We are excited to share that our Family Literacy site has a new home! The program moved from Whitehall Place apartments to Wallace School this summer. They have added classroom space and the children’s room has grown exponentially. The site is also ADA compliant, making it much safer for both adults and children.
The Family Literacy program has historically served immigrant and refugee families, but we have opened the program to American-born families and look forward to growing the number of participants. Nearly a dozen different classes are offered each week, including English, citizenship, and high school equivalency preparation. With the new site, students are getting a better learning experience—many sessions are held daily instead of two times a week when space was at a premium. In addition, Family Literacy classes will be offered in the evening for the first time.
Family Literacy combines skill-building classes for adults with early literacy education for children. Interactive learning time brings parents and kids together for stories, crafts and activities that reinforce classroom lessons.
Wallace School is also home to Literacy Pittsburgh partners South Hills Interfaith Movement and Head Start, which makes it easy for families to access resources that complement their learning.
So far, the site has welcomed Dollar Bank for classes on building a banking relationship and understanding credit, which led to two students opening bank accounts. Woodforest National Bank presented a financial literacy class for kids. Most recently, Paynter Elementary partnered with the Family Literacy program for a technology night for parents.
Literacy Pittsburgh (formerly Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council) helps create better lives through learning. Recognized as a national leader in adult and family literacy, Literacy Pittsburgh is the largest provider of adult basic education in Allegheny and Beaver Counties. Last year, Literacy Pittsburgh helped more than 4,000 individuals acquire the skills needed to reach their fullest potential in life and participate productively in their communities. Literacy Pittsburgh provides free, personalized instruction in workforce readiness, high school diploma test preparation, digital literacy, English language learning, math, reading, and family literacy through one-to-one and small class instruction. Founded in 1982, it serves local adults through numerous neighborhood locations and its Downtown Pittsburgh Learning Center.
