Start the path to enhancing literacy today
The Tuscarawas County Literacy Coalition is a non-profit organization comprised of groups and individuals dedicated to enhancing traditional literacy as well as cultural, financial, medical and technological literacy for all Tuscarawas County residents. We promote public awareness and work collaboratively with local educators, literacy service providers, business, community and ministerial organizations to support and initiate programs that work toward the goal of enhanced literacy. Visit the donation page if you would like to become a member or submit a donation.
Tuscarawas County Literacy Coalition Offers Book Grants
The Tuscarawas County Literacy Coalition has grant funds available to purchase books for area High Schools wishing to participate in the 2011 One Book One Community project featuring Look Me in the Eye by John Elder Robison.
Look Me in the Eye explores the universal need to find our place in the world through the prism of Asperger’s Syndrome. John Elder Robison always knew he was different but there was no name for the autism spectrum disorder when he was growing up. Instead he was labeled everything from mischievous to psychotic. Only his undying sense of self saved him from despair and propelled him to success as an electronics “wizard” and entrepreneur. The author will visit Tuscarawas County and speak at Kent State Tuscarawas on Monday, October 10th at 7pm in Founders Hall as part of the Artists Lecture series. For more information about John Elder Robison visit his website at http://johnrobison.com.
High school teachers or curriculum directors may apply for books for students by sending a written request to TCLC at P.O. Box 1173, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663, or by emailing TCLC Program Chair, Linda Hren at hrenli@sbcglobal.net. Deadline to apply for funds is April 26th.
One Book One Community is a nationally recognized grassroots reading project developed by the American Library Association. One Book One Community invites all members of a community to read the same book and come together to share the experience through discussion, special events and author visits. The Tuscarawas County One Book One Community project, dedicated to building literacy and community one book at a time, is in its fourth year.
Proceeds of the Fundraising night will help bring John Elder Robison to Tuscarawas County. Download a brochure and share it with your friends!
Statistical Figures for Tuscarawas County
Tuscarawas County consistently shows a high rate of families living at or below the poverty level and an increasing rate of unemployment. 19.7%* of county residents 25+ years of age, have not obtained their High School diploma or equivalent. 47%* are at a Level 1 or Level 2 reading level by the National Adult Literacy Survey.
Persons functioning at Level 1 may be unable to do such things as:
- Make change following a purchase
- Write and record a check
- Provide homework help for their child
- Create a home budget
- Gain employment
Persons functioning at Level 2 may be unable to do such things as:
- Fill out forms for medical or legal purposes
- Follow directions (maps, procedure manuals, medication dosage, etc.)
- Manage a bank account and finance major purchases
- Understand credit card terms
In addition, many individuals who DO have adequate reading and computing skills would welcome the opportunity to improve their medical, legal, financial and computer literacy. The TCLC is dedicated to supporting ALL types of literacy needs.
"Getting my GED has opened the door to opportunity. It has given me a chance to further my education and make my life better."
Beckie, Tuscarawas County
Even Start Participant