The READ Center is an adult literacy organization that operates classrooms and provides customized tutoring through its eight chapters in the Greater Richmond area. The 2005 National Assessment of Adult Literacy revealed that, of American adults, 41% are operating at a low literacy level and 14% are operating at a below-basic literacy level. When people cannot follow written directions on prescription bottles, apply for jobs, earn their GED, comprehend their driver's manual, orate scripture in church, or help their children with their homework, their personal and professional quality of life is seriously impaired. Addressing illiteracy since 1982, the READ Center now offers free year-long classroom programs for many adults (342 just last year)! Their well-documented success shows that improving literacy can relieve poverty, facilitate professional success, and enrich lives. For more information, visit www.readcenter.org.
Elaine Summerfield, host Andrew Hawes, sound engineer