Gaston Literacy Council, Inc. is a current member of ProLiteracy, the largest adult literacy organization in the United States.
The
United Way of Gaston County has provided funding for literacy services since 1998.
Title II of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, is the federal law that provides funding for Basic Skills programs. The
NC State Board of Community Colleges awards sub-grants to literacy providers such as Gaston Literacy Council to assist adults in becoming literate and obtaining the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and self-sufficiency. Staff development and data management systems are also provided by the Community College System.
After a capital campaign launched by former First Lady, Barbara Bush, Gaston Literacy partnered with
First United Methodist Church to renovate an historic downtown department store within strolling distance of the bus depot. Exclusively through private funding and more than 5,300 volunteer man-hours, the new Literacy Center was completed.
Gaston Literacy Council is a member of the North Carolina Literacy Association (NCLA), which supports the development and sustained growth of independent community-based literacy programs through public awareness, advocacy and the sharing of ideas and methodologies.
As an NCWorks Career Center Partner, Gaston Literacy collaborates with the Employment Security Commission, Department of Social Services, Vocational Rehab, Gaston College, Gaston County Schools, Gaston Skills, Goodwill Job Connection, etc.
The Executive Director serves on the Gaston County Workforce Development Board; she also serves on the NC Works Career Center Leadership and Management Teams.
Reading Soul Mates is a preventive program developed by Gaston Literacy Council, Inc. in collaboration with the
Gaston County School System.