Literacy Services of Indian River County was recently awarded a Community Enrichment Fund grant from the Indian River Community Foundation to continue offering services in Sebastian and Fellsmere, where nearly half of its students reside.
This generous grant will help further the mission of Literacy Services to deliver comprehensive and innovative learning opportunities to local adults who wish to improve their literacy skills or learn the English language, ultimately empowering them to achieve their individual life goals and thrive in the community.
The nonprofit relies on donations and grants to provide free, confidential, one-to-one tutoring to individuals aged 16 and older or within group settings at the request of local employers.
In 1971, when Literacy Services was founded, it primarily served adults living in Vero Beach, and over time expanded its reach to the North County area, where it has steadily grown. The organization now has offices in the North County Library and the Fellsmere City Hall Building, where it serves adults struggling to read or speak English.
The newer office space in Fellsmere offers a functional learning environment for students to meet individually with their tutors as well as in small groups and for workshops. It houses a Computer Lab that is open to the public and is used for a computer literacy class. The grant from the Indian River Community Foundation will support this office and those key staff who work with North County students.
Literacy Services is celebrating its 50th Anniversary with a series of events throughout the season. The celebration kicked off with a Launch Party this past fall and will culminate with a special evening event at the Sea Oaks Beach Club on March 7, 2022. Sponsorships are still available for the season and the main event.
A United Way supported agency, Literacy Services relies on more than 100 volunteer tutors to provide its services. Tutors, who do not need any prior teaching experience, receive all necessary training, ongoing support and resources. Additional tutors are needed to provide services to a waiting list of more than 60 students.
For more information about getting involved or to attend or sponsor the Literacy Services Anniversary events, please visit www.literacyservicesirc.org or call 772-778-2223.
Literacy Services of Indian River County
1600 21st Street
Vero Beach, FL 32960
Phone: (772)778-2223
www.literacyservicesirc.org