TEXARKANA, Texas – The Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties has officially moved into its new offices.
The nonprofit says the new space in Summerhill Square not only allows them to have more clients and classes, but also expand their programming.
For the past 35 years, the Literacy Council has served the Texarkana community in various locations, but when COVID hit, the organization was forced to downsize to an 800 square foot facility.
The nonprofit was recently upgraded to 1,800 square feet of space, which accommodates more classes, students and volunteers.
Managing Director Jenny Walker says it also allows them to continue to grow and help people achieve their goals.
“We don’t just work with reading and writing, but everything a person needs to be successful. Computer literacy, finance, health and wellness, we provide all kinds of educational opportunities here,” Walker said. .
The new location includes classroom and study space, a small library, computer lab, and administrative office.
Some of the programs they will be adding include more GED courses, language learning, and computer literacy programs.
The agency is partnering with the Texas Department of Transportation to launch a safe driving workshop for teens.
Walker says they’re also preparing to launch a kids’ club.
“It’s a place where kids can come for free and do chess or arts and crafts. We’re also going to have book clubs and things like that,” Walker said.
In addition to tutoring services, one of the agency’s newest programs is called The 100 Families Alliance.
The program is already underway in four other Arkansas counties. Miller County is fifth.
Bowie County will be the first to start the program in Texas.
100 Families coordinator Kristin Rivas-Jones says it will help lift families out of poverty.
“It’s so important that we collaborate collectively across our organizations and service agencies in the community, so that we have a clearer picture and a guided path to help these families in crisis,” Rivas-Jones said.
The organization will officially launch the 100 Families Initiative Tuesday at 2 p.m. inside the Literacy Council on Summerhill Road in Texarkana, Texas.
