Literacy Point of Light: Ladies for Literacy Member Carla Stevens
After participating in a My Home Library distribution event with her husband in 2019, Carla Stevens knew that the Ladies for Literacy Guild was where she belonged. She now serves on the Guild’s Executive Committee as the Co-Vice President of Community Projects, specifically supporting the expansion of the Reading Roundup program across five elementary schools.
Carla is no stranger to public education. In fact, for three decades prior to her retirement in December of 2019, Carla worked in the Houston Independent School District for nearly three decades, most recently as Assistant Superintendent of Research and Accountability. In that role, she led a team who monitored and reported on student outcomes, evaluated the impact of programs, and oversaw all research projects, among other things. Now, Carla focuses her time on a smaller charter school under the Tejano Center for Community Concerns, providing expertise in similar ways as in her previous role at HISD.
Aware of the academic and financial needs of students in the Houston community, Carla appreciates how the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation addresses literacy specifically for underserved students in low-income families. Through her background in education, she understands the importance of improving lives through the power of literacy.
“Literacy and the joy of reading has been instilled in me all my life. My grandmother and my mother were both teachers, and reading was just a part of what we did in our family. When my grandmother became legally blind in her later years, she still enjoyed "reading" by listening to books through the Books for the Blind program. This was set an example for me as a young girl that reading was important, and books could be enjoyed even when you could no longer see the pages.”
Other than My Home Library, Carla has also participated in volunteering her time through other Foundation initiatives such as Camp Adventure and Reading Roundup. Taking part in these programs has brought a sheer joy and happiness to Carla.
“I can’t begin to explain it...knowing that I am sharing the joy of reading actual books with children who may not have access.”
One of the most memorable parts of volunteering is the astonishment when students receive the packets of six books at the elementary school she supports and getting to inform the students that the books are theirs to keep! Getting to work alongside other passionate Guild members is an unforgettable and rewarding experience for Carla.
We are grateful for the dedication shown by Carla and other members of our Ladies Guild.
Learn how you can become a member of the Ladies for Literacy Guild and be a point of light in our community.