By Donna Marable
Congratulations to South Baldwin Literacy Council and Executive Director Mitchell Lee and staff on being awarded a grant from Impact 100 Baldwin County. These grants, awarded annually to 501(c)3 non-profits, are a direct result of the dreams and mission of the Impact 100 membership of women vitally interested in the betterment of our communities.
There has been a huge increased demand for the Literacy Council’s services, necessitating study nooks even in open-doored closets. This year alone SBLC has served over 700 clients. Just in the last half of 2021, because of restrictions from the pandemic, their on-line tutoring in preparing for the GED certificate has served over 60 students. Various other services are provided, such as ESL (English as Second Language) classes, and various other adult and youth programs. Mitchell feels the value of the physical plant is not only for classes, but that students may come into the Council offices whenever they wish – – to talk, receive in-person tutoring or to have a designated study atmosphere. Expansion of a storage/garage area into classroom space will enable educational services to an additional 100+ students.
November was National Literacy Awareness Month and the Council celebrated with the Gulf Coast Alabama Zoo in a month-long dynamic 5-session reading/animal education program. Through future fundraisers the Council intends to match the grant by 1/3rd, so watch for opportunities to help in upcoming months on facebook@southbaldwinliteracycouncil and www.southbaldwinliteracycouncil.com or visit anytime at 21441 US Hwy 98, Foley, Alabama, 36535, (251) 943-7323.
Executive Director Mitchell Lee emphasizes the value of many local service organizations cooperating together to provide various client services. The fact that “literacy and helping people” is Mitchell’s stated passion, in addition to the dedicated staff and volunteers, is what led to this distinguished award.
