Times Record: What is the mission of your organization?

Tri-County Literacy: Our mission is improving lives through literacy. One in six adults in Maine lacks the literacy skills necessary to complete a health form or job application, or read a book to a child. Low-literacy affects individuals, families, businesses and communities.

Poverty is strongly linked to low literacy. A disproportionate number of adults who are unemployed or underemployed struggle with basic life skills that involve reading, writing and math. In addition, low literate parents have less ability to help their children become literate. Strengthening literacy strengthens our communities.

TR: How do you fulfill that mission?

TCL: We offer two programs, Literacy Volunteers and Read With Me.

Our Literacy Volunteers program fosters increased literacy among adults (nonreaders, lowlevel readers, and adults for whom English is another lan- guage) through free, confidential tutoring to adults in one-to-one and small group settings. Tutoring includes reading, comprehension, writing, math, computer literacy, English language learning, literacy-based life skills, and literacy reading groups.

Our Read With Me family literacy program works with economically disadvantaged families with young children, cultivating positive literacy experiences and practices within the home and at school during the preschool years, building a solid foundation for the children’s future academic success.

TR: What are the biggest challenges your organization faces?

TCL: We receive no state or federal funding, so obtaining adequate funding to maintain and grow our services to help those in need is a continual challenge. We are supported through donations, fundraising events and grants.

Additionally, identifying low literate adults who are often reluctant to identify themselves and seek services, but who could benefit from our program, is an ongoing challenge. The formation of community bonds and partnerships is an important part of our work and increases our capacity to serve and improve the lives of our community members.

TR: What is something most people do not know about Tri-County Literacy?

TCL: Our Literacy Volunteers program is tailored to meet the individual needs of our learners. We all have differing abilities and learn in different ways.

The goals for each learner are based on real-life needs and are learner-centered. Striving to meeting personal goals is highly motivational and helps learners develop greater self-confidence and self-esteem. In addition to helping learners prepare to enter the workforce, we also work with employers who want to help their employees be more successful at their jobs.

TR: How can people best support your mission?

TCL: They can support our mission by getting the word out, both in their personal and professional lives by making literacy a common topic of discussion and speaking about the unspoken. People can encourage a loved one, friend, or co-worker who could benefit from our services.

We have other needs, as well. People can support Tri- County Literacy financially with a donation of money or items (see our website). They can help us fundraise, volunteer as a Literacy Volunteers tutor (we provide the training), volunteer for one of our events, or volunteer in other ways, such as by providing office support. It’s about community helping community.

ORGANIZATION: Tri-County
Literacy
WHEN FOUNDED: 1970
ADDRESS: 34 Wing Farm
Parkway, Bath, ME 04530
PHONE NUMBER: (207)
443-6384
WEBSITE: www.tricountyliteracy.org

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