"That's how I got my driver's license," says Hood.

Once she was driving, she couldn't read the signs. That's because Judy Hood couldn't read. Not a word.

But now she can, thanks to Hopelink's literacy program -- and thanks to her tutor Jan Blumberg.

Jan is a retired librarian who works with the 66-year-old grandmother every week, two hours at a time. They've been at it eight months.

"It's just opened my whole world," says Hood. From zero reading eight months ago, to a first grade reading level now.

And Judy isn't stopping there. Her 6-year-old granddaughter Alexis McKenzie Hood is her inspiration.

"Yes, before I die I want to be able to read," she said.

She wants to read an entire book to Alexis. Her tutor, Jan, is sure of it.

"Alexis needs to be read to at the second grade level, and we're heading to the 8th grade level," says Jan Blumberg.

Reading is something most of us take for granted. Not Judy Hood. She says she never learned because kids made fun of her when she tried. Judy had a speech problem as a child.

"I actually learned how to do it!"

Judy wants people to know, it's never too late.

For More Information:

Hopelink Literacy Program -- www.hope-link.org.