The Literacy Council of West Alabama

Program Overview

The Literacy Council of West Alabama partners with the Shelton State Community College GED program to provide aid for students in need of financial assistance to take GED tests. Funds are also provided to cover ancillary costs such as caps & gowns for those who cannot walk because of costs, birth certificates, replacement of photo IDs that would prevent obtainment of GED diplomas. LCWA also provides free books to children and adults in a nine-county "Black Belk" region in West Alabama. Books are also provided to students attending one of three summer camps where lifeskills, including reading and writing, are the focus since children often lose or barely retain during summer vacation. In addition, an elementary school in very low income county is chosen and given books for students to take home, as encouragement to read during summer break.

Student and Volunteer Success Stories

A Board of Directors member delivered two boxes of books to a family at the dedication of their new Habitat for Humanity House. After a sweet visit with the family and tour of the new home, the board member was about to leave - without the books - and the youngest little boy looked up at the visitor and asked, "You mean we get to keep the books?" The visitor replied, "Yes," and the wide-eyed little boy said, "Really?".