Celebrating 37 Years of
Providing Literacy Education
to Adults and Families of York County!
For additional Information visit:
youtu.be/J6MBwncwHlM
In the 1970s, members of Church Women United and Lutheran Church Women organized a tutoring program after attending a workshop, "Each One Teach One", offered by the Lutheran Church. After the training, the women made a commitment to do something about illiteracy. Doris, one of the founders, soon found opportunity to teach a non-reader when a young man in her Sunday School was unable to read or write. The women also advertised for students seeking literacy services. Later they expanded the tutoring program to assist the influx of Asian refugees coming to York County. In 1976 this program became the York County Literacy Council (YCLC). Incorporated in 1980, YCLC is a private, non-profit, 501(c)(3) educational organization, an accredited affiliate of the Literacy Volunteers of America, Inc., and a United Way of York County member agency.
Today, YCLC serves over 900 students in York County including our Hanover Branch. We offer Adult Reading Programs for native-born, English speaking adults and English as a Second Language Programs, including our Pre-GED classes. Both programs provide classes and one-to-one tutoring as well as access to our computerized language lab. In addition YCLC has a Literacy in the Workplace program tailor-made for companies seeking to improve literacy comprehension, understanding and communications among their employees. All instruction includes components of workplace, health literacy and financial literacy training.
York County Literacy Council is a human service organization dedicated to advancing adult and family literacy in York County. Client services are provided confidentially and free of charge to York County residents regardless of race, creed, color, sex, national origin, or socio-economic status.
Mission Statement:
The mission of York County Literacy Council is to empower adults and families with functional literacy skills, in English, that enable them to participate productively in the home, workforce and community.
Multi-level classes, Pre-GED Classes and one-to-one tutoring are available for adults of York County.
Literacy in the Workplace programs are available- offering ESL and Pre-GED classes
YCLC is the only agency in York County that provides literacy instruction for individuals with the lowest level of skill and the highest level of need.
For the 2011-2012 program year:
909 students received instructional services
321 volunteers donated 12,259+ hours of services
599 Students improved their employability skills attaining a job or a better job
200 Students improved their scores on a standard test or advanced a level
538 Students learned consumer skills for everyday living
445 Students achieved a financial literacy goal
9 Students achieved their U.S. Citizenship
12 Students earn their GED
Over 51,180 York Countians learned about YCLC and the issue of literacy through presentations and agency involvement in community events.
While the main office is located in the United Way Building in York City, YCLC has a branch office in Hanover. Additionally, YCLC borrows space throughout the county from from over 130 agencies, churches, and schools for tutoring, classes, and family programs.
From High School Drop Out to Success!
Steve was frustrated and unable to learn due to dyslexia so he dropped out of high school in the beginning of his Junior year. After a variety of jobs including working at Pathmark, That Fish Place and machine shops, Steve wanted to make a career change but employers were not interested in hiring someone without a high school diploma or a GED. That is when YCLC staff met Steve at a job fair. Steve heard about our Pre-GED program he followed through and enrolled in the YCLC tutoring program and also the Pre-GED Class.
In class, Steve discovered his instructor, Miss Blanche, had faith in him and believed he could meet his goals. Other students were working toward the same goal and Steve was encouraged. After a lot of hard work, Steve had passed one section of the GED exam at a time. The day came when Steve was to take the final portion of the test. He was in the parking lot at 7AM nervously doing some last minute studying. Another student parked next to him with is radio playing at a volume that distracted Steve. He thought for a moment and decided he had done his work and he was ready for the test. He got out of his car and talked to the driver next to him. Turns out, the driver was taking the test also and was very nervous. Steve started sharing tips on how to remain calm and before long they were inside taking the test. That day, Steve passed the final test, obtained his GED and the door of opporunity opened for him.
He is very excited about his future and is considering pursuing additional education. His first priority is a new job and Steve is confident he will be successful. Steve wants to encourage others to pursue their educational goals and to know they can realize their dreams.
The Door of Opportunity Opens for Steve!
All information contained on www.yorkliteracy.org is subject to change without notice.
**********************************************************************************************