A typical New Year’s resolution involves things like losing weight, giving up a bad habit or getting more organized. While those goals are important to the person making them, READ LaPorte County Inc. is asking the people of LaPorte County to expand their 2010 New Year’s resolutions and help their fellow community members.
Nationwide, one in seven adults cannot read, write or do math above an elementary school level. READ LaPorte County is part of a national network of literacy organizations offering critical education programs that help Americans learn to read and write. Volunteers in the program help teach basic literacy, GED preparation, math, and English as a second language.
“We exist through the help of dedicated community volunteers,” said Mary Hedge, director of READ LaPorte County. “We match trained volunteers with adults and children so they can form long-term bonds and work together to continue building the students’ reading, writing or language skills. It is a longer term commitment than a one-time volunteer project, but the benefits to both people are invaluable and have an exponential impact.”
READ LaPorte County is a member of ProLiteracy, the world’s largest organization of adult basic education and literacy programs, and is one of 1,200 community-based organizations that make up the ProLiteracy network.
“Literacy literally has the power to change lives,” said David C. Harvey, president and CEO of ProLiteracy. “Particularly in this economy, adults need literacy to help them be competitive for jobs and to help keep themselves and their families healthy. By helping these adults gain the education they deserve, we’re helping them and their children come together to solve problems and create stronger neighborhoods and communities.”
For more information on becoming involved with READ LaPorte County, visit www.readlaportecounty.com or call 219-362-6316. For information on supporting adult literacy, visit ProLiteracy’s website, www.proliteracy.org.
