Photojournalist Alton Strupp
12-18 gutierrez, adriana 1E
Adriana Gutierrez learned in February of 2010 that Even Start, a family literacy program, would have it's funding cut. The program's work had previously allowed Gutierrez the chance to have a new life in America. When she moved to Gillette in 1997 she struggles with her english speaking and the language barrier kept her depressed and eager to avoid conversation. Even Start allowed Gutierrez to conquer her fear and now she is a second language teacher at Twin Spruce Junior High. When she learned Even Start was at risk of becoming cut down, she panicked.
"I kept thinking, 'what difference can I make? The legislators have already made up their minds.'" Gutierrez began drafting letters explaining her own story to legislators and Even Start representatives. Through hours of effort, legislators voted to keep funding the state's five Even Start programs instead of reducing it to two.
12-18 gutierrez, adriana 1E
Adriana Gutierrez learned in February of 2010 that Even Start, a family literacy program, would have it's funding cut. The program's work had previously allowed Gutierrez the chance to have a new life in America. When she moved to Gillette in 1997 she struggles with her english speaking and the language barrier kept her depressed and eager to avoid conversation. Even Start allowed Gutierrez to conquer her fear and now she is a second language teacher at Twin Spruce Junior High. When she learned Even Start was at risk of becoming cut down, she panicked.
"I kept thinking, 'what difference can I make? The legislators have already made up their minds.'" Gutierrez began drafting letters explaining her own story to legislators and Even Start representatives. Through hours of effort, legislators voted to keep funding the state's five Even Start programs instead of reducing it to two.