The diocesan Social Justice and Outreach (SJO) Committee asks parishes to consider how they can support a local organization whose programs lift families out of poverty through education. Calvary, East Liberty, and Christ Church, North Hills, already support the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council in various ways, and the committee invites other parishes to join them.
The Literacy Council has various programs that offer the basic skills of reading, writing, math, and English as a second language. Volunteers provide much of the instruction.
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| Peggy O'Rourke, a volunteer from Calvary East Liberty, works with a student. |
According to the council, more than 150,000 adults in Allegheny County lack a basic education, so the need is very great. Ways that parishes can get involved include offering meeting rooms for tutorials and classes and recruiting volunteers to teach the many students waiting for help. Speakers are also available to explain the program in more detail.
The Literacy Council is directed by Don Block, a member and former senior warden at St. Stephen's, Wilkinsburg. Parishes and their members may contact him directly at dblock@gplc.org. The Council's website is www.gplc.org.