“Literacy unlocks the door to learning throughout life, is essential to development and health, and opens the way for democratic participation and active citizenship.” ~ Kofi Annan

Literacy changes lives! Through the Literacy Council change is taking place across Fort Bend. Dedicated volunteer tutors offer ESL to help students read, write, and speak the English language, GED preparation classes, basic Computer Skills classes and labs, and US Citizenship where students learn US history and culture from tutors…some of whom are homeland security trained. Through the Transitions Program, students who’ve earned their GED can take the next step in their education. With the help of Wharton County Jr. College, Texas State Technical College, Houston Community College, and Wharton County Technical College, students enjoy presentations on financial literacy and financial aid, college and technical school applications. Don Kerstetter of Classic Chevrolet, member of the Literacy Council’s Board of Directors, says, “Seeing the joy on students’ faces as they learn to read and gain skills is amazing. Empowering readers of all ages strengthens our community!”

Supporting literacy can be as easy and fun as a night on the town! Last year’s debut of “Reading between the Wines,” a combination of the Book & Author Dinner and Wine & Music, was a hit. This year’s second annual Reading between the Wines is a “don’t miss” event! You’ll enjoy personal interaction with best-selling authors and a celebratory atmosphere with wine, great local food vendors, “Pulitzer Prize” big board and a live auction.

The two New York Times best-selling authors featured this year are: Paulette Jiles, an award-winning poet, memoirist, and the author of the bestselling novels, “Enemy Women,” “Stormy Weather,” and “The Color of Lightning” and Linda Castillo, the award-winning author of over thirty books, including the recent thriller “Sworn to Silence,” filmed as “An Amish Murder,” starring Neve Campbell.

A ticket to this “can’t-miss event” includes an opportunity to hear from these incredible authors, the chance to purchase an autographed copy of Paulette and Linda’s books, as well as the chance to meet additional featured authors including Nathan Barber, Betty Verdino, Kathy Duval and Julia Heaberlin. Visit our website or Facebook page for more information and mark your calendar for “Reading between the Wines” on Friday, February 7, 2014 at Safari Texas Ranch. For tickets, sponsorship information or to learn more about Reading between the Wines, please visit www.ftbendliteracy.org or contact Cari at 281-240-8181 or cmiddaugh@ftbendliteracy.org.

Did you know? The 14th annual “Bike the Bend for Literacy” event held Nov. 24 raised a record-breaking $38,000 to benefit the Literacy Council of Fort Bend. “The success and growth of this major event would not be possible without the generous sponsors, in-kind donors and volunteers, who give their products, resources and time to make our community a better place,” said Kelli Metzenthin, executive director of the Literacy Council of Fort Bend. The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County is a 501(c)3, so their funding comes entirely from gifts, grants, donations, and fundraisers like Bike the Bend, the Great Grown-up Spelling Bee, and Reading between the Wines.

Literacy Council of Fort Bend County
An Accredited Affiliate of ProLiteracy America
281-240-8181
12530 Emily Court
Sugar Land, TX 77478
www.ftbendliteracy.org