About NWILC
The Coalition was founded as a result of an identified need. A state legislative study committee looking at adult education believed there was a need for better coordination of literacy efforts in Indiana. The Director of Portage Adult Education convened a series of meetings to discuss literacy efforts regionally. These meetings led to the founding of the Coaltion.
The Northwest Indiana Literacy Coalition, Inc. ("NWILC") was organized in 1987 as a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to the promotion of literacy in our area. The Coalition represents a coming together of interested groups and individuals involved with literacy.
Since its inception, the Coalition has emphasized the need for basic skills improvement in the workforce. In order to maintain a competitive edge in our local, regional, and global marketplace, our workers must have the foundations required to advance in a rapidly changing workplace.
Our Goals
- Provide a formal connection among all of the programs existing in Northwest
Indiana serving those who need development in reading and writing skills;
- Publicize and promote literacy programs throughout Northwest Indiana
to encourage participation by students and volunteers and to heighten
public awareness of the Coalition;
- Encourage the development of expanding networking, partnerships, and coalitions
within and among the different localities and groups and to coordinate,
expand and improve local literacy services;
- Provide a clearinghouse for information about literacy services in Northwest
Indiana, and for referral of students and volunteers to appropriate programs;
- Conduct or encourage study and/or research to identify the extent of
the illiteracy problem in the various localities being served by the Coalition,
and to heighten public awareness of the extent of the problem;
- Establish necessary collaborative planning and organization for improving
literacy services;
- Promote and facilitate contributions of time, space, funds and other
support by business and industry for employees lacking reading skills
and to encourage employees to become volunteers in reading programs; and
- Develop a comprehensive long-range plan for improved literacy services in Northwest Indiana, and monitor the progress toward accomplishment of the plan.
To achieve our goals, NWILC has incorporated programs, such as the Executive Spelling Bee and Time Out for Reading, has offered Mini Grants, and has hosted special seminars and workshops, such as "Reinventing the Workforce - Strategic Planning for Business, Education, Labor, and Community Leaders."
Board of Directors — As of May 2010
| Position | Contact Person |
|---|---|
| President | Dian Reyome Centier Bank |
| Vice President | Dennis Gray Hammond Adult Education |
| Treasurer | George Finney Westville Correctional Center |
| Secretary | Joanne Broderick Calumet Area Literacy Council |
| Director | George Averitt Purdue North Central |
| Director | Dr. Carrie Cate-Clements Northwest Indiana Education Service Center |
| Director | Pearlie Eatman East Chicago Public Library |
| Director | Debbie Fizer Synergy Exponential |
| Director | Linda Friedrich Portage Adult Education |
| Director | Rosella Garcia Lake County Library |
| Director | Cyndi Horn |
| Director | Hannah Korby University of Phoenix |
| Director | Daniela Mancusi-Shreve Portage Adult Education |
| Director | Carol Moore Laughing Cat Productions |
| Director | Katheryne J. Pavey Ivy Tech Community College |
| Director | Arlene Pearson Majestic Star Casino and Hotel |
| Director | Karen Robison Three Creeks Elem. School - Lowell |
| Director | Era Twymani Gary Literacy Coalition |
| Director | Bill Vargo Northwestern Hospital |
| Director | Karen Venditti St. Joseph College |
| Director | Steve Watson |
Members of the Coalition believe and understand that literacy is important. It is also a broad and complex issue and that working together is the only way to improve literacy efforts in Northwest Indiana.
Use the Contact Form to send us an email.
For website updates please contact Mark Sienicki via email at designbymts@yahoo.com
Volunteer Recognition
Our volunteer members are recognized at an annual luncheon.
We also give them gifts to show our appreciation for their dedication.
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How to Help ¦ Membership Form ¦ Volunteer Form ¦ Literacy Programs Near You ¦ Calendar of Events
Spelling Bee Info ¦ Entry Form ¦ Pledge Form ¦ Past Bee Winners ¦ Time Out for Reading ¦ Put Your Nose in a Book
Mini Grant Info ¦ Grant Application Form ¦ Past Recipients ¦ Affiliates ¦ Media ¦ Contact Us ¦ Site Map
Northwest Indiana Literacy Coalition
PO Box 3386
Munster, Indiana 46321