Literacy Advocate to Talk at Elmhurst College about How Reading Changes Lives

Submitted by Elmhurst College.

Robert Shindler was looking for ways to help his son overcome a reading deficiency when he decided to volunteer with the Literacy Chicago organization. Working with a diverse group of adult learners, Shindler received his own education about the realities of learning disabilities and adult illiteracy.

A Chicago-based attorney and author, Shindler recently partnered with the United Church of Christ on Reading Changes Lives, the UCC’s ongoing, churchwide initiative to raise awareness about the impact of illiteracy on a range of social justice issues.

Shindler will present Reading Changes Lives on March 8 at Elmhurst College.

Robert Shindler is the author of Hotdogs & Hamburgers: Unlocking Life’s Potential by Inspiring Literacy at Any Age, which chronicles his journey to help his son and his experiences at Literacy Chicago. Last fall, the UCC used Shindler’s book for their all-church “One Read” program, hoping the book would make people aware of the importance of closing the literacy gap and would inspire them to get involved.

Shindler continues his work at Literacy Chicago, and also has begun tutoring inmates at the Cook County Jail. He is the founder of Abogados America, a small law firm in Chicago that specializes in representing the Hispanic community.

‘Reading Changes Lives’ will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, in the Founders Lounge of the Frick Center (190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst,www.elmhurst.edu/campusmap). Shindler will be available to sign books after the lecture and his book, Hotdogs & Hamburgers, will be available for purchase. Admission is $10 for the general public and free for Elmhurst College students, faculty, staff and alumni. Tickets are available by visiting www.elmhurst.edu/tix. For more information, call (630) 617-3390.

Elmhurst College is a leading liberal arts college located eight miles west of Chicago. The College’s mission is to prepare its students for meaningful and ethical work in a multicultural, global society. Approximately 3,200 full- and part-time students are enrolled in its 25 undergraduate academic departments and 15 graduate degree programs.Elmhurst College consistently ranks as one of the Midwest’s best values in higher education, according to U.S. News & World Report, Money magazine and the Princeton Review.

ALSO ON PATCH