Thanks to its successful programs, the Literacy Council has outgrown its space in the Peggy Crosby Community Center. Its new home will be in the old post office building in Highlands Plaza next to Bryson’s Food Store.
At the beginning of 2017, The Literacy Council underwent new management. Each program was carefully evaluated and restructured to ensure effectiveness and a strong impact for its participants. The newly structured programs proved to be incredibly successful.
Within a year, the after-school programs had a 700% increase in participation; English as a Second Language (ESL) a 1,100% increase; GED a 400% increase; and individual tutoring a 300% increase.
New programs, such as the Senior Book Exchange and a read-to-dogs program were designed and implemented with great success as well.
News about the programs quickly spread and the programs filled, generating lengthy wait-lists and spoke to LCs need for more space.
Its new home has more than 5,000 square feet of open space, and will hold much larger programs than could have ever been offered before.
Jeff Weller of Summit Architecture generously donated his services to design the new space which will feature a state-of-the-art computer lab, expansive areas for the after-school programs, space for adult workshops, quiet individual tutoring rooms, an expansive reading room, and a security system.
Lupoli Construction has very generously agreed to help with the project as well and renovations will begin at the beginning of 2019.
During the next few months while the building is being renovated, The Literacy Council will hold its programs at Highlands Rec. Park. The Literacy Council’s administrative offices will temporarily be moved to the former Twigs office in Highlands Plaza. Students will be bussed to the Rec Park just as they were bussed to The Peggy Crosby Center.
“We are so excited to be moving to our new building,” said Bonnie Potts, Executive Director of The Literacy Council. “There is a very large need in our community for free educational services and we are thrilled that we will be able to accommodate more students and grow our programs. We are very grateful to the Peggy Crosby Center for their years of support.”
New programs will include adult workshops such as a financial literacy class and a nutritional workshop. Financial literacy will teach participants how to create budgets, pay off debt, and save for the future. Nutritional literacy will focus on healthy eating habits and how to prepare quick and healthy meals.
For more information about The Literacy Council’s move, please contact Bonnie Potts at bpotts@maconncliteracy.org.
By Kim Lewicki, Highlands Newspaper
Photos by Brian O’Shea