FROM THE CDA PRESS By KAYE THORNBRUGH
Staff Writer | November 18, 2023 1:00 AM
COEUR d’ALENE — Imagine being unable to read a lease agreement, fill out a job application or take the test to get a driver’s license due to low literacy.
One in six adults lives that reality, unable to read above a third grade level. Kat Gilmore decided to do something about it in North Idaho. She founded the Literacy Project of North Idaho, which offers free, confidential, individual reading tutors for adult learners.
“When we teach a parent to read and teach them to value reading, it unfolds this world that we can’t even imagine,” Gilmore said. “It changes children.”
Gilmore was one of seven local women who were honored for their achievements and dedication to community service Friday at the 41st annual Women of Distinction luncheon.
More than 150 people gathered at the Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn for the ceremony, presented by Soroptimist International of Coeur d’Alene.
• Arts and Culture: Jeni Hegsted, Emerge
• Business and Professional: Caitlin O’Brien, Smith + Malek Attorneys
• Community Service: Kat Gilmore, The Literacy Project of North Idaho
• Education: Louisa Rogers, Center for New Directions – NIC
• Health: Tawni Sullivan, Regulate-Youth Services
• Public Service: Tiffany Westbrook, Office of Emergency Management Kootenai County
• Second Act: Sarah McLain, Community Volunteer
Chartered in 1948 as the first civic service group for women, Soroptimist Coeur d’Alene works to better the lives of local women and girls, especially through provided access to the education and training they need to attain economic empowerment.
Brittany Selle is one of the many local women who has received support from Soroptimist Coeur d’Alene. A recipient of the group’s “Live Your Dream” scholarship, Selle is a single mom of five who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work.
After growing up in poverty and struggling with a substance abuse disorder, Selle is five years sober. Her goal is to continue her education and counsel others who are experiencing addiction.
“On this journey, my community has provided me with so many supports,” she said Friday.
Soroptimist District 3 Director Angela Comstock said that when women learn, their families live healthier lives and their communities grow stronger. That’s as true in North Idaho as it is anywhere else.
“Our community is incredible and the way we are invested in each other is highlighted by this event,” she said.
6/1/2023 – THANK YOU to The Local Community Service Committee of the CDA Rotary Club for your generous grant of $1,400 awarded to The Literacy Project of North Idaho. This grant allows us to continue running our programs and to support both volunteers and learners with essential, up-to-date curriculum. It is upon the foundation of such kindness that we can build up our community. We are thankful to be considered an asset and to have the support of local organizations. Thank you from all of us at The Literacy Project of North Idaho.
4/2/2023 – It seems the new year began only yesterday, and yet here we are already beginning our spring schedule. The year of the rabbit has brought us hope as we excitedly prepare for a new set of literacy courses and services. Check out our spring schedule on our event page for a detailed list of our upcoming events. We are also so excited to continue offering courses at the Coeur d’Alene library, and are so grateful that the library is happy to have us. We hope to continue to offer services in a multitude of locations so we can serve as many as possible.
11/20/2022 – As the leaves are falling from the trees, we are jumping into a new season of programs by The Literacy Project of North Idaho. We have a fantastic fundraising event coming to you later this month, and a whole host of new ESL classes that have just started. From Literacy For Little Ones to Conversation Class, we are happy to share the many ways we are spreading the love for learning with all of our subscribers. Please check out our events page for more information on events!
05/24/2021-The Literacy Project of North Idaho is proud to add English Conversation Skills Class to our weekly schedule! Join us Monday’s at our CDA location (located in the NIC Hedlund bldg upstairs in the Adult Education hall, room 202F) for group conversation practicing English language skills and pronunciation. Classes are 5:30-7:00pm and are always free!
11/10/2020– The Literacy Project of North Idaho is a member of ProLiteracy, founded by Ruth Colvin in 1962. Amid her very many achievements, travels and good work, at age 89, Ruth Colvin earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In this fun interview from this year she talks about the importance of adult literacy and learning life’s lessons-even while golfing!
At 103 years young, Ruth still finds time to work with Proliteracy, and perfect her golf swing!