CHAMBERSBURG – Fighting adult illiteracy one word at a time is the goal of the Franklin County Literacy Council, a nonprofit organization that has been a pillar in providing adult education since 1985.
With a current waitlist of over 90 individuals seeking literacy tutoring, the need for volunteer tutors has never been greater. Lit Legacy is a dedicated group from the Leadership Franklin County program, stepping in to bridge the gap.
Lit Legacy is a team of professionals from different companies – including Amber Chase from Walker & Spang, LLC, Athena McCoy from Keystone Health, Bryce Stevenson from F&M Trust Co., Rob Moya from WellSpan Health, and Sara Rhine from Strickler Insurance – who were all chosen to work with FCLC. Their mission is to empower individuals and communities through literacy.
“We understand that literacy is the foundation of opportunity,” said Bryce Stevenson, credit analyst of F&M Trust Co. “By helping adults strengthen their literacy, we’re not just changing their lives’we’re strengthening our entire community.”
The team’s name, Lit Legacy, shows that they want to make a lasting difference in reading while also embracing the current meaning of “lit” to show how passionate they are about the cause.
The importance of literacy goes way beyond just the basics of reading and writing. Studies show that improving literacy can reduce crime rates, poverty and healthcare costs. The FCLC provides free instruction to adults through small group and one-on-one tutoring, which is made possible by volunteers. Without only seven current tutors, over 90 people are left waiting for the critical support they desperately seek.
“We have eager learners ready to start their journey, but we need the tutors to match their enthusiasm,” Stevenson said. “No prior teaching experience is necessary – just a willingness to help. Training and resources are provided to make the experience enjoyable and effective for both tutors and learners.”
Tutoring with FCLC is a rewarding experience that requires only a few hours of dedication per week. Volunteers will usually work with a group of three to four students, and sessions can be scheduled to work around busy lives. While the primary location for tutoring is in Chambersburg, additional sites are available in Waynesboro, Greencastle and Shippensburg. Public spaces are required for in-person sessions due to safety policies, but remote sessions are also an option.
With the help of Lit Legacy, FCLC is actively looking for volunteers from all backgrounds. Whether you’re a teacher, a professional in an unrelated field or simply someone passionate about making a difference, your time and effort can transform lives.
“We are looking for individuals who want to be part of something bigger than themselves,” Stevenson said. “If you’ve ever thought about giving back to your community, this is a meaningful way to do it.”
Lit Legacy isn’t just about teaching people how to read, it’s about bringing the community together and making sure nobody gets left behind, Lit Legacy officials noted. By working with the Franklin County Literacy Council, they’re showing what’s possible when people come together for something bigger than themselves. With the right support, Franklin County can open doors for every adult who wants to learn, giving them the opportunity to change their lives forever, they added.
For those interested in becoming a tutor or learning more about how to support the FCLC’s mission, individuals may call Angela Wilt at 717-504-4459 Ext 3504.
