About Us | LCWA

about the
LITERACY COUNCIL OF WEST ALABAMA

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.

LCWA's Service Area

Our Services

Meet Our Board

LCWA is dedicated to helping area citizens learn to read, write, and improve their lives through literacy efforts. The members of our board are a vital part of LCWA's work.

Easty Lambert-Brown

Chair

Pamela Pruitt

Vice Chair

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Vicki Holt

Immediate Past Chair

Jonathan P. Coleman

Board Member

Sonja Griffith

Board Member

Jac Mixon

Board Member

Ginger Pennington

Board Member

For me, Literacy is more than having the ability to read. It is the outlet through which we communicate, express ideas, form opinions, and make decisions—it's the fluency of success. At the Literacy Council of West Alabama, we understand the urgency of this need for both children and adults to succeed and I have made it my personal goal to ensure every voice is heard and every moment matters.

As a bookseller, I am continually amazed by the literary works from our West Alabama authors who wish to share their experiences through the written word. They serve their communities by acting as liaisons between those who want to tell a story and those who are listening. We want to help make that connection and enable West Alabama to reach its full potential.