Local literacy nonprofit makes adult education more accessible than ever

Each week in Richland, Lexington and Aiken Counties, adults quietly seek help with a skill many take for granted – reading. Some have hidden their struggles for decades before taking that first brave step forward. Since 1968, one local nonprofit has often been the only witness to such steps. Now, the agency known as Turning Pages SC announces its evolution to Literacy SC, marking a new chapter in its 57-year message that anyone can move up and ahead through the power of reading.

“Imagine spending decades avoiding restaurant menus, saying no when asked to read at church, or being unable to help your kids with homework. These are real stories of real friends, neighbors and community members,” says Lisa Cole, CEO of Literacy SC. “When someone walks in our door, they’re not just looking for reading help. They’re seeking dignity, independence, and the chance to fully participate in their own lives. That’s why we’re expanding our reach while staying firmly rooted in one-to-one, barrier-free support.”

Senior Tutor Trainer Tacardra Rountree leads a recent tutor workshop

Through its new goal to “teach adults and families practical skills in reading, writing and math to build confidence in daily life,” Literacy SC aims to drive upward mobilty with its “Learn more. Earn more. Do more!” ladder. The organization’s flagship Turning Pages Adult Reading Program is just the first rung. Each year, dedicated volunteer tutors donate thousands of hours of free instruction to adults enrolled in this unique program. These tutors, trained in specialized adult education techniques, work one-on-one with learners at the library to build both skills and confidence. Remote wellness volunteers also call learners and tutors monthly to get feedback that strengthens the program.

Through a central office in Columbia and partnerships with 24 public libraries across three counties, Literacy SC ensures safe, accessible spaces for learning. The organization’s unique approach also eliminates common barriers to learning – there are no complex online forms, no technology requirements, no ridged schedules to keep, and no cost to adults who enroll in this flagship program.

Building on this strong base, Literacy SC will now roll out new programs for specific community needs:

• Path to Math: Focused numeracy workshops helping adults master everyday practical math skills for budgeting, shopping, and career success
• Workforce ESOL: Specialized English language instruction on workplace communication and job-seeking skills for non-native speakers
• Modern Study Skills: Workshops for teens and adults offering practical techniques for success in today’s digital education environment
• Fundamentals of Accelerated Reading: Turning Pages’ group reading workshop for unhoused adults at select locations around Columbia

Staff and board members attend the 2024 Pages of Progress celebration held at Richland Library.

The nonprofit, which gets no government help, runs on grants and individual gifts which can be unpredictable each year. “Our new ‘next step’ literacy programs like the math, study skills and workforce ones will have a small fee to attend. This will help us keep our core Turning Pages adult reading program free for those who need it most,” explains Cole.

Cole also praises Literacy SC’s committed staff and board members who underwent a grueling, multi-session strategic process last year so their change would be strong. “This rebrand expands the possibilities of what we can provide to our community,” noted Brittany Smith, Board Chair. “By launching new services, we also reshape our impact on local literacy. While basic reading remains the foundation we are built upon, the types of programs we offer can now grow and create lasting change in the lives of many more neighbors.”

For more on Literacy SC’s upcoming programs, to volunteer as a Turning Pages reading tutor, or sign up as a remote wellness caller, visit LiteracySC.org or email [email protected].

To enroll in the free Turning Pages Adult Reading Program, call 803-216-5663 (Richland & Lexington) or 803-679-1990 (Aiken) directly.

About Literacy SC

Founded in 1968 as the Greater Columbia Literacy Council, Literacy SC has trained over 1,750 tutors and helped over 6,000 adults read better. Adults who read below a 9th grade level get over 50 hours of free private tutoring each year, plus all books through their flagship Turning pages Adult Reading Program.