Power of Good

I in may, a dEvastating firE destroyed the of- fices and many of the teaching materials of The Literacy Council of Central Alabama. But in the face of this horrible event, The Literacy Council team saw an opportunity. The agency launched its first-ever capital campaign, an effort in just a few short months to raise the $500,000 they needed to rebuild. An old friend was first in line to help. "We were thrilled when the Alabama Power Founda- tion stepped in to help us rebuild and expand, once again providing the first check to seed the rebirth of our office space and the growth of our programs," said Beth Wilder, president and executive direc- tor of The Literacy Council. Through the efforts of staff and the agency's board of directors, The Literacy Council was able to surpass its fundraising goal. The campaign's success is allowing the agency to renovate and expand its old building. "The Alabama Power Foundation was glad to step in when our long- time friends at The Literacy Council needed help," said John Hudson, president of the Alabama Power Foundation. "And we look forward to seeing their ability to help Alabamians grow as they rebuild." Other friends of The Literacy Council stepped in during this time of need to help in many different ways, not just by contribut- ing financially to the capital campaign. Advertising agency Lawler Ballard Van Durand helped create graph- ics for the campaign. Architecture firm Goodwyn Mills Cawood provided design plans for the new space almost immediately. Construction of the new building began in early October and is being handled by contractors Brasfield & Gorrie. The expanded learning space increases the area dedicated to learning threefold. That means more pri- vate study carrels where tutors and students can work one-on-one. It also means a large new classroom. Perhaps most exciting is the addition of a General Educational Develop- ment and Life Skills Learning Lab, which will enable The Lit- eracy Council to offer a new service: GED classes. The Literacy Council's GED program will be a partnership with Jefferson State Community College. The GED tests certify that the test- taker has achieved high school-level academic skills. In a state with a drop- out rate of 20 percent, this service promises to level the playing field and offer opportunity to the thousands of residents who could benefit from these classes. Because these tests are delivered by a computer, The Literacy Council's renovations were necessary before this service could be made pos- sible. Learners, tutors and staff members are excited about the expansion and the great opportunities it presents. With a little help from its friends STORy By ALLISOn SwAGLER PHOTO COuRTESy OF THE LITERACy COunCIL OF CEnTRAL ALABAmA The Literacy Council of Central Alabama overcomes a devastating fire to become bigger and better. 6 Division Spotlight A fire in May forced The Literacy Council of Central Alabama to find a new building.

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