Literacy Action Makes The Connection: Our Recent Visit With the President of Central Atlanta Progress.

         

Earlier this spring Literacy Action had the opportunity to meet with First Lady Sandra Deal, to discuss adult literacy and its profound effects within Atlanta and Georgia. In an effort to continue to bring awareness about adult literacy, Literacy Action is on a campaign to meet with community leaders and future partners. Our goal is to educate and advocate to stop the intergenerational cycle of illiteracy.

On July 27, 2011, LAI President and CEO, Karen Webster Parks, accompanied by LAI Board Members David Lowance and Leon Trum, met with Central Atlanta Progress President, A.J. Robinson.  The focus of the discussion was tailored to the history of the 42 year old organization, the work that has been done, the goals moving forward, and the growing epidemic within Metro Atlanta.

Adult low literacy is a serious issue that not only affects the students we serve daily, but the community as a whole.  Through our outreach we envision a community in which all Atlantans have the basic skills they need to better their lives and the lives of those around them.

Big Things Are Happening: Literacy Action Welcomes Five New Board Members.

Last Thursday, July 14, 2011, Literacy Action welcomed five new members to our Board of Trustees. 

While all new members officially began their term July 1, orientation allows for our new advocates to receive more in depth information about the organization, how we serve our 700 plus students and how they can make an impact during their 3 year term on the board. 

New Board Members during orientation. Left to Right: Lee Morris, Melanee Haywood, Sue Morgan, Angela Dirr and Peter Stewart.

Each board member brings with them a plethora of expertise that will be beneficial to the organization as we continue to move forward.We are excited to have these eager members join Literacy Action.

Great things are on the horizon and we cannot wait!

New board members tour LAI with Paige Pushkin, Director of Operations.

  

Meet Our New Board Members

ANGELA DIRR

 Vice President and Assistant General Counsel for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.

MELANEE HAYWOOD 

 Managing Director, Information Technology for Delta Air Lines, Inc.

SUSAN MORGAN 

LEE E. MORRIS 

General Counsel and Chief Financial Officer for Stevens & Wilkinson.  

PETER STEWART 

Senior Business Development Associate with BNY Mellon Wealth Management.

LAI Students Shine in the Atlanta Journal Constitution

Last Saturday, July 2, 2011, the Atlanta Journal Consitution ran an article on Literacy Action's annual Student Recognition Ceremony, which was held this past June. The article included personal experiences of Literacy Action students as well as interviews with our President & CEO, Karen Webster Parks, and LAI Teacher, Nioyon Olutosin or "Mrs. O" as she is known in the classroom.

LAI's June Student Recognition Ceremony gave students an opportunity to be recognized and celebrated, for their academic and personal acheivements, amongst their family, friends and biggest supporters.

President & CEO, Karen Webster Parks and LAI Student, Sylvia Burks



Article featured a picture of Melody Shakesnyder, Student Speaker and GED Graduate

Want to see a larger version of the article?

 http://www.ajc.com/news/education-program-helps-improve-999377.html 

"We Are The Future. We Have A Destiny." 2011 LAI Student Recognition Ceremony Celebrates All Students!

"There have been times when we have gotten discouraged--times we wanted to quit. There were even those around us who said we wouldn't make it. But, through this process of being tried and tested, we persevered--overcoming doubt and fear."

-Melody Shakesnyder

GED graduate and student speaker 

 

GED graduates and program completers.

Taking their seats, students sat poised and ready to be recognized for their many accomplishments during their time at Literacy Action. For many, these accomplishments included perfect attendance, moving up a level in class or being recognized for their dedication. For others, this marked a milestone in their lives by receiving their GED. For whatever the reason, one thing was clear, it was their time to shine! GED graduate Melody Shakesnyder addressed her fellow GED graduates and students motivating and encouraging them to continue moving forward. "My challenge to all of us is to move with a plan. Let's not think just one step ahead, but ten steps. This is not the end. It's not enough to have the gold."

LAI student and program completer.

Following a powerful introduction by LAI student Lonnie Baker, the ceremony's keynote speaker, Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard Jr., addressed the students explaining that unlike many others in their situation, "they have placed themselves in the right position by taking the first step toward furthering their education." Howard continued by saying that even though milestones have been reached and personal goals have been met, the work does not stop here. He instructed them to "stay humble and continue to set goals and reach for them."

Fulton County District Attorney, Paul Howard Jr., and GED graduates.

The time to distribute certificates and awards had arrived and students and their family members could not be more excited.  As each name was called and students walked across the stage, the auditorium erupted in celebratory chants, applause and proud testimonies that only gave a glimpse into the struggle that many of our students had endure to reach this moment. As one student walked across the stage smiling in her blue cap and gown with gold tassel, a cry came from the audience "that's my mom!". The excitement and joy of that student's son was shared throughout the audience. Walking across the stage were people whose lives had been transformed by the power of an education!

Surrounded by family, friends, board members, staff, volunteers, teachers and Atlanta community members, LAI students were able to share their accomplishments with just a small part of a larger community that understands the importance of an education and the continued struggle adult learners have to endure to make their goals a reality.

GED graduate and family.

Special Thanks to the following sponsors who helped make the Student Recognition Ceremony a success.

Georgia-Pacific

    Sheila Weidman-Farley

Vice President, Corporate Communications and Marketing

    JaKathryn Ross

Executive Director, YE-Atlanta Georgia Pacific and LAI Board Member

   Naomi Deal

  Shannon Fitzgibbon

North Highland Company

   Dave Peterson

Chairman and LAI Board Chair

Mr. H. James Dallas

Benchmark Trophy Center

Collins Digital Imaging, Inc. 

RussCorp Graphics

Literacy Action Auctions PGA Championship Tickets!

Literacy Action has received (4) Weekly Ground Tickets to the 2011 PGA Championship on August 8-14 at the Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, GA.  We are so thankful to the PGA for their generosity in providing a fundraising outlet for Literacy Action.

We are auctioning these tickets through June 22nd.  Starting bid is $305 for each ticket.  All bids will be accepted through email at:  kgray@literacyaction.org.  Once a bid is accepted, you will receive e-mail confirmation.  Any further bids will be announced and you will have the option to re-bid.  All bids must be received by 5pm on June 22nd.  Tickets will be issued directly from the PGA.

For more information, contact Kristin Gray at:  kgray@literacyaction.org or (404) 818-7325.

First Groupon Campaign a MAJOR Success!

Thank you to all who have donated to Literacy Action through Groupon's G-Team Campaign!

From June 7-9, Literacy Action was featured in Atlanta's G-Team campaign.  G-Team is the non-profit extension of Groupon that allows customers to donate to specific causes.  All proceeds, once the "deal is tipped",  directly benefit the nonprofit.  The campaign to benefit LAI was directed at providing the initial registration fee for students who cannot financially afford it.  (This is the only monetary request we make of students.)  The "tipping point" to receive donations was set at 40, and we exceeded it with 94 total donations!  That means 56 potential students will be afforded the opportunity to take classes at Literacy Action.

On behalf of the students, faculty, and staff, thank you to all who were able to give.  You have provided Atlanta's undereducated adults with a chance to better themselves, their families, and their communities.

LAI Staff Attend First Ever Retreat!

On June 1, 2011, Literacy Action staff traveled to what seemed like a far-off land for a 2 day retreat.  Turns out, the far-off land was still in Fulton County at the Serenbe Community.  Overlooking sprawling farm land, peaceful walking trails and the roaming farm animals, LAI staff were able to step away from the office to really focus on the upcoming fiscal year and how to take the organization to the next level.

Throughout the retreat, staff members presented reviews on the past year and their outlook for the coming year.  From programs to development, to volunteering and social media, Literacy Action's staff has never been more committed to the mission than they are now.  We are constantly improving to provide Atlanta's undereducated adults with the opportunity to lift themselves out of poverty, crime, and to become better parents, grandparents and citizens.

We're ready to go for 2011-2012.     Join us on our journey!