Monica Huerta Perez prepares to welcome 30 new students in a packed classroom. These students attend class twice a week to improve their middle-school level reading skills, but they're not teenagers. Monica's students are adults who want a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.

The classes are part of LifeWorks' Adult Basic Education (ABE) and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs that teach adults how to read and write.

"They all have different motivations whether it's to get a better job, be able to read to grandchildren or take a more active role in their children's education. It's very empowering to me to help them reach these very personal goals."

Monica, who is the Program Director for Literacy Programs, knew from an early age that she would pursue a degree in education and become a teacher. "Education has always been very important to me. My younger brother was my first student. When we were children, I'd go over his homework and we'd play school in the backyard."

Inspired by her father's dedication to education advocacy, Monica wants to instill the value of lifelong learning that her father gave her. "Education is a gift that's always there and I thought, why couldn't I be the one to provide that gift."

Today, Monica is a mother of three and grandmother of two. "Being a parent is the most important teaching role because parents are their child's first teacher. I think my children are really proud of the work I do. I really encourage my children and my students to be life long learners."

Many of LifeWorks' programs are driven by volunteers who provide individual tutoring and classes. While Monica now trains volunteers to become tutors, she started as an ESL volunteer and worked with students twice a week to not only strengthen their skills but her own as a tutor. It was during those classes that she realized why LifeWorks' programs are essential.

"For many of these individuals, this is their last chance to get an education and it's so rewarding to see the change in them and know their life will never be the same."

LifeWorks education programs also include GED, Life Skills Training and Teen Parent and Foster Care Transitional Services. In collaboration with United Way Capital Area, LifeWorks is expanding the opportunities for some of these GED students through their new program Ready, Set, Employ. Among other goals, the program will help students identify their professional strengths and increase their financial literacy. The program also will partner with UWCA's Bank on Central Texas to help the participants open a checking account.

"I have so much respect for these adults who come to us and really want to learn to read and write. It takes a great deal of courage to seek help and begin taking these steps to better yourself."

Monica's family supports her work by helping with LifeWorks annual GED graduation ceremony. Both of her daughters provide advice to help Monica improve the event each year, while her 5-year-old son waits in the wings to be the next volunteer in the family.

"My husband also works in nonprofit so our family has an intrinsic element of serving the community. My children have grown up serving the community right next to me and they learned the importance of service and being an active part of the community." The family has volunteered together at nursing homes, completed routes for Meals on Wheels and even volunteered to help evacuees from Hurricane Katrina.

As a UWCA Loyal Contributor, Monica has donated for more than 10 years through LifeWorks annual campaign. "I give to United Way every year because they have helped fund so many programs that better our community. At LifeWorks, giving to United Way is simply a part of the culture."

While she is helping someone learning reading skills to understand a prescription bottle or complete their degree for a better job, Monica knows this is only the beginning of their journey. "There are other jobs that may pay more, but I wouldn't be able to see people succeed everyday and move forward in their lives. Whether it's helping someone earn their GED or a young mother stay in school, I feel honored to help others gain skills to ultimately reach their life goals."