LITERACY FOR LIFE EXPANDS TO PROVIDE CONTINUITY IN LITERACY AND ADULT EDUCATION SERVICES ON THE LOWER PENINSULA

Longtime community-based literacy organization, Peninsula READS, announced last week that it had immediately ceased operations. The sudden and unexpected closure of the organization which serves Newport News and Hampton has left thousands of learners and tutors without the critical support of a community-based literacy organization in the Lower Peninsula. 

As the sole remaining community-based literacy organization on the Virginia Peninsula, Literacy for Life, a well-established institution headquartered in Williamsburg, is proud to meet the moment by expanding services to sustain current programming for learners in the Lower Peninsula.  

Literacy for Life President Benming “Benny” Zhang commented, “Since 1975, Literacy for Life has been empowering adults with skills they need for success in life and work. On behalf of our Board of Directors, we are committed to providing the continuity of services our neighbors in Newport News and Hampton deserve.”  

Literacy for Life Executive Director Jason Thornton stated, “Thanks to strategic partnerships and the generosity of our community, Literacy for Life can reach and impact the lives of an additional 31,000 people in Newport News and Hampton to improve their literacy and access to meaningful and substantial employment. One such partnership is with United Way of the Virginia Peninsula.” 

Steve Kast, CEO of United Way of the Virginia Peninsula added, “UWVP is grateful to Literacy for Life for quickly mobilizing to ensure that literacy and adult education services continue on the Lower Peninsula. An expansion of this magnitude requires the collaboration and engagement of local government, corporate, and nonprofit organizations as well as the generosity of individuals who give their time as volunteers and their gifts as donors.” 

For more information about how to give, volunteer, or provide other support, please contact: 

Steve Kast, CEO, United Way of the Virginia Peninsula  

Skast@uwvp.org, (757) 229-2222 

Jason Thornton, Executive Director, Literacy for Life 

jthornton@wm.edu, (757) 221-3326