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County Workforce Development is “Proud” Supporter of Council

Oakland County Workforce Development is a close partner with Oakland Literacy Council.

Literacy is especially important in Oakland County because of the county’s knowledge-based economy, according to Jennifer Llewellyn, manager of Oakland County Michigan Works!, which serves job seekers as well as business looking to hire and retain workers. Forty-four percent of the county’s workers have at least a bachelor’s degree, which is higher than the state and national average, she adds. As a result, while workforce agencies elsewhere in the country may consider workers to be proficient in basic skills if they have the equivalence of an eighth or ninth grade education, her staff uses 11th grade as the minimum benchmark.

“Literacy is a critical component of workforce development,” Llewellyn says. “Barriers to literacy can impact an individual’s career, lifelong learning, and opportunities for promotion.”

That is why Oakland County Michigan Works! has worked in close partnership with Oakland Literacy Council for at least 15 years. Llewellyn’s staff regularly refers job seekers to the Council for one-on-one tutoring if they need help improving their English skills.

“Because of the diverse population we serve, we find people who have a variety of barriers to employment, including literacy,” Llewellyn explains. Since her department added special programs for legal immigrants and refugees two years ago, those referrals have increased.

Likewise, the Council refers students to Michigan Works! if the students want assistance finding employment or accessing job training. The Council also has partnered with the agency to provide workshops for students—all part of the individualized attention provided by the Council to help students meet their individual goals.

“I think what makes Oakland Literacy Council unique is that it is a real grass roots effort,” Llewellyn says. “Because of that, you have folks who are passionate about what they do and that passion changes lives.”

The close ties between the Council and the Oakland County Workforce Development Board go beyond the referral relationship. The board regularly sponsors the Council’s annual Ex Libris fundraiser dinner. Moreover, Llewellyn’s predecessor, John Almstadt, now sits on the Council’s board of directors.

“We think Oakland Literacy is a valuable organization, and we’ve been proud to be a supporter,” Llewellyn says.

Meet Other 35 Faces of Literacy

For over 37 years, the Oakland Literacy Council (OLC) has enabled adult students to achieve individual literacy goals through a partnership with trained volunteer tutors. OLC serves native-English speaking adults who need basic reading, writing, and math skills (adult basic education — ABE), and foreign-born adults who need English reading, writing,  or conversation skills (English Language Learners — ESL).

The Oakland Literacy Council is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 tax-exempt entity that relies on the financial support of individuals, businesses, community organizations, and foundations to fulfill its mission. Your tax-deductible financial gift can be made online, by mail or by Donor-Advised Fund. The Oakland Literacy Council also welcomes gifts of Stock and Legacy Gifts.

In celebration of Oakland Literacy Council’s 35th anniversary, we’ve invited students, former students, tutors, donors, and other advocates to share their stories. Read all of their stories here.

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OLCOakland Literacy Council
43700 Woodward Ave., Suite 20
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
(248) 253-1617
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