Washtenaw Literacy Taking Reservations for 2010 'Support Literacy Now!' Event

ANN ARBOR, Mich., April 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Washtenaw Literacy, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending adult illiteracy, is now taking reservations for the Support Literacy Now! luncheon scheduled for May 18 at the Morris Lawrence Building at Washtenaw Community College.  Participants will hear first-hand about the impact illiteracy can have on job-seekers, worker productivity, and community and family life.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100414/DE86788)

Newly appointed Washtenaw County Administrator Verna McDaniel will be a featured speaker.  McDaniel is a long-time tutor for Washtenaw Literacy who will share her passion about the impact adult illiteracy has on our community.  Washtenaw Literacy Executive Director Amy Goodman underscores the urgency associated with the agency's objective to increase the number of available tutors: "Over 27,000 men and women in Washtenaw County struggle with low literacy levels -- we need help from individuals, community leaders, and corporations to turn this around.  In today's economic climate, it is imperative that we support these adults in improving their reading and communication skills."

While the luncheon begins at noon, attendees are encouraged to arrive at 11:45 a.m. to network with area leaders and learn how they might help end adult illiteracy. The luncheon closes with an opportunity to provide a personal pledge.

To RSVP, please call Washtenaw Literacy at (734) 879-1320 or go to www.washtenawliteracy.org.

About Washtenaw Literacy

Washtenaw Literacy's purpose is straightforward: we help adults change their lives through literacy. Our organization has over 35 years experience in helping men and women improve their reading, writing and English as a second language skills.

Our core program is one-on-one tutoring. This is the approach our first volunteer tutors used in 1971. The reason we still use it today is because it works. Over 90% of adults in our one-on-one tutoring program 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 learner's 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 community's educational continuum. Someday we hope to have no need for our services. Until then, we'll support our volunteer tutors as they help low-literate men and women improve their skills and their lives.

SOURCE Washtenaw Literacy