Platte Valley Literacy Association is a worthy recipient of fifty percent of the funds generated by this year’s Taste of Columbus celebration. Why PVLA?

To answer this question, one needs to understand an important fact. The make-up of the Columbus community is rapidly changing. Over the last decade, the number of families from poverty and diversity backgrounds has increased significantly.

With an increase in poverty and non-English speaking residents come challenges that impact the entire community. Poverty causes such symptoms as crime, drug and alcohol abuse, and gang activity. At the same time, non-English speaking residents struggle to contribute at high levels in many work places and fit in with the Anglo community.

With these community changes, many local partners are needed to help reduce the causes of the problems that impact the quality of life for all. Fortunately, Columbus has had no shortage of people who have been willing to step forward. Such organizations as Simon House, Youth for Christ, Big Pals/ Little Pals, and Center for Survivors have increased their efforts many fold to help reduce the impacts of poverty.

Perhaps no player has been more valuable than Platte Valley Literacy (PVLA) in addressing two major causes of these problems. First, they help disadvantaged people gain literacy skills they need to be productive community members. They do this by helping high school dropouts gain their GED (General Educational Development) diplomas.

Acquiring the competencies necessary to pass the GED tests can be a passport for many people into the work force. Without such training, it is likely a person without a high school diploma will be in a constant state of helplessness and dependence.

The second service PVLA provides is adult English language training. Through these classes, non-English speakers gain a competence in speaking, reading and writing English that will make them productive workers. Such proficiency also allows non-English residents to add value to community life. Inability to speak English severely restricts a person from assimilating into and contributing to the community.

Without this ability, he or she will remain an outsider who takes from rather than gives to our city.

PVLA does much to help the poor and disadvantaged to gain better lives. As a missionary recently said, “Literacy is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty.” This is exactly what PVLA’s mission is.

What is even more amazing is how PVLA is able to do this on a very small budget. They make the most out of every dollar they receive. Operating on a shoestring and utilizing a strong team of volunteers is characteristic of this well-run organization. Their dedication and efficiency are second to none.

The Columbus Public Schools have greatly benefited from their association with PVLA. PVLA has helped many parents of Columbus school students learn English. This has allowed them to become more effective partners with the schools. As a result, they are able to support their children’s education at home. This has led to greater academic success for these young people. Thus, the work PVLA does with the current generation of adults has a ripple effect with the next generation of Columbus citizens.

This writer urges you to support the efforts of PVLA. Contributions to them are really contributions to the whole city of Columbus. There are three ways you can do this. One is by direct contributions to PVLA. A second is by donating to United Way who helps fund them. A third is by attending this year’s Taste of Columbus on Sunday, October 7.

We are very fortunate to have organizations like PVLA, under the excellent direct of Jolene Hake, in Columbus. Such people of good will are helping create a bright future for many of us.

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