United Way Wednesday
This Week's Featured UWCCMC Funded Agency:
Clark County Literacy Coalition
The Clark County Literacy Coalition (CCLC) is dedicated to increasing the level of functional literacy among the people of Clark County and surrounding areas. The CCLC has four literacy programs: Basic Literacy, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Teaching Children to Read (TCR) and Certified Tutor Training. Basic Literacy, ESOL and Certified Tutor Training are all funded by United Way. Additionally, these programs include orientations, pre- and post- assessments, and disability screenings for vision/hearing and visual stress. Once complete, students are paired one-on-one with a tutor. This allows for lessons to be tailored to the individual student’s need/goals. Certified Tutor Training trains and provides certified tutors to the CCLC, after-school programs, churches, and community organizations.

The 2010 U.S. Census showed that only 87% of those 25 and older in Clark County people who have received a high school diploma or its equivalent. Providing literacy tutoring to adults can also benefit their child’s education. According to the Seeds of Literacy, a mother’s reading skills is the greatest determinant of her children’s academic success.

The Basic Literacy program currently addresses the low literacy rate among the people of Clark County and surrounding areas. This program was designed to help individuals increase their basic literacy knowledge so that they can improve their daily lives in the community and at home. Improvement can be something as simple as being able to fill out a medical form, write a resume, and fill out a job application. It can be as difficult as studying for and passing the GED. It can be as important as self-improving in order to help their own children with school work or obtaining or maintaining a job.

In 2017, CCLC served 65 ESOL students, 77% of which showed success. Additionally, in the past year, two students earned their U.S. Citizenship and another earned her STNA license. According to the US Census’ 2008-2012 American Community Survey, 4,900 people of Clark County speak a language other than English at home. Of that number, 1,725 people speak English less than “very well”. Furthermore, during the most recent National Assessment of Adult Literacy, 1.9% of those surveyed in Clark County could not respond due to language barriers.

Although the Basic Literacy and ESOL programs accept students on an ongoing basis, the program year runs from July 1st through June 30th for assessment and record keeping purposes. Prior to being paired with a tutor, students must attend an orientation, be tested for vision and hearing disorders, and take a pre-assessment to determine their placement level.
Annually, the CCLC serves approximately 100 adults and 60 children who struggle with low reading levels or with learning difficulties. The CCLC relies on volunteers to work one-on-one with the students. CCLC’s Certified Tutor Training program recruits and trains local volunteers who want to help others increase their basic skills. Certified Tutor Training insures that tutors have the necessary tutoring skills and support to facilitate the learner’s skill acquisition and increases the quality of the tutoring throughout Clark County. According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, Ohio ranks as the 26th state to participate in community service with only 16% of Ohioans volunteering as tutors in 2015. As a result, the CCLC has created the Certified Tutor Training program to ensure that the students of the CCLC as well as of local organizations receive the extra help they need.

United Way is proud to fund an agency that is making such an impact in the community of Clark County. If you’re interested to learn more or get involved with Clark County Literacy Center's Programs - check out their website CCLC Homepage or call 937-323-8617.
Volunteer Today
Become a Tutor   - Join others who wish to help those in the community who struggle with reading or want to learn the English language. To become a tutor, you need to be a high school graduate or have earned your GED. You will need to attend a workshop which will introduce you to our curriculum and the resources available at the Center. You will be matched with a student based on the days and hours you are available. You must meet with your student twice a week for 1-1.5 hours each session. You do not need to have prior experience, just a desire to help a student. Call 323-8617 for more information on up-coming workshops and to register.

Be a Volunteer The Warder Literacy Center need volunteers to help with mailings, cleaning of the Center, assisting at fundraisers and so forth. Please call 323-8617 to find out how you may volunteer.

United Way of Clark, Champaign and Madison Counties
120 S. Center Street Springfield, OH 45502
Main Office Clark County (937) 324-5551