The non-profit group ProLiteracy defines literacy as "the ability to read, write, compute, and use technology at a level that enables an individual to reach his or her full potential as a parent, employee, and community member." The group reports that, in the United States, 14 percent of people over the age of 16 do not have the reading and comprehension skills required to fill out a job application.

 
Adult learning and literacy is important because low literacy affects individuals, families and society in a variety of adverse ways. It impacts health, crime rates, employment and future generations.

According to ProLiteracy, the ability to read and write is the foundation for all other learning. When adults lack basic literacy skills, which include reading, writing, problem solving abilities and the use of common technologies, they are unable to take part in society fully and they limit their employment, health and other options.

Illiteracy has an impact on health care, employment, crime, and children’s education.  Teaching someone to read has a positive impact on all of these.

We are a piece of the puzzle in our community that needs to be in its proper place in order for us to work together as a whole.