Mid-State Literacy Council is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Here’s how to support its programs
When Kulwinder Singh moved to the United States, he took three months of classes in English speaking, reading and writing at Mid-State Literacy Council. He also passed the U.S. citizenship test with the help of the Centre County nonprofit, and a tutor from the organization recently helped him prepare for a job interview.
He’s one of more than 10,000 students helped by MSLC, which marks its 50th anniversary this month with a benefit auction that ends Oct. 17.
“I will always recommend Mid-State Literacy to everybody,” Singh said. “Whenever I had any question, they would always be there.”
The MSLC was founded in 1971 by Ruth Kistler with the goal of providing lessons in literacy to adults in Centre and Clearfield counties. Although services have shifted through the years, the mission remains the same: to bring literacy in all forms to adults.
Today, the MSLC focuses mainly on English as a Second Language classes, according to board president Ann Echols. The MSLC offers adult basic literacy classes, but these needs are mainly covered by GED programs offered at local high schools.
Likely the biggest change the MSLC experienced in its 50 years of operation came in 2011, when it lost government funding, which made up 95% of its budget. Executive Director Amy Wilson said the loss of funds meant the MSLC went from serving 400-500 students a year to 200.
But Wilson said it also allowed her to shift focus and better address the community’s needs.
“I know it’s really strange when your funding disappears and you decide to expand your program,” Wilson said, but now that the MSLC’s funding is community based, “when you see a need, you can fill it.”
In 2011, the MSLC pivoted to an emphasis on health care, a decision that Wilson said has literally saved students’ lives.
There are now health literacy classes for beginner, intermediate and advanced level English speakers where students can learn how to read the instructions on their medication, contact emergency services, and determine which health problems require a hospital visit.
One student, Wilson said, had appendicitis and went to the hospital for surgery after learning about appendicitis in her English for Doctors’ Visits class.
Health literacy has only become more of a priority in the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Echols.
“We now include a little bit of health care in every class,” Echols said, “because it’s so important for people to understand what a vaccine is, that it is safe in America, how to navigate COVID (and) how to navigate doctor’s appointments in America.”
Since 2011, the MSLC has also added computer literacy classes, classes for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and one-on-one tutoring for people seeking employment.
To support its programs, MSLC holds a variety of fundraisiers throughout the year, including the Ron and Mary Maxwell Community Spelling Bee. The proceeds from the 50th anniversary online auction — which features more than 250 items including art work, furniture, gift cards and more — will benefit the MSLC’s day-to-day operations.
“It has been quite a learning curve to figure out how to do it. But a lot of community members and volunteers have donated items,” MSLC volunteer Connie Schroeder said.
Echols said the MSLC is most excited about the collection of fiber arts from the estate of late Penn State School of Visual Arts Professor David Van Dommelen, as well as oil paintings from Cindy Kostyak and quilts by Doug Marme.
The Van Dommelen collection is impressive and includes “some magnificent wall hangings,” Grace Hampton, a Penn State professor and former director of Penn State’s School of Visual Arts, said.
“He did one unbelievable piece (called M.A.S.H.) that’s done in green camouflage and there are words embedded in the (fabric),” Hampton said. “He actually put his dog tags into this painting, and some of the buttons and some of the metal from his uniform, (along with) a question about why war is so necessary for people.”
M.A.S.H. is for sale in the auction, and is currently priced at $25. The rest of Van Dommelen’s pieces in the auction range from $10-$50.
Going forward, Echols said the MSLC is hoping to sustain its current size and hopefully expand, and she hopes that anyone who wants to access the MSLC’s services can do so.
For Wilson, the future of the MSLC involves a stronger focus on computer literacy. And whatever direction the organization takes, its leaders say the community support remains vital.
“We thank the community for supporting the program for 50 years, and we hope they’ll support us for another 50,” Wilson said.
For more information on the MSLC and to view the online auction, visit www.mid-stateliteracycouncil.org.