Neighborhood Philanthropy: Lafayette County Literacy Council
Oxford is host to some wonderful non-profit organizations that provide for our community in so many ways. We want to provide a glimpse of these organizations each month. What do these things have in common - Dolly Parton, the Children’s Book Festival & One-on-One GED preparation? They are all programs that the Lafayette County Literacy Council funds!
The LCLC currently employs an Executive Director, has an active board of directors, and serves approximately 1,000 Lafayette County families per year.
The Lafayette County Literacy Council was founded in 1996 and began as a small community outreach organization, providing services in adult basic education. Services included one-on-one tutoring for adult learners, small group classes and GED training. In 1998, the LCLC added children’s literacy as an area of focus. Community after-school programs were offered to help children from lower-income families with homework help and Internet access. In 2002, the LCLC changed its mission statement to combine the needs of children and adults and address literacy from a family perspective. In 2013, the Board of Directors developed a set of core values that influenced the creation of a new mission statement and identified four priority areas in which to invest its time and resources. These priority areas are to: provide professionally developed and administered literacy education; promote a love of reading to children and families; serve as a literacy resource and information clearinghouse for the community; and become an excellent organization with which to work and volunteer.
Tickets available here!
Speaking of volunteers, they always need volunteers, sponsors and donors. Giving of your time, talents or monetary donations is important for all of us to consider doing as active members of a thriving community. Sarah McLellan, Executive Director, recently shared, “I love the programs and mission of the Lafayette County Literacy Council - being able to read is a gift that opens doors. No matter what your age, you are never too old to learn to read.” You can find ways to give or volunteer here.
The Lafayette County Literacy Council is having its annual Reads, Beats & Eats fundraiser. “After 2 years without having our annual fundraiser, Reads, Beats, & Eats, we are thrilled to have it this year on Thursday, April 28th at Harrison's 1810. This is our largest fundraiser and all of the money raised at this event will go towards improving literacy in Lafayette County. It is great to see the community come together and support the Literacy Council at this event," shares Sarah McLellan. This fun event will feature The Soul Tones performance, food and open bar, a raffle and a curated silent auction. They hope to see you Thursday, April 28th at Harrison’s 1810 from 6-9 PM. Get your tickets today!
We are grateful to the Lafayette County Literacy Council for ALL they do for our community! Learn more about them here or get your tickets to the Reads, Beats & Eats fundraiser and meet their board members, staff and volunteers in person.
