Can you read this? Many Washington County residents — one out of five, according to statistics, can’t. One out of five of our neighbors is functionally illiterate and unable to read adequately enough to function successfully in society. They are unable to fill out job applications, read medicine bottles or help their children with their homework. According to recent statistics from the National Institute for Literacy, more than 18% of Washington County residents would not be able to read this letter.

 

You can help us improve the lives of hundreds of Washington County residents, by opening up your heart and your checkbook. According to Adult Literacy Action of Penn State University, every $1.00 spent on early prevention and intervention saves $4.75 in costs of remedial education, welfare and crime. There aren’t many sure-fire investment opportunities out there these days; but an investment in literacy is an unbeatable way to invest in the health and wealth of our community.

 

The Washington County Literacy Council provides, confidential one-on-one tutoring to adults who read at or below the fourth grade level. We also provide many literacy awareness programs throughout the community (see enclosed brochure for a list of programs). We are a “home owned” organization supported solely by local individuals, businesses and organizations. Therefore, your support is crucial to our mission. We would be delighted to add you to our circle of Literacy Friends. If you are interested in giving, please contact us via e-mail or by telephone 724-228-6188. 

 

Editor’s Note: This letter is part of our annual giving campaign, conducted every September. The response is always encouraging, but on-going funding is needed to allow us to continue our mission. All donors will be listed on the website and in the future issues of our newsletter, The Printed Word.

 

 

 

 

 

Alpha Beta Gamma

Alpha Delta Kappa

Anna Addison

ANSYS Inc.

Atlas Railroad Construction

Nancy Bakentoss

Bridget Broaddrick

Bracken Burns

Coen Family Foundation

John & Helen Connors

Stephen & Millie Crouse

A.C. Dellovade, Inc.

Jarol DeVoge

Dollar General

Drakenfield Fair Share Fund

Mary J. Drewitz

Fred & Jean Frank

Margie Hagerman

Richard & Carol Hand

Laboratory Presbyterian Church

Lighthouse Electric

Sandy Mansmann

Charles & Jan Murray

John & Rose Northrop

The Observer-Reporter

Pegasus Printing

John & Susan Raimondi

Anica Rawnsley

Readers’ Digest

South Fayette Township School District

Kathy Sabol

Dorothy Schwerha

Sam’s Club Foundation

South Fayette Township

School District

Tomsic Oldsmobile

Dr. & Mrs. Adrian Van Strien

Verizon Foundation

WalMart Foundation

Washington County Bar

Association Foundation

Washington County

Community Foundation

Washington Federal Savings Bank

Washington Rotary Club

ZONTA