The Chamber is delighted to introduce a fresh spotlight series that focuses on showcasing the accomplishments, narratives, and significant contributions of our members to the community. We trust that the stories shared will inspire and captivate you, serving as testimonials to the vitality of the Frederick County business and nonprofit community.
The Literacy Council provides Frederick County adults with pathways to essential literacy skills.
A conversation with Laurie Fisher, Executive Director.
How long have you been a member of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce?
We have been members since 2012.
Tell us a little bit about your organization. Can you provide an overview of your mission, key initiatives or services you provide?
The Literacy Council provides Frederick County adults with pathways to essential literacy skills. Success for the individuals and families we seek to serve rests on a collective community approach that shapes a full path to a thriving life. The Literacy Council’s vision is that literacy lifts lives. Programs include individual and small group tutoring, community classes, parent literacy and workplace English classes.
What inspired the creation of your nonprofit? Share the story behind its founding.
The Literacy Council just celebrated its 60th anniversary in Frederick County. The organization was founded by volunteers from Church Women United who wanted to help teaching reading to migrant workers coming to Frederick County to provide seasonal labor. The program became year-round when it was learned that there were many Frederick County residents who couldn’t read.
What’s an interesting fact about your nonprofit most people don’t know?
The Literacy Council is conducting Workplace English Classes at places of employment, a collaboration between employers from the hospitality and manufacturing sectors which are investing in their workforce by providing classes at the job location to help overcome barriers to access. We are excited to announce our two newest employers: Cohenterprises and Phoenix Mecano! Greater English language proficiency is contributing to improved retention and new job opportunities within the companies.
In addition, the Literacy Council works with FCPS and the Judy Centers in six FCPS elementary schools to support parents with adult literacy programs. Five Parent English Classes are conducted by volunteers in two schools throughout the school years.
How can the community support your organization?
Volunteer tutors and class instructors are critical to the delivery of these services. In addition, as a small nonprofit, financial contributions by individuals, businesses, and the philanthropic community directly resulted in the organization’s steady program growth in recent years. The Literacy Council collected new and gently used children’s books during its annual Holiday Book Drive, to distribute as part of its community outreach programs.
Do you have any initiatives or events coming up you would like the community to know about and get involved in?
Anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a volunteer can register for an upcoming Volunteer Information Session: https://www.frederickliteracy.org/volunteer/volunteer-inquiry-registration-form/
Scrabble Mania for Literacy is our annual fundraiser and will be held on May 8th this year. This event provides opportunities for businesses to sponsor the event, and for individuals to play on teams of four. https://www.frederickliteracy.org/scrabble-mania/
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.