SPRING 2019
relationships with them in a way I would never
have had before,” said Dixon.
Candace Horne says she works hard to keep her
parents engaged as she does her little learners. “I
always encourage my parents to read to their
children at least three to four times a day,”
she said. “But it’s difficult to encourage a parent
to read when they can’t read themselves.”
“You can see the excitement on the faces of the
children and their parents,” said Dixon. “We have
a critical role to play in helping them learn how to
lead healthy, confident lives. I know we will make
a difference.” ◼
“
Education plays a
critical role in
helping to break
the cycle of
generational
poverty in our
community.
”
Lumpkin Literacy coalition improving health outcomes
through increased literacy for county residents
A
pproximately one third of the adults
who live in Lumpkin County, GA are
illiterate, according to the Lumpkin
Literacy coalition. “They may have
some basic reading skills, but the truth is that
they basically can’t read,” said Pat Wozny, chair
of Lumpkin Literacy. “It’s heartbreaking. I can’t
imagine what life would be like if I couldn’t
read.”
Lumpkin Literacy volunteers are working to
increase literacy in Lumpkin County, including
helping many residents develop skills to help
them better manage the stresses of day to day
life. Wozny, a volunteer at the Community
Helping Place free medical clinic in Dahlonega,
GA, says many adult patients who come to the
clinic cannot fill out basic medical forms. “They
Community Helping Place free medical clinic
(Continued on page 20)
ACHIEVING HEALTH EQUITY FOR ALL
9