Jacksonville, FL

Literacy is a challenge for some Northeast Florida residents. This is a followup to last week’s story about Literacy Pros of Jacksonville. Volunteer Michelle Worley (center) talks with authors Victor DiGenti (left) and Dorothy K. Fletcher (right) during a recent event Worley coordinated at Barnes and Noble in St. Johns Town Center.

Literacy Pros of Jacksonville, Inc., held their very first fundraiser Saturday at Barnes and Noble in the St. Johns Town Center. Customers who picked up a book fair voucher from the organization’s display tables, or those who printed the form online, could present it to the cashier at checkout. Literacy Pros would then get a percentage of the sale.

Donations are a necessity for this all-volunteer group, whether they come as cash or time. “We don’t have any staff,” says Michelle Worley. “We’re an all-volunteer group.”

The group trains individuals to effectively teach basic literacy skills, and to prepare interested tutors to become Certified Literacy Trainers.

A 1999 study by the Jacksonville Community Council, Inc. found the literacy rate in Northeast Florida hovered at approximately 53 percent. According to LPOJ, almost 50 percent of adults on welfare lack a high school diploma or equivalency certificate.

The biggest challenge for volunteers, says Worley, is the “time commitment.” Worley works full-time herself, at Wachovia Bank, but she says, “The other part of my life is literacy.”

As part of their fundraiser, LPOJ invited Jacksonville authors Dorothy K. Fletcher and Victor DiGenti to talk about writing and sign their books for guests. Dorothy has contributed to literacy in a big way—in addition to being an award-winning author, she taught English and writing in Duval public schools for 35 years.

DiGenti, also an award-winning author, is a key figure in the Florida Writers Association—he’s regional director for our area. FWA has about 800 members.

Literacy Pros has parnered with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to provide workshops for inmates interested in becoming tutors. The group also works with worship groups on training tutors, as well as corporations and schools.

Literacy is one of the single greatest weapons a community can employ in dealing with poverty and the crime that often follows. If you’d like more information about Literacy Pros, visit the Web site.

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