Allentown, PA – The Literacy Center (TLC) marked the occasion of its 40th anniversary with a luncheon hosted at Penn State Lehigh Valley on April 27, 2017. Since 1977 TLC has provided community-based literacy instruction without charge, improving the lives of over 26,500 adult learners over its forty- year history. Students from 57 countries, speaking 28 native languages, received ESL and GED instructional services during the 2016-17 academic year.
Welcome and opening remarks were offered by Board President, Avery Smith, Esq. Robin Flores, Executive Director (Interim) noted “Our passion and knowledge reaches those in the community who are frequently overlook or bypassed. Our work among ESL families and those seeking a high school equivalency, or American citizenship has bridged gaps that build community and change lives. Yasmine Mustafa, a highly recognized tech entrepreneur and social influencer from Philadelphia presented the keynote address. An exciting speaker and community leader: “The Birth Lottery Does Not Define You” reprised her TEDx Philadelphia – Justice for All presentation. Ms. Mustafa reflected on the circumstances of her own life, from a terror-filled childhood moment in a Kuwaiti bomb shelter to the 22-year journey to U.S. citizenship and ultimately to the boardroom of her own company, ROAR For Good. Her message of resilience resonated with many in the audience who found her personal journey and accomplishments an inspiration for anyone struggling to succeed in America today.
Special recognition was given to Linda Armstrong, wife of Warren Armstrong by Penn State professor, Dr. Nichola Gutgold. Warren, recently deceased, was an initial founder and lifelong supporter of The Literacy Center in addition to being a driving force behind Penn State University’s decision to locate an affiliate campus in the Lehigh Valley.
Ms. Ellen Kern, Chief of Staff for State Senator Pat Browne, presented a proclamation on behalf of State Senators Patrick Browne and Lisa Boscola in recognition of TLC’s forty-year anniversary. A similar proclamation was received from State Reps. Michael Schlossberg, Peter Schweyer and Dan McNeill.
Thanks to major sponsors: The Morning Call, PPL, King Spry, Lehigh Valley Health Network and BB&T. A portion of the funds raised creates a student scholarship for students who desire to continue to a post-secondary institution.
Additional supporters of literacy education at the event included:
Renae Yeager, CPA, PPL Alan Salinger, Phil Weber, and Robin Kertis, Donna Taggart, Diane Pierce-Williams, Muhlenberg College, Peter Gonzales and Nicole Pumphrey, Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians, Fred Fenselau and Eric Staub, Working Dog Press, Ellen Baker-Ghelardi, Bud Hackett, Corporate Environments, Geoff Gutgold, GGA, Margaret Hadinger, Mary Ferrell & Marie Kammetler, LVHN, Brian Taylor and Paul Frank, King Spry, Mar Haeussler, Lynn Anne Yori, Fashion Forward, Barb Bottitta Team, and Amy Meleck.
Information & Photos Provided By:
Christine Bauder
Community Engagement & Outreach Coordinator
The Literacy Center
1132 W. Hamilton St. Suite 300
Allentown, PA 18101-1025
www.theliteracycenter-lv.org
