What is the Literacy Network of South Berkshire? We are a non-profit, community-based organization that serves the 15 towns of southern Berkshire County in Massachusetts. We provide free one-on-one tutoring to adults in reading, GED (general education diploma) preparation, English as a Second Language and Citizenship preparation. We are the only year-round, free, tutoring adult literacy program in South County. Our volunteer tutors help adults reach their goals of self-sufficiency, independence and job retention. What is literacy? The National Literacy Act defines literacy as “an individual’s ability to read, write, and speak in English, compute and solve problems at levels of proficiency necessary to function on the job and in society, to achieve one’s goals, and develop one’s knowledge and potential.” Imagine not being able to: -Read a medicine label -Fill out a job application -Ask directions in English -Balance your checkbook -Read a book to your child or grandchild About 5,000 adults in south Berkshire County do not have a high school diploma. At least 3,000 adults in south Berkshire County are functionally illiterate and there is a high likelihood that their children will be functionally illiterate too. (Massachusetts Dept. of Education 1995) Almost 20% of Massachusetts adults are not functionally literate and another 25% fall below the level of mastery that education reform envisions for high school graduates. About 9,000 young adults per year drop out of school (Massachusetts Dept. of Education 1995). In the United States 1 in 5 American adults are functionally illiterate. In addition to that 20%, another 34% are only marginally literate. (U.S. Dept. of Education)