Reflecting back on the history of the JLC, one cannot help but to be impressed with the tremendous dedication and achievement of a small group of volunteers. It brings to mind the quote, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead
Here are some History highlights:
- September of 1965, Dr. Frank Laubach spoke at Cargill Methodist Church. Dr. Laubach was a missionary and founder of an international literacy program with the idea of "Each one, Teach one". His inspiring presentation planted the seed here in Janesville. Ruth French was at the presentation and under her leadership formed The Janesville Teaching Project.
- The office of the new program was held in the basement of Bernice Meyer.
- February of 1966, the very first Tutor Training Workshop for Adult Basic Education tutors was held. Tutors trained were Ruth French, Annie Wagner, Nancy Karraker, Bev Koch, Ruth Gunness, Patty Nichols, Peggy Jacobs, Judy Berg and Ida Feldman.
- October of 1968, the group changed their name to The Janesville Literacy Council.
- August of 1971, the organization submitted their Articles of Incorporation and officially become chartered as a non-profit organization in the State of Wisconsin.
- In 1972, the JLC rented office space in the Hayes Building from the Rock County Savings & Trust Company. Rent was $35 a month.
- In 1975 the very first English as a Second Language tutoring started. Marge Kroehler and Marie Worden conducted workshops. Many of the new ESL tutors worked with Loation Refugees.
- Throughout the 1970's the Janesville Literacy Council traveled throughout southern Wisconsin training volunteers in other cities so they could begin literacy councils.
- In 1975, the Writers Group was established. Writer's group books are still used by our tutors and students today and sold to other Literacy Councils as well.
- In January of 1977, the JLC was featured in a story in the Readers Digest.
- In 1983, the JLC formed an alliance with Stateline Literacy Council, Blackhawk Technical College and the Arrowhead Library System called the Rock County Coalition for Literacy. This alliance has recently been reactivated and now called, The Rock County Literacy Alliance.
- In 1987 the Writer's Group updated The Wisconsin Drivers Manual
- 1988 JLC moved to the 2nd floor of the Wisconsin Power & Light Building.
- In 1996 the Council started a new program in the Middle Schools called S.S. Vision
- In 1997 the council hired the first paid program coordinator, Jeanne Bruce.
- Stacy Coomer was the very first paid Executive Director hired in 1999.
- In 2000 the JLC moved into it's current home in the United Way Community Services Building.
Limited literacy skills and fear of being judged prevent people from reaching their full potential as employees, parents, community members and citizens. People who lack literacy skills come from all social and economic backgrounds. 13% of adults in Rock County were shown to be at the lowest literacy level, compared to 11% nationwide.
The demographics in the U.S. are changing. The number of foreign-born adults rose 145% from 1980-2000. This increase has created a growing need for literacy education for English Language Learners.
Worldwide two out of every three illiterate adults are women.
The Janesville Literacy Council, Inc has had a presence in Rock County since 1966 and was incorporated in 1971. The mission of the organization is to help English and non-English speaking adults learn how to speak, read and write in English.
Programs at the Janesville Literacy Council, Inc include:
Basic Program - for English speaking individuals who need to improve their reading and writing skills. Instruction is provided one on one with a volunteer tutor.
English Language Learners Program - for non-English speaking adults who need to learn how to speak, read and write in English. Instruction is provided one on one with a volunteer tutor.
Tutor Training - a twelve hour instruction workshop for those who wish to become tutors. Training is conducted by ProLiteracy America certified trainers.
Computer Classes - for basic skills, bilingual.
The mission of the Janesville Literacy Council is accomplished through the dedication of many volunteers. Voluteers serve in a variety of capacities.
- Tutors - take training to learn how to work one on one with students to teach them English
- Office volunteers - who work as receptionists, help with mailings, do data entry, work on projects, work on a newsletter
- Librarian
- Board of Directors