Since its inception 41 years ago, the Rowan County Literacy Council has served adults ages 16 and older with programs such as Adult Basic Education and English as a Second Language. These programs assist adults in achieving whatever goals they may have: securing better, high-paying jobs, or perhaps their first job; obtaining a driver’s license; becoming a U.S. citizen; or getting their GED.

Last year we decided that wasn’t enough. We entered an agreement with Hurley Elementary to work with 10 students in their third-grade class. We will be back there this coming school year.

This summer we partnered with the Salisbury Housing Authority to bring a summer reading program to two neighborhoods, and the results have been fantastic. The program with the Housing Authority is completely voluntary, but we have seen our numbers rise every week, showing us that kids are enjoying the program. We are looking into ways to continue that partnership during the school year.

The Rowan County Literacy Council is a proud member agency of the Rowan County United Way. The United Way supports RCLC with annual funding that is used towards our adult programs. Without their financial assistance, our adult programs would not be free for our students, and we would not be able to afford our youth pilot programs.

Many of us take literacy for granted and don’t realize the lasting impact illiteracy has on a community. From increasing health-care costs to a high crime rate, our small organization is doing what we can do raise literacy rates and lower negative effects in Rowan County. If you are approached to support the Rowan County United Way, rest assured that your contribution will go towards programs that truly make a difference.

Thank you for your support of the Rowan County Literacy Council and United Way.

— K.C. Scott

Salisbury

K.C. Scott is executive director of the Rowan County Literacy Council.