By Kristin Dudley
Since its quiet launch in the middle of a pandemic, Oasis Tutoring in Livingston County has grown from a small group of determined volunteers into a thriving, county-wide initiative that’s changing lives— both for students and for the older adults who mentor them. This spring, the organization will host a luncheon to honor the dedicated individuals who helped get the program off the ground and continue to power its mission forward.
The leadership began in July 2020 by Pat Williams, an area retired teacher, Oasis Tutoring began as a hopeful endeavor in the middle of a world turned upside down by COVID-19. With schools locked down and in-person access restricted, the traditional face-to-face tutoring model had to take a back seat. But that didn’t stop this “small but mighty” team. Instead, they pivoted, launching a creative alternative: the Postal Pal program—an old-school pen pal-style initiative that matched students and adult volunteers for monthly letter writing.
Now, nearly five years later, Oasis Tutoring has grown to include 115 active tutors across every school district in Livingston County, including Chillicothe R-II, Southwest, Chula, and Bishop Hogan. In Linn County, where the program first took root a year later, thanks to Jane Frizzell, tutoring has also expanded significantly. Across both counties, 250 students are currently supported through Oasis Tutoring’s face-to-face and Postal Pal programs.
The face-to-face program pairs volunteers aged 55 and older with students in kindergarten through third grade during school hours. These mentors meet weekly, working one-on-one with two students for 30 minutes each. Face-to-face tutors currently serve at Bishop Hogan, Chillicothe Elementary, and Father McCarten School in Marceline. For students who participate after school—such as at local libraries—parents are responsible for transportation. The Postal Pal program, serving second through fourth graders, operates October through April and includes a couple of in-person “meet and greet” events each year where students and mentors can connect over snacks and shared smiles.
All Oasis programs are free to participating schools, funded by a federal AmeriCorps Seniors grant through the Oasis Institute, a St. Louis-based organization focused on keeping adults aged 55 and older engaged, healthy, and socially connected. Though the tutoring benefits students, the heart of the program is supporting older adults by offering them meaningful ways to contribute, connect, and stay active.
Tutors come from all walks of life—retired teachers, postal workers, social workers, accountants, and more. “They’re people who still want to be active and give back to their community,” said Williams. “And they absolutely light up when they see their students progress.”
In addition to tutoring, Oasis hosts summer programs at local libraries and in summer school settings. During the school year, each student receives two free books at Christmas and another two at the end of the school year, often thanks to Scholastic Book Fairs. These tangible gifts help foster a love of reading while building bonds between students and their mentors.
This year, Oasis will also piloting a new math program in Linn County, which is expected to expand to Livingston County in the future. Training for new volunteers will begin this summer, with informational events like an ice cream social in July and a booth at the YMCA’s Senior Health & Fitness event in May. Postal Pals begin writing in October, and face-to-face tutoring typically kicks off in January.
Recruitment is ongoing, and Williams encourages anyone 55 or older who’s looking for a simple, rewarding way to give back to consider becoming a Postal Pal or face-to-face tutor. “You don’t need to be a former teacher,” she said. “Just someone who cares.”
As Williams prepares to retire at the end of the year, she’ll be passing the torch to Jane Frizzell, who will continue overseeing Oasis Tutoring across both counties. “It’s been so rewarding to see how this has grown,” said Williams. “We’ve come a long way from those early days. The impact this has on both the kids and the adults is incredible.”
For more information or to get involved, contact Pat Williams at 660-973-2168. Whether you want to share your wisdom, sharpen young minds, or simply make a new friend through the mail, Oasis Tutoring has a spot waiting just for you.
On Thursday, April 23, local Livingston County tutors will be celebrated at the Tutor Appreciation Luncheon at Hollie’s in the North Town Shopping Center in Chillicothe at 1 p.m. This is recognition of all tutors but a special recognition will be given to tutors that are still with Oasis Tutoring since it’s inception in Livingston County in 2020. They will receive their five year pins for their years of service as a milestone.
