Helping to build reading skills in students who are having difficulty, giving students the extra encouragement they need, and fostering communication between older and younger generations are just a few of the ways in which Experience Corps volunteers touch lives. Here are some of their stories and what people are saying about the program:

Volunteer Stories

Robert Joseph, a retired electrician, likes projects. In his first two months with Experience Corps in Oakland, he fixed up the school's auditorium and expanded the playground space for kids to use during recess. His biggest project, however, has been with the 300 kids arriving before school to get breakfast. He looks out for certain students that seem to always enter with a scowl. Then he goes to work, coaxing smiles from them despite the early morning hour, and exclaiming, "I got you!" We all know how our first interactions in the morning influence the rest of our day. Now 300 kids in Oakland start off their day with a warm smile from Mr. Joseph. And the best part for Mr. Joseph is that he gets to start of his day with 300 new "buddies."

Naomi Baskin gave up a 25-year career in real estate to join Experience Corps where she spends 15 hours a week tutoring elementary and middle school students. For Naomi, there's nothing like the thrill of watching children grow from thinking that "books are a drag" into avid readers: "I can unequivocally say that I have found my life's passion!"

Rich Yurman, a retired English professor and poet, joined Experience Corps in 1999. His first assignment lasted five years: he was matched with Virginia, a second grader who had recently immigrated from China. Over the years, he taught her to read and even "graduated" with her from elementary school on to middle school. Today, Rich continues to stay in touch with Virginia, but has also returned to second grade where he is mentoring a budding young poet.

Joyce Goode, a retired sales representative, never had children, but knew she had a lot pass on to younger generations. She now tutors elementary school girls in reading and math and launched an after-school sewing club where kids get to express their creativity and practice math (without knowing it!) by counting stitches and designing patterns. Their quilting projects are proudly on display in the front entrance of the school.

Sergia Canaveral, a retired math teacher from the Philippines developed a close mentoring relationship with a small group of Filipino middle school students. Sergia served as their surrogate grandmother, helping them with homework, hearing about their day, and pushing them to do their best. When Sergia returned from a year away in the Philippines where she had been taking care of an ailing family member, she couldn't wait to come "home" - to her school. She was back in action the day after her plane landed…

Joyce McDougall, a retired retail clerk and mother of three, joined Experience Corps at the urging of a neighbor after her husband passed away. Despite overwhelming challenges at the urban middle school where she tutors, Joyce made a personal connection with Johany, a sixth grader who still did not know how to read. With quiet patience and love, Joyce coached Johany daily and was there to celebrate with him the day he read his first book. Joyce describes her tutoring experience perfectly, "When you get to know the kids, they get into your heart."

What People are Saying

"Experience Corps has made a significant impact on students' learning. Magic happens when volunteers make that one-on-one or small group connection with children. It's priceless."
- David Wong, Principal, Francis Scott Key Elementary School, San Francisco

"I appreciate Experience Corps because they focus on careful matches. They bring in more than just bodies. They bring in hearts and minds to work with the kids. "
- Carol Johnson, Principal, Santa Fe Elementary School, Oakland

"We're very proud of the achievements made this year. We've met and exceeded the academic requirements expected of us. We have a very strong team of teachers, but we also have a strong system of support through Experience Corps."
- Dr. Raymond Isola, Principal, Sanchez Elementary School, San Francisco

"Our children need someone who can provide love, and our Experience Corps member does just that. I wish Experience Corps was all over the school district. I've never seen anything that's clicked like this. I wish we could plug it in everywhere."
- Mr. Allen, Fourth and Fifth Grade Teacher, Emerson Elementary School, Oakland

"Most students need a personable 'nudge' to be ready to learn. Experience Corps volunteers have learned names and individual needs and been there to 'nudge' otherwise unfocused students. One on one contact with a motivated, loving older adult has made a positive change in our school!"
- Ms. Fought, After School Program Director, Malcolm X Academy, San Francisco

"Jessica, a third grader from the Philippines, came running up to me after her first session with an Experience Corps volunteer and said with excitement: 'Ms. Virginia speaks Tagalog!' Now, every Thursday afternoon, Jessica asks, 'Is Ms. Virginia coming today? Is it 3 o'clock yet? Can I go look for her?' She has found a safe and accepting environment to hone her English skills, and for the first time, she is reading at grade level and is eager to come to school."
- After School Instructor, Francis Scott Key Elementary School, San Francisco

"Rose inspires me. We get energy from each other. It is exciting to see someone who cares about language and cares about writing and cares about books."
- Rich, Experience Corps Member

"I've been having trouble sleeping lately, so it's been difficult to get up in the morning. But once I get moving, I realize, this is good. Working with the children makes life worth living. It makes it all worthwhile."
- Rima, Experience Corps Member

"I always felt that even with my children and all the children that I tutored, if you can find the key to that one child, you can open everything up, it's like looking for treasure."
- Naomi, Experience Corps Member

"I've often wondered if I do in fact offer the children as much as they offer me, because I'm very excited about getting up in the morning. I've gotten a glimpse back into the world of innocence, a world that I came from and somewhere along the line of maturing, lost. And every day I'm reminded of what I've lost by looking at the kids, and I sort of want that back for myself. And I get it every day."
- Ronnie, Experience Corps Member

"I get the most wonderful satisfaction working one-on-one with children learning English. They can be brilliant in their written work, but the challenge is to draw them more and more into conversation. It's the most rewarding thing to see them gradually get more and more confident, raising their hand and having the courage to speak up. "
- Rhoda, Experience Corps Member

"It's good to feel that you're needed. It makes me feel younger-a lot younger!"
- Anne, Experience Corps Member