The Literacy Council of Central Alabama has four pillars of service: advocacy and awareness, literacy support services, training and professional development, and direct service in both adult basic literacy and ESOL. But everything they do is for one reason: to create a more literate society. A more literate society is a healthier, more prosperous and productive society.
Executive Director Beth Wilder commented, “We are thrilled to be included in the Bridgeworth holiday campaign this year! It is important for us to share the stories of our learners and their triumphs. We are proud of our learners and our volunteer tutors and we want the world to know how hard these amazing people work every day to change lives.”
Advocacy and awareness is crucial to the work of the Literacy Council for a number of reasons, including:
- Illiteracy is a hidden problem – illiterate adults do not want to admit they do not possess this most basic skill so it is our responsibility to make sure Alabamians understand the issue, including elected officials, potential volunteers and donors, educators, etc.
- Vital to keep reading initiatives alive in our schools to prevent adult illiteracy and workforce development initiatives alive in our post-secondary institutions to provide services for the adults who need them.
- It is important to make illiterate adults aware of the services available to them so they can get the help they need.
In May, a fire devastated the offices of the Literacy Council and everything was lost: tutor spaces, training classroom, all of the books, including tutor manuals and learner workbooks, computers, office supplies, phones, bookshelves, desks, chairs, etc. Wilder said, “We are currently rebuilding and plan to move into our new space in early January. We appreciate the generosity of so many community partners who have helped us with donations of money, books, furniture, volunteer hours, etc.”
Bridgeworth is proud to support the continued efforts of The Literacy Council of Central Alabama.
BTN 1-335504.1214