lit·er·a·cy (litərəsē) noun
To be successful in today’s society, adults must have the skills and tools to access information to fulfill their responsibilities as family members, citizens, and workers. Without the necessary skills, adults are unable to find work, educate their children, and function in a reading society. As a local community-based literacy organization, Peninsula READS strives to provide the resources necessary to equip literacy level adult students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to successful performance in a literate society.
“We teach adults, through personalized instruction, the skills they need to participate fully in society.”
The adult literacy program consists of services necessary to meet the literacy needs of adults on the Peninsula. Services include Basic Literacy tutoring, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) tutoring, computer instruction, volunteer tutor training, follow-up and support, and the development of additional specialized activities through collaborative efforts with other community organizations and businesses.
1968: Founded as a non-profit adult literacy agency.
1971: PLC becomes a member of United Way.
1973: Began training tutors to work as Volunteers in Public School using materials developed by the volunteer arm of the National Right to Read program.
1981: Received grant to develop workshop coordinating materials from both Laubach Literacy Action and Literacy Volunteers of America, the two largest volunteer literacy organizations in the United States.
1983: PLC received VAC award as Volunteer Agency of the Year in the education category.
1985: First Literacy Congress held. This brings together business people, educators, politicians, and the public to explore the issue of literacy today.
1986: Skills Enhancement Programs begin in Hampton and Newport News for city employees. The Newport News program was funded through a grant from the NN Public Library and the VA State Library. The Hampton city employees were given work release time to participate in the program.
1989: Virginia Literacy Foundation for “Best Literacy Program” in existence more than 5 years.
1991: “Best Literacy Program” in Virginia-Virginia Literacy Foundation award.
1991: Virginia Natural Gas award for Community Service.
1994: York County Volunteer, Linda Hicks, recognized by GAVE Aware (Governor’s Award for Volunteering Excellence).
1995: Relocated to new facility in Hampton; changed name to Peninsula READS.
1999: Peninsula READS’ student, Eves Plaisimond, was a recipient of the “Outstanding Adult Learner”, Jeanne P. Baliles Award in Literacy, Virginia Literacy Foundation.
1998-2000: Partnered with Barnes & Noble Booksellers to publish a collection of student writings as a regional project of adult literacy and adult education programs.
2000: Computer Learning Lab at Peninsula READS is upgraded with new equipment and software.
2001: Peninsula READS becomes actively involved in family literacy programs.
2002: Created and introduced the Peninsula READS website.
2003: Peninsula READS celebrates its 35th anniversary.
2003: Annual Unity Award, Hampton Citizens’ Unity Commission
2004: Peninsula READS moves from Cunningham to the Hampton Library and Denbigh.
2008: Peninsula READS celebrates its 35th anniversary.
2009: Peninsula Reads main office moved to new Fishing Point office in Newport News.