Have you ever thought about how much you read in a single day? The newspaper, directions, road signs, a job application, emails, on-line research, Facebook, Twitter, a book, a magazine, did I mention emails? This thought may not have crossed your mind until now, but it is on the minds of almost 32 million US adults who are unable to read. The US Education Department’s latest statistics show that on average 14% of adults lack basic literacy skill.
This month’s Great Job Community Spotlight recognizes the hundreds of local heroes working determinedly to lower these staggering statistics: The Durham Literacy Center. The DLC has educated over 12,000 Durham residents since they opened almost 25 years ago. Their mission is to assist teenagers and adults with reading and writing skills needed to fulfill personal and professional goals. The DLC vision of increasing the number of literate adults has become a reality thanks to the almost 100 volunteers that help out annually.
Reginald Hodges, DLC Executive Director, said, “Literacy services are needed more now than ever. Adults with poor literacy skills are losing jobs; 500 students leave our public schools each year without graduating; and immigrants without basic-English skills continue to arrive in Durham in search of a better life. We need to make the hope and potential of literacy available to everyone. It is not only our responsibility, it is our opportunity.”
Meet Christopher, a 55-year-old Durham city employee, who until last year was unable to read. He had lived with this secret for far too long. Christopher walked through the doors of DLC last year and asked for help. With individualized instruction, tutoring and continuous testing, Christopher was able to reach his goal. Today he not only loves to read and write, but he wants to help others by teaching and tutoring them. He believes that “when people genuinely make a difference, they can create a better world.”
Thank you to the Durham Literacy Center, the staff and hundreds of volunteers who work tirelessly and give willfully the best gift of all……opportunity. It is an honor to recognize you with our Great Job Spotlight for the incredible difference you are making in the lives of our community. Thank you and Great Job!
More information on how to get involved with the Durham Literacy Center can be found at : https://sites.google.com/site/durhamliteracy/about
The Durham Literacy Center is a partner agency of the United Way of the Greater Triangle. The United Way of Greater Triangle funds 149 programs at 82 partner agencies in Durham, Johnston, Orange and Wake County. The United Way is committed to strengthening the basic building blocks for quality of life for Triangle residents in health, education, income and safety. Currently one of every three Triangle residents is using a United Way partner agency service or program. More information about the United Way can be found: www.unitedwaytriangle.org
