZOlaVyVi-McZU75h7z9UaAkN1EALw_wcB" target="_blank">Help Your Neighbors During the Coronavirus Pandemic</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="default" data-video-id="6148471831001" data-video-title="Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic" data-account-id="3772599298001"data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6148471831001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Georgia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank">AARP Georgia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Utah Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Utah Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Utah</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:UTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">UTAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/utah/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Utah</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-3/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-PLEASANTGROVE-UT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpUT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Make a Difference in a Child's Life, Volunteer for Experience Corps in Georgia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/31/20 by <b>Ann Hardie</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As a young girl, Sara Thomas rarely ventured far from her small Alabama hometown but still traveled the world, through books.<br><br>“Reading allowed me to dream, to visualize the way that other people lived and thought,” said Thomas, 79, of Conyers, a retired educator who helped children with special needs learn to read.<br><br>Today, she is opening up the world to even more students by volunteering with AARP Foundation Experience Corps. The literacy program, which pairs adults 50-plus with children reading below grade level, has flourished in Georgia.<br><br>Launched four years ago in Macon, it expanded in 2019 to DeKalb County, where 39 volunteers tutored 86 students in four public elementary schools.<br><br>Experience Corps is on hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic, but it is scheduled to return in the fall, provided that in-person interactions have resumed by then.<br><br>Though the program was cut short by more than two months because of the outbreak, it still made significant inroads. After five months of tutoring, nearly all of the students improved their reading scores, and 43 percent were reading at or above grade level. At E.L. Miller Elementary, in Stone Mountain, 93 percent of kids showed gains in their scores.<br><br>Nationwide, some 31,000 children and 2,300 volunteers are participating in Experience Corps, which is for students in kindergarten through third grade.<br><br>Statistics show that children who are not reading at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely not to graduate from high school.<br><br>“All of the volunteer tutors realize that working with a student who is reading below grade level—sometimes below two grade levels—is a big deal,” said Shun Dorsey, program manager at United Way of Greater Atlanta, which hosts DeKalb’s program. “They understand the importance of literacy in a child’s life.”<br><br><b>A sense of purpose for tutors</b><br><br>Since 2016, more than 80 volunteers with Macon’s Experience Corps program have helped roughly 1,440 students in 10 elementary schools. Its success fueled the expansion into DeKalb County last year, and program leaders hope to eventually move into other areas of the state.<br><br>Volunteers meet one-on-one with students for 30 minutes, twice a week. They receive training in the fall, and the program typically begins in late September or October.<br><br>The benefits of Experience Corps extend well beyond the classroom, said Angelique Smith, 52, a retired school principal who now serves as site coordinator for the program at Redan Elementary, in Lithonia. Students get a confidence boost that can carry over into their personal lives, she said. “It is very rare that they can get that one-on-one time during the school day that the program offers.”<br><br>The program also gives tutors a sense of purpose. Experience Corps has provided Barbara Currence-Davis, 70, an opportunity to connect with her community since she moved to Stone Mountain two years ago from Canton, Ohio, where she also volunteered as a literacy tutor.<br><br>“I wanted to get involved, and the program has helped me find that sense of community,” Currence-Davis said. “The children and I bonded very quickly.”<br><br>Want to volunteer? Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/experience-corps/" target="_blank">aarp.org/experience-corps</a></span></span>.<br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/giving-back/" target="_blank">Learn About Volunteering with AARP</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarpcommunityconnections.org/?_gl=1%2Ah0dl5f%2A_gcl_aw%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.%2A_gcl_dc%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.&_ga=2.83272469.2080182867.1590072717-112503043.1585059471&_gac=1.149213764.1590086705.Cj0KCQjwzZj2BRDVARIsABs3l9KYxnyslbdaFzM_pfNMgF0H9Nh-7b2WkOUZOlaVyVi-McZU75h7z9UaAkN1EALw_wcB" target="_blank">Help Your Neighbors During the Coronavirus Pandemic</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="default" data-video-id="6148471831001" data-video-title="Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic" data-account-id="3772599298001"data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6148471831001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Georgia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank">AARP Georgia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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The literacy program, which pairs adults 50-plus with children reading below grade level, has flourished in Georgia.<br><br>Launched four years ago in Macon, it expanded in 2019 to DeKalb County, where 39 volunteers tutored 86 students in four public elementary schools.<br><br>Experience Corps is on hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic, but it is scheduled to return in the fall, provided that in-person interactions have resumed by then.<br><br>Though the program was cut short by more than two months because of the outbreak, it still made significant inroads. After five months of tutoring, nearly all of the students improved their reading scores, and 43 percent were reading at or above grade level. At E.L. Miller Elementary, in Stone Mountain, 93 percent of kids showed gains in their scores.<br><br>Nationwide, some 31,000 children and 2,300 volunteers are participating in Experience Corps, which is for students in kindergarten through third grade.<br><br>Statistics show that children who are not reading at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely not to graduate from high school.<br><br>“All of the volunteer tutors realize that working with a student who is reading below grade level—sometimes below two grade levels—is a big deal,” said Shun Dorsey, program manager at United Way of Greater Atlanta, which hosts DeKalb’s program. “They understand the importance of literacy in a child’s life.”<br><br><b>A sense of purpose for tutors</b><br><br>Since 2016, more than 80 volunteers with Macon’s Experience Corps program have helped roughly 1,440 students in 10 elementary schools. Its success fueled the expansion into DeKalb County last year, and program leaders hope to eventually move into other areas of the state.<br><br>Volunteers meet one-on-one with students for 30 minutes, twice a week. They receive training in the fall, and the program typically begins in late September or October.<br><br>The benefits of Experience Corps extend well beyond the classroom, said Angelique Smith, 52, a retired school principal who now serves as site coordinator for the program at Redan Elementary, in Lithonia. Students get a confidence boost that can carry over into their personal lives, she said. “It is very rare that they can get that one-on-one time during the school day that the program offers.”<br><br>The program also gives tutors a sense of purpose. Experience Corps has provided Barbara Currence-Davis, 70, an opportunity to connect with her community since she moved to Stone Mountain two years ago from Canton, Ohio, where she also volunteered as a literacy tutor.<br><br>“I wanted to get involved, and the program has helped me find that sense of community,” Currence-Davis said. “The children and I bonded very quickly.”<br><br>Want to volunteer? Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/experience-corps/" target="_blank">aarp.org/experience-corps</a></span></span>.<br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/giving-back/" target="_blank">Learn About Volunteering with AARP</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarpcommunityconnections.org/?_gl=1%2Ah0dl5f%2A_gcl_aw%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.%2A_gcl_dc%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.&_ga=2.83272469.2080182867.1590072717-112503043.1585059471&_gac=1.149213764.1590086705.Cj0KCQjwzZj2BRDVARIsABs3l9KYxnyslbdaFzM_pfNMgF0H9Nh-7b2WkOUZOlaVyVi-McZU75h7z9UaAkN1EALw_wcB" target="_blank">Help Your Neighbors During the Coronavirus Pandemic</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="default" data-video-id="6148471831001" data-video-title="Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic" data-account-id="3772599298001"data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6148471831001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Georgia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank">AARP Georgia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Utah Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Utah Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Utah</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:UTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">UTAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/utah/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Utah</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-3/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-PLEASANTGROVE-UT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpUT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Make a Difference in a Child's Life, Volunteer for Experience Corps in Georgia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/31/20 by <b>Ann Hardie</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As a young girl, Sara Thomas rarely ventured far from her small Alabama hometown but still traveled the world, through books.<br><br>“Reading allowed me to dream, to visualize the way that other people lived and thought,” said Thomas, 79, of Conyers, a retired educator who helped children with special needs learn to read.<br><br>Today, she is opening up the world to even more students by volunteering with AARP Foundation Experience Corps. The literacy program, which pairs adults 50-plus with children reading below grade level, has flourished in Georgia.<br><br>Launched four years ago in Macon, it expanded in 2019 to DeKalb County, where 39 volunteers tutored 86 students in four public elementary schools.<br><br>Experience Corps is on hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic, but it is scheduled to return in the fall, provided that in-person interactions have resumed by then.<br><br>Though the program was cut short by more than two months because of the outbreak, it still made significant inroads. After five months of tutoring, nearly all of the students improved their reading scores, and 43 percent were reading at or above grade level. At E.L. Miller Elementary, in Stone Mountain, 93 percent of kids showed gains in their scores.<br><br>Nationwide, some 31,000 children and 2,300 volunteers are participating in Experience Corps, which is for students in kindergarten through third grade.<br><br>Statistics show that children who are not reading at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely not to graduate from high school.<br><br>“All of the volunteer tutors realize that working with a student who is reading below grade level—sometimes below two grade levels—is a big deal,” said Shun Dorsey, program manager at United Way of Greater Atlanta, which hosts DeKalb’s program. “They understand the importance of literacy in a child’s life.”<br><br><b>A sense of purpose for tutors</b><br><br>Since 2016, more than 80 volunteers with Macon’s Experience Corps program have helped roughly 1,440 students in 10 elementary schools. Its success fueled the expansion into DeKalb County last year, and program leaders hope to eventually move into other areas of the state.<br><br>Volunteers meet one-on-one with students for 30 minutes, twice a week. They receive training in the fall, and the program typically begins in late September or October.<br><br>The benefits of Experience Corps extend well beyond the classroom, said Angelique Smith, 52, a retired school principal who now serves as site coordinator for the program at Redan Elementary, in Lithonia. Students get a confidence boost that can carry over into their personal lives, she said. “It is very rare that they can get that one-on-one time during the school day that the program offers.”<br><br>The program also gives tutors a sense of purpose. Experience Corps has provided Barbara Currence-Davis, 70, an opportunity to connect with her community since she moved to Stone Mountain two years ago from Canton, Ohio, where she also volunteered as a literacy tutor.<br><br>“I wanted to get involved, and the program has helped me find that sense of community,” Currence-Davis said. “The children and I bonded very quickly.”<br><br>Want to volunteer? Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/experience-corps/" target="_blank">aarp.org/experience-corps</a></span></span>.<br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/giving-back/" target="_blank">Learn About Volunteering with AARP</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarpcommunityconnections.org/?_gl=1%2Ah0dl5f%2A_gcl_aw%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.%2A_gcl_dc%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.&_ga=2.83272469.2080182867.1590072717-112503043.1585059471&_gac=1.149213764.1590086705.Cj0KCQjwzZj2BRDVARIsABs3l9KYxnyslbdaFzM_pfNMgF0H9Nh-7b2WkOUZOlaVyVi-McZU75h7z9UaAkN1EALw_wcB" target="_blank">Help Your Neighbors During the Coronavirus Pandemic</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="default" data-video-id="6148471831001" data-video-title="Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic" data-account-id="3772599298001"data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6148471831001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Georgia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank">AARP Georgia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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--primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Make a Difference in a Child's Life, Volunteer for Experience Corps in Georgia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/31/20 by <b>Ann Hardie</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As a young girl, Sara Thomas rarely ventured far from her small Alabama hometown but still traveled the world, through books.<br><br>“Reading allowed me to dream, to visualize the way that other people lived and thought,” said Thomas, 79, of Conyers, a retired educator who helped children with special needs learn to read.<br><br>Today, she is opening up the world to even more students by volunteering with AARP Foundation Experience Corps. The literacy program, which pairs adults 50-plus with children reading below grade level, has flourished in Georgia.<br><br>Launched four years ago in Macon, it expanded in 2019 to DeKalb County, where 39 volunteers tutored 86 students in four public elementary schools.<br><br>Experience Corps is on hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic, but it is scheduled to return in the fall, provided that in-person interactions have resumed by then.<br><br>Though the program was cut short by more than two months because of the outbreak, it still made significant inroads. After five months of tutoring, nearly all of the students improved their reading scores, and 43 percent were reading at or above grade level. At E.L. Miller Elementary, in Stone Mountain, 93 percent of kids showed gains in their scores.<br><br>Nationwide, some 31,000 children and 2,300 volunteers are participating in Experience Corps, which is for students in kindergarten through third grade.<br><br>Statistics show that children who are not reading at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely not to graduate from high school.<br><br>“All of the volunteer tutors realize that working with a student who is reading below grade level—sometimes below two grade levels—is a big deal,” said Shun Dorsey, program manager at United Way of Greater Atlanta, which hosts DeKalb’s program. “They understand the importance of literacy in a child’s life.”<br><br><b>A sense of purpose for tutors</b><br><br>Since 2016, more than 80 volunteers with Macon’s Experience Corps program have helped roughly 1,440 students in 10 elementary schools. Its success fueled the expansion into DeKalb County last year, and program leaders hope to eventually move into other areas of the state.<br><br>Volunteers meet one-on-one with students for 30 minutes, twice a week. They receive training in the fall, and the program typically begins in late September or October.<br><br>The benefits of Experience Corps extend well beyond the classroom, said Angelique Smith, 52, a retired school principal who now serves as site coordinator for the program at Redan Elementary, in Lithonia. Students get a confidence boost that can carry over into their personal lives, she said. “It is very rare that they can get that one-on-one time during the school day that the program offers.”<br><br>The program also gives tutors a sense of purpose. Experience Corps has provided Barbara Currence-Davis, 70, an opportunity to connect with her community since she moved to Stone Mountain two years ago from Canton, Ohio, where she also volunteered as a literacy tutor.<br><br>“I wanted to get involved, and the program has helped me find that sense of community,” Currence-Davis said. “The children and I bonded very quickly.”<br><br>Want to volunteer? Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/experience-corps/" target="_blank">aarp.org/experience-corps</a></span></span>.<br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/giving-back/" target="_blank">Learn About Volunteering with AARP</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarpcommunityconnections.org/?_gl=1%2Ah0dl5f%2A_gcl_aw%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.%2A_gcl_dc%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.&_ga=2.83272469.2080182867.1590072717-112503043.1585059471&_gac=1.149213764.1590086705.Cj0KCQjwzZj2BRDVARIsABs3l9KYxnyslbdaFzM_pfNMgF0H9Nh-7b2WkOUZOlaVyVi-McZU75h7z9UaAkN1EALw_wcB" target="_blank">Help Your Neighbors During the Coronavirus Pandemic</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="default" data-video-id="6148471831001" data-video-title="Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic" data-account-id="3772599298001"data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6148471831001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Georgia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank">AARP Georgia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Utah Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Utah Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Utah</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:UTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">UTAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/utah/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Utah</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-3/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-PLEASANTGROVE-UT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpUT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Make a Difference in a Child's Life, Volunteer for Experience Corps in Georgia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 05/31/20 by <b>Ann Hardie</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>As a young girl, Sara Thomas rarely ventured far from her small Alabama hometown but still traveled the world, through books.<br><br>“Reading allowed me to dream, to visualize the way that other people lived and thought,” said Thomas, 79, of Conyers, a retired educator who helped children with special needs learn to read.<br><br>Today, she is opening up the world to even more students by volunteering with AARP Foundation Experience Corps. The literacy program, which pairs adults 50-plus with children reading below grade level, has flourished in Georgia.<br><br>Launched four years ago in Macon, it expanded in 2019 to DeKalb County, where 39 volunteers tutored 86 students in four public elementary schools.<br><br>Experience Corps is on hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic, but it is scheduled to return in the fall, provided that in-person interactions have resumed by then.<br><br>Though the program was cut short by more than two months because of the outbreak, it still made significant inroads. After five months of tutoring, nearly all of the students improved their reading scores, and 43 percent were reading at or above grade level. At E.L. Miller Elementary, in Stone Mountain, 93 percent of kids showed gains in their scores.<br><br>Nationwide, some 31,000 children and 2,300 volunteers are participating in Experience Corps, which is for students in kindergarten through third grade.<br><br>Statistics show that children who are not reading at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely not to graduate from high school.<br><br>“All of the volunteer tutors realize that working with a student who is reading below grade level—sometimes below two grade levels—is a big deal,” said Shun Dorsey, program manager at United Way of Greater Atlanta, which hosts DeKalb’s program. “They understand the importance of literacy in a child’s life.”<br><br><b>A sense of purpose for tutors</b><br><br>Since 2016, more than 80 volunteers with Macon’s Experience Corps program have helped roughly 1,440 students in 10 elementary schools. Its success fueled the expansion into DeKalb County last year, and program leaders hope to eventually move into other areas of the state.<br><br>Volunteers meet one-on-one with students for 30 minutes, twice a week. They receive training in the fall, and the program typically begins in late September or October.<br><br>The benefits of Experience Corps extend well beyond the classroom, said Angelique Smith, 52, a retired school principal who now serves as site coordinator for the program at Redan Elementary, in Lithonia. Students get a confidence boost that can carry over into their personal lives, she said. “It is very rare that they can get that one-on-one time during the school day that the program offers.”<br><br>The program also gives tutors a sense of purpose. Experience Corps has provided Barbara Currence-Davis, 70, an opportunity to connect with her community since she moved to Stone Mountain two years ago from Canton, Ohio, where she also volunteered as a literacy tutor.<br><br>“I wanted to get involved, and the program has helped me find that sense of community,” Currence-Davis said. “The children and I bonded very quickly.”<br><br>Want to volunteer? Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/experience-corps/" target="_blank">aarp.org/experience-corps</a></span></span>.<br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/giving-back/" target="_blank">Learn About Volunteering with AARP</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarpcommunityconnections.org/?_gl=1%2Ah0dl5f%2A_gcl_aw%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.%2A_gcl_dc%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.&_ga=2.83272469.2080182867.1590072717-112503043.1585059471&_gac=1.149213764.1590086705.Cj0KCQjwzZj2BRDVARIsABs3l9KYxnyslbdaFzM_pfNMgF0H9Nh-7b2WkOUZOlaVyVi-McZU75h7z9UaAkN1EALw_wcB" target="_blank">Help Your Neighbors During the Coronavirus Pandemic</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="default" data-video-id="6148471831001" data-video-title="Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic" data-account-id="3772599298001"data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6148471831001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Georgia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank">AARP Georgia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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The literacy program, which pairs adults 50-plus with children reading below grade level, has flourished in Georgia.<br><br>Launched four years ago in Macon, it expanded in 2019 to DeKalb County, where 39 volunteers tutored 86 students in four public elementary schools.<br><br>Experience Corps is on hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic, but it is scheduled to return in the fall, provided that in-person interactions have resumed by then.<br><br>Though the program was cut short by more than two months because of the outbreak, it still made significant inroads. After five months of tutoring, nearly all of the students improved their reading scores, and 43 percent were reading at or above grade level. At E.L. Miller Elementary, in Stone Mountain, 93 percent of kids showed gains in their scores.<br><br>Nationwide, some 31,000 children and 2,300 volunteers are participating in Experience Corps, which is for students in kindergarten through third grade.<br><br>Statistics show that children who are not reading at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely not to graduate from high school.<br><br>“All of the volunteer tutors realize that working with a student who is reading below grade level—sometimes below two grade levels—is a big deal,” said Shun Dorsey, program manager at United Way of Greater Atlanta, which hosts DeKalb’s program. “They understand the importance of literacy in a child’s life.”<br><br><b>A sense of purpose for tutors</b><br><br>Since 2016, more than 80 volunteers with Macon’s Experience Corps program have helped roughly 1,440 students in 10 elementary schools. Its success fueled the expansion into DeKalb County last year, and program leaders hope to eventually move into other areas of the state.<br><br>Volunteers meet one-on-one with students for 30 minutes, twice a week. They receive training in the fall, and the program typically begins in late September or October.<br><br>The benefits of Experience Corps extend well beyond the classroom, said Angelique Smith, 52, a retired school principal who now serves as site coordinator for the program at Redan Elementary, in Lithonia. Students get a confidence boost that can carry over into their personal lives, she said. “It is very rare that they can get that one-on-one time during the school day that the program offers.”<br><br>The program also gives tutors a sense of purpose. Experience Corps has provided Barbara Currence-Davis, 70, an opportunity to connect with her community since she moved to Stone Mountain two years ago from Canton, Ohio, where she also volunteered as a literacy tutor.<br><br>“I wanted to get involved, and the program has helped me find that sense of community,” Currence-Davis said. “The children and I bonded very quickly.”<br><br>Want to volunteer? Go to <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/experience-corps/" target="_blank">aarp.org/experience-corps</a></span></span>.<br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/giving-back/" target="_blank">Learn About Volunteering with AARP</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://aarpcommunityconnections.org/?_gl=1%2Ah0dl5f%2A_gcl_aw%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.%2A_gcl_dc%2AR0NMLjE1OTAwODY3MDcuQ2owS0NRand6WmoyQlJEVkFSSXNBQnMzbDlLWXhueXNsYmRhRnpNX3BmTk1nRjBIOU5oLTdiMldrT1VaT2xhVnlWaS1NY1pVNzVoN3o5VWFBa04xRUFMd193Y0I.&_ga=2.83272469.2080182867.1590072717-112503043.1585059471&_gac=1.149213764.1590086705.Cj0KCQjwzZj2BRDVARIsABs3l9KYxnyslbdaFzM_pfNMgF0H9Nh-7b2WkOUZOlaVyVi-McZU75h7z9UaAkN1EALw_wcB" target="_blank">Help Your Neighbors During the Coronavirus Pandemic</a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="default" data-video-id="6148471831001" data-video-title="Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic" data-account-id="3772599298001"data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6148471831001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Coping & Maintaining Your Well-Being During Coronavirus Pandemic</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Georgia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank">AARP Georgia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 15, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/pleasant-grove-ut/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca287b1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56ca29626-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56ca29626-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-PLEASANTGROVE-UT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Utah Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Utah Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Utah</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:UTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">UTAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/utah/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Utah</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-3/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-PLEASANTGROVE-UT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPUT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpUT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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