LITERACY HEROES BREAKFAST |
|
The West Chester Public Library joined with Verizon and other prominent corporate sponsors to host the 3rd Annual Literacy Heroes Breakfast on Friday, April 18, 2008. The event recognizes local literacy advocates during National Library Week. A record-breaking number of nominations were submitted to the selection committee. According to Library Board President Howard Sundwall, "nominees do not need to be affiliated with the West Chester Library, they simply have to care deeply about the cause of literacy and engage in an activity that promotes and nurtures it in the community." Over 230 guests attended the breakfast which was held in the ballroom at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA. William B. Petersen, President of Verizon-PA applauded the eight winners "for their leadership, dedication and passion to help unlock the promise of literacy for others in need in the community." Chester County OIC received the Community Impact Hero Award, which was accepted by Executive Director Joyce Chester. As the Community Impact Hero, Chester County OIC was recognized for "its ongoing, significant impact on the economy and the life-changing difference it is making for individuals throughout Chester County." Chester County OIC is noted for its outstanding commitment to providing adult literacy to a diverse and needy population in Chester County. CCOIC supports literacy in the community through numerous programs, including: English as a Second Language, GED preparation, academic remediation for at-risk youth in the I-CAN program, individual tutoring in the Workforce Literacy Program, and helps adults to maintain and improve literacy and develop employment skills in the Nursing Assistant and Advanced Office Technology training programs. |