Literacy Council of Frederick County
Adult Literacy is a Survival Skill …
Yet … more than 25,000 Frederick County adults struggle with everyday life skills related to literacy. This includes native English speakers who can’t read or write, and English language learners. These skills are fundamental to work, prosperity, health, and family stability.
The COVID-19 public health crisis is dramatically impacting families in our communities who struggle with literacy. Challenges they faced prior to this crisis are only compounded when confronted with trying to understand alerts, access health resources, support their children’s at home schooling and maintain stable employment. Thanks to using distance learning platforms, the Literacy Council is continuing to provide programs and services online through remote instruction — expanding access to classes and tutoring, and training for new volunteers.
The Literacy Council of Frederick County’s programs and services impacted over 335 adults last year. 150+ volunteers contributed 12,800+ hours conducting individual or small group tutoring; conducting class instruction in beginning literacy, conversation, pronunciation, basic computer skills, writing and civics; supporting new parent literacy and workplace English classes; providing information and referral for other community programs; and contributing to the organization’s administration and outreach.
Many of our students fall within ALICE household metrics, experiencing financial hardships, being unemployed or underemployed, or working multiple part-time minimum wage jobs. While these are multifaceted and complex issues, adult literacy is the one factor that can have a positive impact across the board.
The Unity Campaign helps to raise the financial support necessary to provide literacy programs by providing an efficient and community-wide platform to raise awareness and much-needed funds to our Basic Literacy (native English speakers) and English as a Second Language programs, including two new initiatives:
Parent Outreach Program: Increase the literacy and English language skills of parents of young children to enhance early childhood development, school readiness and school success by partnering with the Judy Center and Butterfly Ridge, Hillcrest, Lincoln and Waverley Elementary Schools.
Workplace Literacy Program: Increase workplace literacy and English skills for workers in hospitality and social service jobs to improve employment opportunities and provide a long-term, lasting solution to financial stability.