Celebrating 35 Years of
Providing Literacy Education
to Adults and Families of York County!
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.
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 workforce and community.
Multi-level classes, Pre-GED Classes and one-to-one tutoring are available for adults of York County.
Workplace programs are available.
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 2010-2011program year:
821 York County residents received instructional services.
352 volunteers donated 13,793+ hours of services.
Over 25,000 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.
All information contained on www.yorkliteracy.org is subject to change without notice.
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Birthday and new baby
inspire young mother to achieve success!
Christal talks about how difficult it was to stay in high school when she became pregnant at 17. She faced the challenges of going to school while her baby was in the high school nursery but a move to a new district was more than she could deal with. As a teenager she was not thinking of her future job prospects, she just wanted to be away from the problems of staying in school so she dropped out before she completed her junior year.
She always wanted to go back and finish school but the years slipped away and with each passing year it became more intimidating. Making up two years of missed school and “refreshing” what she had learned a long time ago was a daunting task. But in her heart and dreams she always combined two goals as one – get her GED and enter school to become an Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). But, with three children and working to support her family she had little time for herself. Then came another birthday and at the same time her fourth child was due.
Christal decided it was now or never to make her dreams come true and she entered a GED course. The course did not meet her needs and she sought help through FIRST, a referral agency. They referred her to York County Literacy Council and before long Christal was working with her own personal tutor! Christal was very disciplined and lived by self-imposed rules. No TV, No Phone – Study, Study, Study! Christal’s tutor helped her to work toward her goal and with determination and hard work Christal passed each section of the test the first time. As soon as Christal achieved her GED she took the teaser test to enter the LPN course and now she is registered to start school before Labor Day! Keeping an eye to the future, Christal may be able to transfer through a “bridge program” to become a Registered Nurse.
Christal says because she studied so hard for her GED, she was prepared to take the LPN teaser test. After being out of school for 12 years she would not have been ready without the discipline of studying and help from her tutor. Now with new found confidence Christal states, “If you set your mind to it you can do anything!” Her motivation and the help of a volunteer tutor enabled this young mother of four to achieve her dreams. She has become the best role model her children can ever have!