I am thrilled to introduce myself as Greenville Literacy Association's new Executive Director and I am humbled to be part of this incredible community of diverse learners, volunteers, donors, and stakeholders.
Did you know that more than 20 million individuals have graduated with their GED since its inception and many graduates have gone on to be U.S. Surgeon Generals, professional athletes, entertainers, and Ambassadors?
(ged.com, 2020).
Providing zero-barrier, equal access to high-quality education at GLA opens doors to endless opportunities in our community. This can be witnessed daily as our students, alongside their instructors and tutors, conquer the rigorous subject areas while on their path to building their best lives. Some are working toward becoming proficient in English through our ESL classes and others are working diligently toward achieving their GED, all with a purpose to create a brighter future for themselves and their families.
In addition to our focus on education, GLA has also been busy helping our students achieve career readiness. Each learner completes a career assessment and gains a variety of new skills along the way. This includes career readiness skills certificates in digital literacy and life skills in financial literacy. These newfound skills assist our students in achieving their next steps in life which may be anything from beginning a new career in a high-demand industry like healthcare, obtaining job training as a CDL driver, or attaining post-secondary education at one of our local colleges or universities. Our desire is to celebrate every positive destination our students reach, and to help them achieve their goals and milestones along the way. It is our students' determination that fuels my unwavering dedication to education which remains firmly anchored in our mission: "to enrich our community by increasing the literacy and employability of our citizens."
There have been many highlights I could share in my short time at GLA; however, seeing our GED Graduates walk across the stage this past week to accept their diplomas, listening to their personal stories of triumph, and watching their friends and families sharing so much joy together, is a moment I will remember for a lifetime.
I also want to extend heartfelt gratitude to my team members, Board of Directors, volunteers, donors, and all stakeholders for your constant support of our organization for over 58 years. Your dedication is incredible, whether through financial donations, volunteer hours, or your unwavering support of our 22nd annual fundraiser, the Really Good, Really Big, Really Cheap book sale. I am truly amazed at what we have achieved! We are grateful for being awarded the Fuel for Good grant by local marketing firm, FUEL, who re-branded the book sale and launched a new campaign, 'You are who you read. Who are You?". This effort helped GLA garner the attention of thousands of visitors online and in person at McAlister Square-University Center of Greenville where we sold over 100,000 books, raising over $95,000. With your support, we are changing lives, one word at a time.
In the coming months, I look forward to meeting and collaborating with many of you personally, hearing your stories, and learning more about the collective impact we will continue to make in our community. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime; I am a phone call away, my door is always open and I love a good cup of coffee!
Thank you for welcoming me into this remarkable community and our next chapter. Together, we will continue to light the path toward a brighter, more literate future for all.
With gratitude and enthusiasm,
Victoria Novak
Victoria Novak, Executive Director, Greenville Literacy Association
Email: victoria.novak@greenvilleliteracy.org
Office: 864-467-3556
