A Message from the Director: Linda Patton

"What if …"

Here at the Literacy Council, we love words. Written, spoken, heard and listened to, words are magic to our students. There are two little words that are significant for every person affiliated with CFLC. Those words are 'what" and "if" and they are the force that brought each and every one of us to CFLC.

Our students dare to ask, "What if I can read well enough to get my GED?". "What if I can learn to speak English well enough to get a good job?", or simply, "What if I am brave enough to walk through the doors of CFLC and ask for help?" .

Our teachers, tutors and volunteer board members ask, "What if I really can make a difference in someone's life?" and "What if I can get others involved with literacy?".

Our staff members never stop asking "what if?". What if we had enough space to hold all the small classes we need? What if we had enough tutoring rooms and a big enough library? What if our computer lab was networked and internet ready? What if we reached thousands instead of hundreds? What if we had partnerships and satellite sites throughout New Hanover and Pender Counties? What if we had enough volunteers to teach everyone who wants to learn?

All of us at CFLC dare to dream and to ask the powerful question 'What if?" We take to heart the words of Miss Anders, a teacher in Durham who challenged Tom Morris (of the Morris Institute) and her other students: "Do not allow what is very good to keep you from what is best."

The work we do is very good - we see the impact every day. Yet, we refuse to stop at 'very good' - we ask "what if" and we work hard to find ways to get to 'best'. Achieving "best' means reaching more adults, improving the learning environment our facility provides, bringing new partners into the fold, eliminating waiting lists, and helping learners achieve more of their goals. In short, it means we will change more lives, have more impact, and do it effectively and efficiently. We will go from "what if?" to "yes, we can and this is how."

"What" and "if" are powerful words. What if you get involved or more involved in CFLC? What impact will you have and what satisfactions will that bring to you? Ask your own 'what if?" questions, then come join us: we need all that you can bring and we are ready to help you find your answers.

-- Linda Patton, Executive Director

A Message from the Chairman of the Board: Horace Malpass

Being involved with the Cape Fear Literacy Council is one of the greatest privileges, and responsibilities, in my life. I am proud to be affiliated with an organization that is so completely dedicated to helping adults make the most of their lives. Each time I walk through the CFLC door, I can feel the energy and activity level: volunteers, tutors, ESOL instructors, staff and learners/students all are working together. There is a real spirit of "family" and teamwork.

As chair of the CFLC Board of Directors, I feel a tremendous sense of responsibility toward the organization and the work we do. The entire board shares my sense of obligation to guaranteeing that we have the resources necessary to deliver top-quality programs, and to do our very best to meet the needs of our community. The board is passionate about literacy - and works diligently on fundraisers such as the Mardi Gras Auction and the Spelling Bee - and whatever other activities we can find to help bring dollars to CFLC.

Our challenges are great. We need to reach many, many more than the 400+ learners we served in 2005. We need to recruit more volunteers to tutor, provide classroom instruction, and help with our computer lab and library. We need to buy teaching materials, upgrade our computers and expand our facility. The good news is that the board and staff and volunteers all are committed to meeting these challenges. With support and involvement from the community, we will make it happen.

I invite you to get involved with CFLC -- your gifts and talents can truly make a difference for adults in the Cape Fear region. Give us a call today!