Helping hands: Mid-State Literacy Council volunteers make a difference in Centre County

Amy Wilson
·2 min read

A woman wants to obtain full-time work in order to support her children. She came to Mid-State Literacy Council to improve her reading, writing and math skills. Following an assessment and the development of her individualized tutoring program, she began working with three trained literacy council volunteer tutors. She needed three tutors. With their help, she increased her reading and vocabulary, all of her skills sets, and her knowledge. She studied daily, practicing and working with the tutors. She made progress. Today she is feeling energized and working full-time. She is continuing to learn more reading and math skills, and also completing health literacy lessons to better support her family’s wellness.

Refugee parents who need English come to Mid-State Literacy Council to learn, make friends and gain the language skills needed to obtain employment quickly. They learn English, obtain work quickly, and adapt to living in Centre County. Literacy is essential to all members of our community.

With the help of 200 thoughtful volunteers, Mid-State Literacy Council provides both one-to-one tutoring and small classes for adults. Learning English, reading, math and technology skills gives adults the opportunity to achieve and succeed. Additional volunteers are needed to help in the office, or tutor. Mary Dupuis, recipient of the Ruth C. Kistler Service Award in 2022, says, “Summer is beautiful. Lots of tutors and students are meeting outside and enjoying the sunlight. Come join us!” We thank all the volunteers who help our community grow with literacy. Your contributions are valuable, appreciated and extraordinary.

Locally funded, Mid-State Literacy Council thanks individuals, organizations, Centre County United Way, Clearfield Area United Way, The Hamer Foundation, AARP Foundation, and Truist Foundation for supporting literacy in our community. The literacy council board of directors thanks all who participate in Centre Gives. You make a difference. You help uplift, equip and give the gift of literacy to an adult and their family.

During Centre Gives, Mid-State Literacy Council will be at Centre Foundation’s Centre Fest event with literacy games, activities and book giveaways. Thursday, May 11, 5:30-9 p.m. in Bellefonte at the beautiful Talleyrand Park, gazebo side of the park, please join Mid-State Literacy Council and celebrate our community.

On Wednesday, Sept. 27, 6 p.m. via Zoom, Mid-State Literacy Council will host the 24th Ron and Mary Maxwell Community Spelling Bee. Katie O’Toole, word master and master of ceremonies, invites you to join us. For more information, please contact Amy Wilson, at awilson@mid-stateliteracycouncil.org. Who will the champions be in 2023?

You make a difference. Mid-State Literacy Council provides the opportunity of education for community members. Additional information is at mid-stateliteracycouncil.org. To refer an adult for tutoring and classes or to help, please contact staff at 814-238-1809 or mslc@mid-stateliteracycouncil.org.

Amy Wilson is the executive director of Mid-State Literacy Council.