The Literacy Council officially opened their new location in Highlands Plaza at a ribbon cutting on Thursday. The former post office has much needed space to accommodate TLC’s consistent growth and the students say it’s a change for the better.
“It’s a lot bigger and we can play around and do so much more here,” said Gael Sanchez, 13, who spends time at TLC a couple of days a week. “The computer lab is my favorite, I really like the learning games.”
Students and staff outside The Literacy Council’s new location at the old post office in Highlands Plaza.
Miley Zagal, 7, said she likes to read about the adventures of her favorite character, Baby Moose, in the new reading room with a tiered staircase where students can set up shop with a good book.
“I like the big room with the stairs where I can read about really fun things,” said Zagal. “Plus, I love our new cubbies.”
The tiered reading room at TLC’s new location in Highlands Plaza.
TLC Marketing Manager Jenni Edwards said the potential in the new facility is incredible.
“It’s exciting and we’re thrilled with everything,” said Edwards. “We have so much more room in here for the expansion of our programs. The kids are so excited, and they love our new reading room.”
Jenni Edwards working on plural nouns with a student at TLC’s new home.
Switching from one facility to another can be jarring for younger students, but Edwards added that so far the students are all smiles.
“The transition has been very smooth,” she said. “The kids already act like they know where everything is.”
Recently added to TLC team is Senior Program Manager Anna Norton who said the increased space also helps with students who could use a more private setting to do their work.
“I think it’s great we have the individual tutoring rooms for students who need a little more of a focused activity area,” said Norton.
The ribbon cutting ceremony at TLC’s new home was at a Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center Business After Hours. TLC Executive Director Bonnie Potts spoke along with Highlands Mayor Pat Taylor, TLC Board Chair Jane Jerry, and Chamber Director of Tourism and Marketing Kaye McHan.
All said how grateful they are to have such a generous community who care and support an asset as valuable as TLC for children and adults in Macon and Jackson counties.
McHan emphasized how beneficial TLC is to the area.
“It provides a resource for children and adults to strengthen Literacy and English language proficiency, invaluable tools that help children succeed in school and prepare for their future,” said McHan. “Adults benefit by getting better-paying jobs to support their families, allows them to read to their children, engages people as informed citizens because they can read newspapers and online messages. Improved literacy skills benefit not only the struggling reader, but everyone in our community.”
To read the previous article on TLC’s move click HERE.
For more information about TLC click HERE.
Pictured at the top of the article is the ribbon cutting ceremony at The Literacy Council’s new home on Thursday including TLC Exec. Dir. Bonnie Potts, Mayor Pat Taylor and several Board Members.
Article and Photos by Brian O’Shea
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