Metro United Way announces Southern Indiana “Legacy of Literacy” Project

3.6.09 - After a year of planning, Metro United Way is excited to announce a new initiative called “Legacy of Literacy” to benefit Clark, Floyd, and Harrison Counties in Southern Indiana.  This 4Community2 initiative is sponsored by the Lilly Endowment and the Indiana Association of United Ways.  The Legacy of Literacy initiative will work to ensure that all individuals in the region have access to increasing their skills in “functional literacy” including:

• Reading proficiency
• Application of basic math and calculation competencies
• Basic computer skills
• Written and oral communication skills
• Financial management skills
• Social competencies/employability skills (i.e. punctuality, personal hygiene, etiquette, etc.)

Metro United Way is pleased to announce that the National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL) will be the lead consultant on this effort. “NCFL is thrilled to be a part of such an important initiative that will not only increase literacy skills locally, but also has the potential to benefit communities across the nation,” said Emily Kirkpatrick, NCFL’s vice president. National and international experts look to NCFL as the leading resource in family learning and Metro United Way is looking forward to working with the NCFL to create a model program in our community.

 Starting in March, community conversation dates will be announced to allow Southern Indiana community members, service providers, school officials, and local businesses the opportunity to have input into the future of this initiative.To get a personal invitation to these meetings, or for more information, contact Kerri Cokeley at 812-206-7519 or kerri.cokeley@metrounitedway.org.