July 27, 2017 (ANN ARBOR, Mich.) – It’s time to save the date for Washtenaw Literacys

19th Driving Literacy Gala.  It will be a fun evening where you can enjoy dancing with the Steve Somers Motown Band while also supporting this great cause by bidding on some really fantastic silent auction items.

 

This years Honorary Host is former FedEx18-wheeler driver and two-time Emmy winner, Kimberly Gill, from the WDIV Local 4 News Team. Kimberly notes: “As a reporter, I have seen first-hand how the lack of access to literacy and education harms those affected.  I am honored to be involved with such an important cause.”

 

 

Here is a quick summary of the details:

 

Driving Literacy’s Good Food. Good Friends. Great Cause event is a very worthwhile annual fundraiser supporting the work of Washtenaw Literacy. This year’s event is October 14, at 6:00 pm, in Washtenaw Community College Morris Lawrence Building Atrium. The evening includes drinks, a strolling supper, and dessert. Tickets are $85 before September 15 and $95 thereafter. Proceeds go directly to Washtenaw Literacy. For ticket information, call (734) 879-

1320 or email Washtenaw Literacy at  info@washtenawliteracy.org.

 

Now, more than ever, we need your help. We are the largest and oldest literacy council in the state, but continue to face needs that far outstrips our resources. Illiteracy is a statewide problem

– urban and rural – even impacting such areas as education-oriented Washtenaw County, home to University of Michigan and a host of other lauded cultural institutions.

 

For the community, it means a stronger work force and reduced rates of crime and poverty. More importantly it interrupts a frightening cycle of illiteracy: studies show 50% of the children of parents who cant read will grow up to be illiterate adults.

 

 

Washtenaw Literacy Executive Director Amy Goodman notes, While we are proud to have served the community for nearly five decades, we need your help to continue the fight. Please consider becoming a tutor, making a donation, and plan to join us on October 14!”

 

Washtenaw Literacy’s website (www.washtenawliteracy.org) provides additional details on how you can join the fight against illiteracy.

 

About Washtenaw Literacy

 

Washtenaw Literacys purpose is straightforward: we help adults change their lives through literacy. Since 1971 our organization has been devoted to helping men and women improve their reading, writing and English-as-a-Second-Language skills.

 

Our core programs include 1.) Skills First - skills-based tutoring based on individual goals, 2.) Education Now - tutoring towards educational attainment, and 3.) Workforce Ready - tutoring towards career readiness and success in the work place. Central to all of our programs is one-to-one tutoring customized to the unique needs of each learners and delivered by highly trained and supervised volunteer tutors. Over 90% of adults in our tutoring programs reach one or more of their goals. Part of this success stems from our designer tutor” approach. We train each of our volunteer tutors to plan lessons according to the learners strengths, needs and goals. Adult learners in our program are motivated because they are setting, and meeting, their own standards for success.

 

This focus on individual goals makes our program unique in the county. Washtenaw Literacy is a critical part of our communitys educational continuum. Someday we hope to have no need for our services. Until then, well support our volunteer tutors as they help low-literate men and women improve their skills and their lives.

 

 

 

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