LEE COUNTY LITERACY COALITION

While learner gain is the primary goal for all Lee County Literacy Coalition (LCLC) programming, getting, keeping, and advancing in a job is a close second. LCLC’s Leveraging Technology for Literacy Project will introduce adult learners to applications to improve overall literacy to include reading, writing, math, health, financial, and basic computer skills. Technology is an almost daily requirement in the decision-making process of financial, medical, educational, and technical industries. This reliance on technology can make life challenging for those lacking basic literacy fundamentals. Learners will be paired with tutors for assessments and online sessions, live webinars, and on-demand options. This service delivery will enhance our established core services: on-site one-to-one tutoring, GED preparation, and literacy workshops.

This project will allow us to extend outreach and service delivery areas. It will reduce barriers such as transportation and childcare; and the on-demand component will allow the learner to engage at a time most convenient for them. In terms of overall program benefits, learners will gain instruction to increase literacy in reading, writing, math, health, financial, and basic computer skills to produce desired outcomes such as employability, income gain, improved self-esteem, and stronger families with engaged communities

Our vision will expand services and learner access with a stronger presence in the local libraries. LCLC will facilitate Volunteer Basic Tutor training at the participating libraries, lessening the barrier of transportation for both the learner and the tutor, while establishing service delivery on-site. Counties include Lee, Chambers, Macon, Russell, and Bullock with libraries in Opelika, Auburn, Dadeville, Horseshoe Bend, Tuskegee, Phenix City, Tallassee, and Union Springs.

The program outreach has multiple medians to include social media, local government, and chambers of commerce websites, low or no-cost radio PSAs as well as printed posters with QR code that links to informational videos. Printed materials are distributed to barber shops, salons, faith-based organizations, and the Department of Human Resource offices. Other outreach efforts include providing information to organizations and civic groups and manning information tables at local public events and activities throughout the county

Lee County Literacy Coalition is in the capacity-building mode, increasing staff, attracting new learners with improved service delivery by leveraging technology. Our plan is to meet learners “right where they are”, and empower them with literacy tools and skills that they need to be contributing, productive, and engaged members of the community. We do this by advocating for adult education, providing instruction, and partnering with other
community-based agencies. Improving access to adult literacy addresses intergenerational poverty and makes our community strong

Our executive director has over 20 years of experience in change management, public relations, strategic planning, program performance, staff development, and education and training. Her career has always been about service. After serving in the United States Army, she worked with military families, in the states and aboard, at Fleet and Family Support Centers in the Hampton Roads and Commander, Navy Installations Command in Washington, D.C. She was appointed by the board of directors on May 1, 2019.

Our Board of Directors is comprised of community leaders and local professionals with expertise in a wide range of areas, including training, advocacy, education, finance, law, fund development, health care, and business management. The Board meets bi-monthly (and twice in person annually). It is responsible for taking care of the strategic and financial health of the organization on an ongoing basis.

LCLC offered virtual learning options as well as safe social distancing spaces on-site. Our literacy workshops continue on-line with digital resources. This service delivery also reduces barriers such as transportation and childcare; and the on-demand component allows the learner to engage at a time most convenient for them. 80% of learners are showing improvement with grade-level progression and documented via monthly Tutor Reporting. Financial Literacy Workshop evaluations indicate participants were able to increase their knowledge and skills in creating a budget with improved problem-solving.

Individuals Served 2020: One-to-one/GED Tutoring 49; Literacy Workshops 126, Outreach 340. LCLC was prepared to pivot and provide virtual learning options. In June, on-site options resumed with safe social distancing spaces with PPE. Our literacy workshops continue on-line with digital resources with on-demand viewing. This service delivery has reduced barriers such as transportation and childcare, and the on-demand component allows the learner to engage at a time most convenient for them.

2021 INITIATIVES:
EQUITY CAMPAIGN
Everyone has a right to literacy. Lee County Literacy Coalition (LCLC) promotes equitable access to literacy education, opportunities, and resources for all adults. While learner gain is the primary goal for all programming, getting, keeping, and advancing in a job is a close second. In terms of overall program benefits, learners gain instruction to increase literacy in reading, writing, and math. Literacy workshops include health, financial and digital to produce desired outcomes such as employability, income gain, improved self-esteem and stronger families with engaged communities.

WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT
When women are empowered through literacy, they can find their voice, become strong, get educated, and improve their lives. Real life examples of women’s empowerment through literacy include: leaving abusive situations, getting a better job, improving their health, breaking the cycle of poverty, and furthering their education so their children have an increased opportunity for academic success. LCLC will partner with organizations supporting women experiencing homelessness, domestic violence and substance recovery.

LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY
LCLC’s Leveraging Technology for Literacy Project introduces adult learners to applications to improve overall literacy. Technology is a daily occurrence. This reliance on technology can make life challenging for those lacking basic literacy fundamentals. Learners are paired with tutors for assessments and online sessions, live webinars, and on-demand options. This service delivery enhances established core services: on-site one-to-one tutoring, GED preparation, and literacy workshops. This project extends outreach and service delivery areas as it reduces barriers such as transportation and childcare, and the on-demand component will allow the learner to engage at a time most convenient for them.