The documentary, Always Ask for Help, shares the true story of Arnie Stewart, who overcame poverty and homelessness to become a Canadian Hero for literacy. His courageous mission to shine a light on literacy earned him the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal.
Always Ask for Help Update!
I have received photos of people holding their purchased copies of Always Ask for Help. It is a part of the process I wasn’t expecting…what it would feel like to put my own story out into the world. I am so touched to hear your stories and to know that we have more in common than we thought. I just returned from Oklahoma City where I spoke to teachers at the Education Explosion Conference! It was so inspiring to hear the stories of teachers on the front lines!
Always Ask for Help was published by Audible last week! Now you can listen to Arnie actually tell his story. So many others contributed to our narrative including Arnie’s Nephew, my family, and even the neighborhood children reading Arnie letters in the book. Thank you all!
We have Fiscal Sponsorship!!
I am excited to let you know that a wonderful organization called From the Heart Productions has given our project fiscal sponsorship. This means that donors can now receive tax deductions for contributing to the Arnie project!
From the Heart Productions is also providing us with opportunities to connect with mentors from the movie business. Directors and producers from all over the world are excited to know about the project and share their own experiences with us. The idea is to get in the same vibrational rhythm of the things you wish to manifest. It is happening!
Safety Harbor Book Signing!!
If you are in the area, plan on dropping by my book signing event on Wednesday, June 26th, 2024 at SIPS on Main Street. We will have a movie update and presentation at 6PM and 7PM. You can purchase a book or bring yours to get signed.
Exciting Book Tour Announcement
The Always Ask for Help road tour begins on August 3rd. We will journey from Tampa Bay through North Carolina, Philadelphia, Rhode Island, Maine, Ottawa, Barrie, Cobalt, Niagara Falls, Pittsburgh, Washington DC, and home again! If you are along our route, reach out to arrange a meet up with us!
As always, thank you for continuing to cheer us on. We are staying focused and committed to the purpose of our mission.
As Arnie always said, “We are making a difference with our hearts!”
Here's how to purchase Always Ask for Help!
"You're very inspirational. I had chills and goosebumps the entire presentation."
Middle School teacher
Presenting Always Ask for Help at the Education Explosion in Oklahoma City!
Always Ask for Help Available today!
This morning, our book Always Ask for Help was approved for worldwide distribution!
It is difficult to put into words what I have been going through over the last few months. Transcribing Arnie's story as he told it from archived audio recordings and then including my perspective and story required me to be brave. Asking for help from editors, thought leaders, media specialists, and trusted friends was humbling. I never predicted how publishing would require me to harness all my strength. Here's how to purchase Always Ask for Help!
Always Ask for Help is purposefully produced, encouraging readers to listen while they follow along in the text. All lines are left justified, photos captioned, no glossy pages, sans serif font, and page 100 is celebrated. Lesson plans for teachers can be found on our new website www.alwaysaskforhelp.com.
Testimonials for Janet Lee
"Thank you for coming and sharing with us today! This was an aspect of teaching I truly would not have considered being an issue because i didn't know it was so common." Pre-Service Teacher
"I loved you today and I feel so honored that you came to talk to us! Thank you for everything and keep going!" Pre-Service Teacher
"I'm going to try to find a speaker to send a message to four football players I'm working with who are on academic probation." Teacher
"I will incorporate this kind of authenticity in my work, and empower students to share their stories with me. I will also consider how I could put together a student panel to share stories." Teacher
"Thank you so much for recognizing the power of Arnie's story and encouraging us in education to make space for everyone's stories." Online Educator
Always Ask for Help shares the true story of Arnie Stewart and the impact of low literacy on his life. The remarkable documentary follows Arnie from as an extremely impoverished child with 11 siblings who shared two beds.
At 15, his school principal kicked him out of school and told him he would never amount to anything. His father also asked him to leave his home.
Later in life, he sought help at a literacy center. In 2007, he met Janet Lee, a high school teacher after he spoke to her class. Janet and Arnie teamed up and traveled to hundreds of schools where he bravely spoke about his low literacy. They handed out “Arnie” cards that encouraged children and adults to “Always Ask for Help.”
Arnie was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for his work. He envisioned a world where everyone could read, write and achieve their potential.
Always Ask for Help will encourage readers!
Listen to Arnie as you read.
Font and format on the page was purposfully placed to help struggling readers keep up.
Page 100 is a celebration!
During their work together, Janet discovered that Arnie, in his late 50s, still could barely read. She thought his literacy could improve if she asked the students to write him letters. Within weeks, thousands of students sent him letters. Reading the letters and corresponding with the students filled him with joy and improved his reading and writing.
Arnie and Janet shared their dreams about how they could make a difference. They hoped the Arnie Card could become a symbol of empathy and goodwill in the world. Arnie rose from the ashes of his oppressed childhood and became a well-known advocate for literacy in Canada.
Always Ask for Help transcends Arnie's historical struggles with literacy to reveal stories of current adults living with low literacy. Witness the daily struggles of these individuals who make their way through life by creating work arounds to survive day to day tasks.
Meet Charlie Taylor
Our documentary is revealing the issue that persists today in the US.
Charlie Taylor lives on a boat gifted to him by a stranger on facebook.
Charlie never finished school but is an inspiration to the neighbors he assists everyday in Safety Harbor, Florida. He believes in the good of most people and tries to avoid those places where people overlook him altogether. His stories are Peter Pan adventures starring himself and his rescue dog, Lolita.
Always Ask for Help is in production!