news release

Literacy Services of Indian River County hosted an intimate after-hours reception at the Vero Beach Book Center to thank donors for their generosity throughout this year’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations. Events were held throughout the season to raise funds to support the mission of the nonprofit organization.

Tutor Linda Barker spoke about her experiences helping students write stories for “Stories by the Sea,” a commemorative 50th Anniversary book, and of leading the committee of volunteers who published it. Two English as a Second Language students, Marisela Kempf and Yuxia Simmons, confidently read from their stories and signed books for the guests.

Board Vice President, John Musselman, thanked everyone for their support, stating, “We are so grateful for each of our donors, sponsors, board members and tutors who help our students thrive, and hope to have your continued support as we launch into the next 50 years!”

The year-long series of 50th Anniversary events was presented by Don and Sandy Mann, along with Byron and Nancy Sugahara.  The “Stories by the Sea” commemorative book is available at the Vero Beach Book Center, for a suggested donation to support Literacy Services.

The mission of Literacy Services is to deliver comprehensive and innovative learning opportunities to local adults seeking to learn English, improve their literacy skills and achieve personal goals, such as earning a GED or U.S. citizenship.

A United Way supported agency, Literacy Services relies on more than 100 volunteer tutors who provide free, confidential and one-to-one tutoring to individuals 16 and older, or within group settings at the request of local employers. 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, please visit http://www.literacyservicesirc.org or call 772-778-2223.