
FULTON – For individuals struggling with limited literacy or proficiency in the English language obtaining a high school diploma or developing work ready skills can seem to be an unsurmountable challenge.
However, thanks to the combined efforts of Oswego County Opportunities (OCO) and CiTi’s Lifelong Learning Center, those challenges are now attainable. The two have partnered to establish Literacy Zones in Fulton and Pulaski.
A statewide initiative funded by the New York State Education Department, Literacy Zones strive to close the achievement gap in communities characterized by significant poverty and that have high concentrations of families and individuals with limited literacy or English language proficiency. Census data for individuals with a GED or High School diploma indicated that Oswego County would benefit by have Literacy Zones.
“OCO and CiTi have a long history of collaborating to bring employment and educational services to people in Oswego County,” said Pulaski Family Welcome Center Site Supervisor Sarah Spataro. “Recognizing the need in our county for these services, and with CiTi having the space in Fulton and OCO having the space at the newly developed Selkirk Landing Apartment complex, CiTi took the lead and chose to write a grant and were awarded funds to establish Literacy Zones. CiTi provides services in Fulton and have sub-contracted OCO to provide services at our Family Welcoming Center in Pulaski.”
Services available at the Literacy Zones include case management for out-of-school youth and adults wishing to pursue a NYSED HSE diploma, ELA and or postsecondary education, training, and employment; an internet connected computer lab; referral services to other educational programs for adult/child disability concerns; case management and referrals to workforce partners including workforce training; a Virtual Career Center, and several apprenticeship programs.
“Literacy Zones in New York State have been very successful in providing a systemic approach to meeting the literacy needs of communities from birth through adult,” said Spataro. “In addition to providing educational and job readiness support, each of our Literacy Zones include a Family Welcoming Center that provides additional resources for the entire family.”
Literacy Zones in Oswego County are located at CiTi BOCES, 104 Cayuga Street in Fulton and at the OCO Pulaski Family Welcome Center, 10 Bella Road in Pulaski.
“Anyone can access our services at the Pulaski Family Welcome Center,” added Spataro. “To learn more about how our Literacy Zones and Family Welcome Center can community members stop in Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., call us at 315-216-4521, option 3, or via email us [email protected] or [email protected]. You can also follow the Pulaski Family Welcome Center page on Facebook.
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