United Way Grants $45,095 to Literacy Coalition of Howard County

KOKOMO, IN / PRESS RELEASE – United Way serving Howard and Tipton Counties’ Board of Directors has announced a $45,095 grant to help fund Adult Literacy, a program through Literacy Coalition of Howard County.

Donations given through the Annual Fundraising Campaign, both individually and through workplace campaigns make this grant possible. United Ways’ donors allow 68 students to gain literacy and language skills in an individualized structure for the most optimum success.

“I was 47-years old when I realized I couldn’t apply for a job because I couldn’t fill out the application,” said Angela, a Literacy Coalition student. “The Literacy Coalition found me a tutor with the patience I needed to succeed. Now I can read the notes my three beautiful children bring home from school, street signs and letters that come in the mail.”

The Adult Literacy program serves adults in the community with low literacy levels, immigrants with language barriers or ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained and Employed) families. The volunteer-based tutors work through a peer-to-peer match to allow students the opportunity to learn in a comfortable setting while reaching their personal goals. The Literacy Coalition works with students on test preparation so they can obtain licensing required for employment opportunities that allow their students to provide for their families.

“I am happy that we are able to support this program that offers exclusive mentorship and literacy opportunities to so many adults in our community,” said Jeff Young, United Way serving Howard and Tipton Counties Interim President and CEO. “Literacy can be a huge step for many people in having the opportunity to provide for their families. United Way is passionate about breaking down barriers for working families and this is just another avenue in making our community stronger.”

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