How Mid-State Literacy Council makes a difference in Centre County, and how you can help
Literacy is essential for employment, health care, and the well-being of our children. Encouraging curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving is the theme of Mid-State Literacy Council’s children’s book drive. We thank everyone who donated books for families. The literacy council distributed books throughout Clearfield and Centre counties. Reading together helps children and parents connect, reading helps children become more emphatic, and reading develops a child’s imagination.
Adults are increasing their reading abilities at Mid-State Literacy Council, leading to employment and training opportunities. What a difference it makes to read and comprehend. “Improving mothers’ literacy skills may be best way to boost children’s achievement,” National Institutes of Health researchers found. Many women, refugees, are learning English and receiving assistance at Mid-State Literacy Council.
The Downtown State College Improvement District is hosting a Sunflower Solidarity Drive, on Saturday, Aug. 13 from 10 a.m.-noon at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza. Supply donations will be collected for local Ukrainian and other refugee families living in the area. Gift card donations are a priority, as families are settling into our area in search of basic needs and school supplies. Mid-State Literacy Council staff will be available to answer questions regarding ways to volunteer.
The ability to understand and use technology is called digital literacy. The Hamer Foundation and The AARP Foundation are supporting digital literacy instruction at Mid-State Literacy Council. Staff is receiving additional training to provide digital literacy workshops throughout the year. Some of the workshops that will be available in our community are topics including online safety, Google Maps, smartphone use, cloud storage, and computer use. Amanda Giedroc, program coordinator, is scheduling training for community members throughout the year. Volunteers are needed to support adults learning technology skills. Volunteers will meet with a learner once a week to provide additional practice. Please contact Amanda Giedroc with your interest in volunteering. Email agiedroc@mid-stateliteracycouncil.org or call 814-238-1809.
And spellers, you are invited to join a Bee team. On Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 6 p.m. via Zoom, Mid-State Literacy Council will host the 23rd 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 Spelling Bee Committee co-chairs, Susan Hill and Amy Wilson, at awilson@mid-stateliteracycouncil.org. Rapid Transit Sports was first place in 2021. Who will be the champions in 2022?
You make a difference. Mid-State Literacy Council continues to provide the opportunity of education to community members who need and want literacy. Reading, math, English, GED and test preparation — all instruction helps adults achieve employment, health, and family goals. Additional information is at mid-stateliteracycouncil.org. To refer an adult for tutoring or to help, please contact our team at 814-238-1809 or mslc@mid-stateliteracycouncil.org.