Technology supports literacy as

Verizon funds Wayne-Pike program HONESDALE — The Wayne Pike Adult Literacy Program has received a $5,000 grant from Verizon’s “Check Into Literacy” program to help support literacy in Pike and Wayne Counties. The funding will be used to purchase new laptop computers and software. The “Check Into Literacy” initiative allows Verizon’s landline telephone customers to indicate on their monthly phone bills that they wish to make a $1 tax-deductible donation to promote literacy throughout the United States. Verizon then distributes these donations to local literacy organizations. “A dollar a month may not seem like much, but it can go a long way toward improving literacy skills in local communities and giving people the opportunity to succeed,” said Daniel J. Reavy, Director of External Affairs, Verizon Pennsylvania. “We are delighted that the literacy program in Wayne and Pike counties will benefit through the generosity of our customers.” The Wayne Pike Adult Literacy Program serves adults, 17 and older, who seek help with their reading, writing and math skills. Our volunteers tutor on a one-to-one basis with adults who have no reading skills as well as those with limited skills, the foreign born and those wishing to attain the equivalent of a high school diploma (GED). Computer literacy is available and we now will be able to acquire new software geared towards helping the adult low-level reader improve their skills technologically. This is a fantastic addition to the program and we are thrilled to be able to have these services available to our students and community. The Wayne-Pike Literacy is an all volunteer program with the exception of the part-time executive director and secretary. All the tutors volunteer their time and skills with their students on a one-on-one basis. No previous teaching skills are required to become a volunteer tutor but patience, love and understanding are a must along with completing a 12-hour basic tutor training workshop. For more information and to enroll please call 570-253-3221.