Literacy service begins work at county Wayfarer Center

Literacy service begins work at county Wayfarer Center
Daily Democrat, The (Woodland, CA) - June 28, 2008

The Woodland Public Library Literacy Service opened its doors to a new program, S.T.E.P. (Strength Through Education Program) on June 12 at the Yolo Wayfarer Center.

This ongoing project brings literacy skills to the residents of the Yolo Wayfarer Center.

"It was a great night, and a great beginning to what we hope will be a long running education program at the Center," notes Literacy Coordinator Sue Bigelow, "and we have many people to thank for getting it off the ground especially the Rumsey Community Fund, the Parker Family Foundation, the Yolo Literacy Council and the Woodland Public Library."

STEP is a goal-oriented literacy program working with the residents at the Center in basic literacy, computer skills, GED preparation, and job/housing skills. A team of four tutors works with the residents twice a week within the homeless shelter.

"The program came about in much the same way as our Inmate literacy program, in that we saw a unique opportunity to take education to the learner," notes Bigelow.

The program takes place on Monday and Thursday evenings at the center with work beign done in Reading and Writing skills, Math skills, Job and computer skills and GED preparation. With local elementary schools being out for the summer, we are also planning education programs for children on those evenings, and are exploring athe potential of working with the Wayfarer Center.

"It is truly a team effort between the Wayfarer Center and its staff, the Literacy Service and our tutors, and those who so graciously have supported us financially," notes Bigelow.

More information concerning the Literacy Service and STEP may be obtained by calling the Literacy Service at 661-5987. READ MORE