In 2008 the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama created the Literacy Council of West Alabama (LCWA) to fight the serious problem of functional illiteracy in West Alabama. People who are functionally illiterate are people who can read some but not well enough to function in everyday life. The goal of LCWA is to achieve 100% community literacy in West Alabama. We need your help to achieve that goal. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that 15% of Alabamians are functionally illiterate. Unfortunately, that statistic rises to 25% in many of our West Alabama communities. People who struggle with reading are all around us. Often, they successfully hide their illiteracy because of shame, thus becoming vulnerable and dependent on others. Illiteracy makes everyday tasks seem impossible.  Among difficult tasks due to illiteracy are: taking a driver's test, completing a job application, and understanding warning labels on prescription drugs.