Jefferson County Literacy Council

The mission of the Jefferson County Literacy Council is to develop a better community through literacy. It is our vision to help learners defeat literacy challenges and overcome the barriers to becoming more literate, confident and engaged to the best of their ability in their homes, communities and places of work. In 2010, the Jefferson County Literacy Council (JCLC) celebrated 10 years of improving literacy in the county.

The JCLC started as a small organization in 2001 to serve those facing literacy challenges in our communities. Since then, the Council has served hundreds of learners, guiding them in improving their literacy, job and life skills. The Jefferson County Literacy Council began with one part-time staff member, a handful of volunteers and seven learners in 2001 in the basement of the Fort Atkinson Library. At the time, tutoring was provided only in a one-to-one format. By 2003, there was a staff of three and the Council had moved to a building loaned to them by an area plumbers union. By 2007, the organization and had expanded programs to include one-to-one basic skills tutoring, group English classes, a jail instruction program, computer skills, and civics/citizenship.

Strong, viable communities are those comprised of people who are literate, have good communication skills, are adequately trained in employment skills, possess cross-cultural competency, and have an understanding of their community and its services. Each individual holds responsibility for his or her learning. Volunteerism is a core community value, and cost-effective, quality services can be provided through well-trained and supported volunteers.