Elevate Adult Education hits 30 years, faces urgent need for volunteer instructors

Misty Kothe has a simple explanation for why she renamed the program.

Adults struggling with English could never spell “Families and Literacy” well enough to find the organization online. The new name — Elevate — is one word, and it says what the program does.

“Everybody’s story is a little different,” Kothe said Friday on Lead Live’s Nonprofit Week. “But when they come to us, they’re looking to elevate their life. It may be making more money. It may be getting into college. It may be just showing their grandkids that education’s important.”

Elevate Adult Education is celebrating its 30th year of service. Originally launched in 1996 as Families and Literacy, Inc., the organization rebranded in late 2023 after narrowing its mission entirely to adult learning — GED preparation, ESL instruction, and digital literacy. Kothe, who took over as executive director in 2020 and navigated the organization through the pandemic, appeared Friday alongside Operations Coordinator Emily Bonvino.

The program’s student population is split roughly in half: about 50% seek GED preparation for higher-paying employment or college entry, and 50% are learning English. All instruction is in-person by choice — many adult learners have never used a computer and require face-to-face guidance that online programs cannot replicate.

“Students are really excited to be there and they want to be there,” Bonvino said. “They’re not forced to be there. They’re choosing to do this for themselves.”

The July flood compounded existing challenges. Elevate was displaced from its previous location when that building was converted to flood relief housing. The organization relocated to 2847 Junction Hwy., Suite E, between Napa Auto Parts and the former Hill Country Social space. A new phone line is (830) 367-1648. The organization’s website is elevatekerr.com.

The fall semester begins Sept. 15. Classes run Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the education building of the Kerrville First United Methodist Church.

The organization has an urgent need for volunteer instructors. Two key volunteers were recently lost: a math instructor who moved out of the city and an English instructor who was promoted to city attorney. Finding replacements has grown harder as the flood has absorbed the volunteer bandwidth of much of the community.

Volunteers do not need teaching certification or Spanish language skills. The curriculum — including online materials and physical worksheets — is fully established. The organization also encourages team teaching, where two volunteers split the week.

Elevate is entirely privately funded through local grants and donors. Student registration is $25 for the full September-through-May term. The organization’s annual fundraiser is the Downtown Poker Walk, which sends participants through downtown Kerrville retail partners.

To volunteer for Tuesday or Thursday evening classes, visit elevatekerr.com or call (830) 367-1648.