FAYETTEVILLE — Mina Phebus feels a kinship toward Ozark Literacy Council students;
she isn’t far removed from being one herself.
The South Korean-born 36-year-old has gone from student to program director of the nonprofit agency in the span of three years.
Phebus moved to Fayetteville permanently with her husband Toby Phebus in 2007. (She had been in the area briefly in 2004 when she met and married Toby, then returned to South Korea to give birth to their son.)
She holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature and a master’s in English education but sought out the literacy council for more practice. She had taught English in her home country but could read the language better than she could speak it.
A friend recommended the literacy council.
Phebus was assigned a tutor and began classes. She said the level of instruction offered at that time was easy for her, so she inquired about advanced classes.
They weren’t offered yet and as luck would have it, there was an opening for a part-time program director, and she was hired to take that on.
Since then, Phebus became the full-time program director, revamped the curriculum to offer three levels of classes, established an evaluation system and formalized tutor training - among many other positives for the agency.
Phebus also organized the council’s library, established small group tutoring sessions, set up a program in which advanced students help beginning students and organized the annual Open Book Affair fundraiser.
Matchmaker
She is always in recruitment mode, looking for tutors to work with students. (So much so, that even reporters and photographers working on a story about her do not go unasked.) When she started with the organization, there was a constant waiting list of about 50 students with no tutors. That is a problem of the past.
Once Phebus recruits volunteers, she painstakingly matches them with students.
She said that because they will be spending so much time together, it’s essential that they’re compatible. A tutor not only helps with the language but is also a link to American culture.
Strength In Crisis
Executive Director Wendy J. Poole credits Phebus with “keeping the doors open” when in 2009 the organization faced crisis as the previous executive director was dismissed. He pleaded guilty in May to falsifying business records and to a misdemeanor theft of property charge.
“Volunteers, tutors andstudents lost faith,” Poole said.
“Her main goal is always helping that student.”
Phebus was able to restore faith in the agency and maintain tutor levels so that 170 students received about 6,000 hours of instruction from about 40 tutors.
A Second Home
Ninety percent of the agency’sstudents are non-native English speakers from an estimated 30 different countries, according to Poole.
“This place is like a second home for international people,” Phebus said. “I like to inspire other people to work when they are in the United States. They have to get out and meet people and not be shy about their accents.
“English is not something you study like a science. You need to enjoy it - like a pop song. I study English in the street, meeting people.”
Phebus’ initial tutor and now mentor, Paul Johnson, said Phebus has a knack for “pulling people together … because of her belief in the mission. She has the ability to transfer that enthusiasm to people who come in. When someone comes in as a hesitant prospective tutor or student, she melts away that hesitancy and erases any fear of judgment.”
Expanded Offerings
In its 46th year, the Ozark Literacy Council ofterings include basic, intermediate and advanced conversation and grammar and writing classes; Test of English as a Second Language; GED preparation; citizenship training; bank and fi nance learning series and health symposia.
Students are not charged fees so the United Way agency relies on state, federal and private grants and proceeds from fundraisers such as the upcoming Open Book Aft air.
The annual benefit features hundreds of author-autographed books in live and silent auctions. Tickets for the casual-attire event are $45 and include dinner from a number of local restaurants, beer and wine and live music from the Alex Lewis Trio. Participating restaurants include Cafe Rue Orleans, Ella’s Restaurant, Bordino’s, Geraldi’s, Meiji, La Hacienda, Greenhouse Grille and Bliss.
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PROFILE
MINA PHEBUS
Born: Sept. 6 1974, Seoul S. Korea
Husband: Toby Phebus, November 2004
Son: Jayden Phebus
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GO & DO
OPEN BOOK AFFAIR
To Benefit: Ozark Literacy Council
Where: Fayetteville Town Center
When: 6 p.m. Nov. 11
Attire: Casual Tickets: $45
Information: 521-8250
Our Town, Pages 15 on 10/17/2010