ABE services provide instruction in reading, writing, and math to adults seeking to improve their skills. As a basic education program for adults, we offer ‘Each One,Teach One” individual tutoring to help our students meet their goals. Whether a student’s goal is to achieve functional literacy, improve job skills, or help children with their school work, we are prepared to help learners meet them. In addition, many students hope to attain a GED and we provide certified tutors who augment GED classes offered biweekly across Washington County. Visit https://www.iu1.org for class locations and times. For more information call (724)228-6188 or email kerry.fagan@lcswpa.org.

The Baby Book Bag program began in 1994 when the Executive Director, Helen Crunick, envisioned a need for a project which would help break the cycle of inter-generational illiteracy.

Through the Baby Book Bag program, the Literacy Council gives a brightly colored book bag to all new families, in both pre and post-natal units, at the Washington Hospital — about 150 bags per month! The bags are screen printed with the logos of our sponsors and then prepared by community volunteers. Each one is lovingly hand-filled with baby books, sponsor gifts, and materials that stress the importance of reading to children from birth.

By working with new families to help instill the importance of reading, the Literacy Council attempts to address the problem at its earliest stage.

Over the years, the Literacy Council has distributed more than 28,000 Baby Book Bags to new families in our community.

If you or your organization would like to volunteer to assist with preparing the Baby Books Bags please call (724) 228-6188 or email kerry.fagan@lcswpa.org.