Catoosa Citizens for Literacy is getting into the math business, so to speak. Touting the county’s – and dedicated literacy learning center’s – gains, Catoosa Literacy Center Director Shirley Smith said the county has gone from a 36.2 percent illiteracy rate to an 18 percent illiteracy rate since 1990.
With the last census having occurred in 2010, offering the most recent data available, Smith said the illiteracy rate is likely even lower by now.
“Of the [county’s] 36.2 percent [illiterate] population, our numerical goal was to reach 5,771 citizens,” said Smith. “As of June 2015, we have well surpassed that number at 14,896.”
The CCL opened in 2000 with a goal of getting the local communities – Catoosa, Dade and Walker – involved in the state’s literacy programs.
Smith called the 18.2 percent decline in illiteracy “an outstanding accomplishment,” but is looking to subtract even more from that number.
“CCL will continue to implement new programs in an attempt to eradicate illiteracy,” she said.
One major accomplishment in that regard is a newly enacted reading and GED program at the Catoosa County Jail, a partnership between CCL, Sheriff Gary Sisk, Georgia Northwestern Technical College.
Citing other accomplishments, Smith said, “CCL implemented a reading program for low-level and non-readers. This program has helped students learn to read proficiently, and in time, some enroll in GED classes.”
Smith said CCL found there were three barriers keeping citizens from getting their GED: the testing fee, child care and transportation. All three were removed by CCL.
“A child care area is provided for the children of the GED students, money was raised to purchase a bus, and the GED testing fee was provided for students,” said Smith, noting that the testing fee has gone from $25 to $160 per student. “CCL continues to pay the $160 testing fee for each student.”
Smith said several editions of cookbooks featuring recipes from more than 70 of the South’s favorite performers, as well as members of the CCL and students of the Learning Center paid for renovations to expand the child care room, add technology equipment, offer student scholarships and help fund miscellaneous projects at the Learning Center.
But the center relies mostly on grants. Sen. Jeff Mullis, former state Rep. Jay Neal and Govs. Zell Miller and Sonny Perdue have all helped the center, said Smith.
One of those grants means CCL is now able to accommodate Catoosa Family Collaborative parenting classes and other programs thanks to an expansion of the center, making it even more of a resource, she said. A grant was also presented to the family collaborative to implement the Catoosa Prevention Initiative, which seeks to steer teens away from drugs and alcohol.
“CCL continues to keep community and state legislators involved in our efforts,” said Smith.