Title
Proclamation declaring September 2008 "Literacy Month" in Allegheny County.
Body
WHEREAS, more than 40 million adult Americans, of which approximately 200,000 are Allegheny County residents, are functionally illiterate; and
WHEREAS, founded by Dr. and Mrs. William Kofmehl in 1975, the Allegheny County Literacy Council, Inc. has worked to eradicate illiteracy in Allegheny County and provide children and adults with the tools they need to function in an increasingly complex society; and
WHEREAS, initiatives of the Literacy Council include summer reading camps, ESL tutoring for refugees and immigrants, the Peer and Parent Reading Tutor Program, as well as free basic reading tutoring for adults and children using Bible-content materials; and
WHEREAS, the Literacy Council also helps learning-disabled individuals, hearing impaired individuals, and those who have suffered strokes develop and/or redevelop literacy skills; and
WHEREAS, the Literacy Council's influence has spread significantly since its inception, with its techniques and materials being used in more than one hundred and fifty areas both in the United States and overseas; and
WHEREAS, in addition to a trained and dedicated staff, the Literacy Council has trained more than 5,350 volunteers in methods for improving the literacy skills of children and adults; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Allegheny County Council hereby declares September 2008 “Literacy Month” in Allegheny County. Furthermore, we commend the staff and volunteers of the Allegheny County Literacy Council and all individuals and organizations who dedicate their time and effort to providing people with one of the greatest gifts imaginable-the ability to read.