Getting There

Verizon Awards Check Into Literacy Grant
To Regional Literacy Initiative

by Peggy Lustig

Verizon recently awarded the regional literacy initiative, Gateway to American Opportunities (GAO), a “Check Into Literacy” grant award. Verizon Area Manager David Sandlin presented the $5,000 check to the GAO regional literacy initiative. David Sandlin said, “This “Check Into Literacy” award comes from the Texas Verizon customers’ monthly donations.” Each month Verizon customers can check the literacy champion box to support literacy efforts.

GAO, the regional literacy initiative serving Cherokee, Rusk and Van Zandt counties and surrounding communities will purchase ESL, GED & Citizenship curriculum and software for GAO partners providing English classes and training workshop supplies with the “Check Into Literacy” funds.

L-R: Pam Anderson, A Circle of Ten, Inc. Outreach Director; Peggy Lustig, GAO Regional Literacy Director; David Sandlin, Verizon Area Manager;
and Cathy Holdway, A Circle of Ten, Inc. President

GAO also provides ProLiteracy ESL Tutor training and the FDIC “Money Smart” financial literacy tutor training workshops for area literacy volunteers & staff. The volunteer tutors also use the Verizon Thinkfinity on-line course as part of their training.

GAO partners with area community & faith-based organizations to increase literacy and English skills opportunities for adults in rural East Texas by utilizing a network of volunteers and staff.

For literacy partnering information, please contact Peggy Lustig at 205 East Commerce St., Suite 208, Jacksonville, TX. Phone: 903-589-6900, Email:
literacyatwork2004@yahoo.com;  Website: http://www.etvv.org (click regional initiatives; Gateway to American Opportunities)