See the July/August 2021 issue of DCLC News & Notes here.
DCLC News & Notes July/August 2021
Workforce
Harrah’s Supports Delaware County Literacy Council with Generous Grant
Press Release of August 9, 2021
Delaware County Literacy Council (DCLC) was recently awarded a generous grant of $5,000.00 from Harrah’s Philadelphia through the Caesars Foundation.
Representatives of Harrah’s Philadelphia Racetrack & Casino gathered at DCLC’s building in Chester to celebrate the grant by presenting a symbolic check to DCLC staff members
“DCLC teaches reading, writing, and math to local adults. Harrah’s is proud to support these efforts that are so vital to our community,” said Harrah’s Vice President of Human Resources Patty Cain.
The generous gift will help DCLC to continue offering remote and in-person classes in adult basic education, English as a Second Language (ESL), and GED preparation to adults in Delaware County.
Since opening in 2007, Harrah’s has been a strong community presence in the City of Chester and a steady supporter of DCLC. Talented staff members from Harrah’s have served regularly on DCLC’s Board of Directors, and Harrah’s has hosted and sponsored DCLC’s Champions of Adult Literacy fundraising event since 2013. Also, as a major employer in the area, Harrah’s provides job opportunities for adults who are improving their skills and seeking a better life.
“Clearly, Harrah’s is a wonderful community partner with a great track record of positive impact,” said Pat Gunnin, DCLC Executive Director.
The Delaware County Literacy Council helps adults develop reading, writing, math, and English language skills so that these adults can thrive in the workplace and community. To learn more or to get involved, visit www.delcoliteracy.org.
FMFCU Foundation Golf Classic Results in Generous Gift to Literacy Council
Press Release of July 21, 2021
Delaware County Literacy Council (DCLC) recently received a generous gift of $5,000.00 from the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union (FMFCU) Foundation that represented a fun afternoon of golf and community spirit.
FMFCU Foundation’s sold-out Second Annual Golf Classic was held on June 7 at the Radley Run Country Club in West Chester PA. Proceeds from the successful fundraising event were donated to local food banks and other community organizations, including DCLC.
“We were so pleased with the turnout and the good we have been able to do in the community through this event,” said Rick Durante, Executive Director of FMFCU Foundation and Co-President of DCLC’s Board of Directors.
Mr. Durante, (shown at right) and Danielle Griffin, Foundation Program Manager, presented the $5,000.00 donation to DCLC Executive Director Pat Gunnin (shown at left) with a symbolic “big check.”
“We are grateful for the support of FMFCU Foundation. This donation will help local adults improve their literacy skills and work toward their goals,” said Mr. Gunnin.
The Delaware County Literacy Council helps adults develop reading, writing, math, and English language skills so that these adults can thrive in the workplace and community. To learn more or to get involved, visit www.delcoliteracy.org.
DCLC News & Notes May/June 2021
See the May/June issue of DCLC News & Notes here.
Gunnin Named Executive Director of Delaware County Literacy Council
Press Release of June 14, 2021
Patrick “Pat” Gunnin has been named Executive Director of Delaware County Literacy Council (DCLC). He started in the position on June 1, 2021.
Gunnin brings more than 40 years of experience in nonprofit operations to his role as Executive Director, with specific expertise in resource development, board development, financial management, human resource development, and program development and management.
Most recently Gunnin served as Chief Programs Officer for YWCA in Delaware, overseeing
economic empowerment and self-employment/work readiness programs for Delaware residents.
As a national trainer with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Gunnin traveled across the country presenting workshops on supervision, leadership, and program management and development. He also served in a variety of leadership roles for Boys & Girls Clubs in Delaware, Michigan, Mississippi, Washington DC, Maryland, North Carolina, and Florida.
Of leading the Literacy Council, Gunnin states “I look forward to working with the staff and board to best meet the needs of the adult students we serve and to make the organization financially sustainable.”
Gunnin says he admires the resilience of the adults who study at the Literacy Council, including those who came to this country from another place to improve their lives. “I love the diversity of our adult students,” he declares.
Gunnin holds a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management from Eastern University in St. Davids, PA, and a Bachelor of Science in Business and Economics from High Point University in High Point, NC.
DCLC was founded in 1975 by local volunteers who noticed their neighbors were struggling with reading and writing. DCLC helps adults develop reading, writing, math, and English language skills so that they can thrive in the workplace and community. To learn more or to get involved, visit http://www.delcoliteracy.org.
DCLC News & Notes March/April 2021
See the March/April 2021 issue of DCLC News & Notes here.
New Co-Presidents to Lead Delaware County Literacy Council Board of Directors
Press Release of March 4, 2021
Rick Durante of Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union (FMFCU) and Jennifer Stock, Director of the Upper Darby Township and Sellers Memorial Free Public Library, have been elected as Co-Presidents of the Board of Directors of the Delaware County Literacy Council (DCLC).
Rick Durante is Vice President, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and Government Affairs at FMFCU and Executive Director of the FMFCU Foundation. He also serves on the Board of Managers and is Executive Director of the Credit Union Network for Financial Literacy, LLC (CUNFL).
Rick’s work at FMCU Foundation includes overseeing all community giving programs, including education grants, teacher awards, community grants, Delco Hi-Q, the food insecurity fund, and other charitable giving in the communities served by FMFCU. Rick has been involved with Delco Hi-Q, the oldest continuous academic competition in the United States, since 2004. He currently serves as Quizmaster and Executive Director of the competition.
Rick finds serving on the DCLC Board of Directors to be rewarding. He explains, “I started volunteering with DCLC 12 years ago, and the growth and impact of the organization that I’ve witnessed over that time is amazing. The work of DCLC in improving literacy has helped students open doors to educational and employment opportunities that can help them move out of poverty and underemployment.”
Jennifer Stock earned a Master of Library and Information Science degree from Drexel University. She has worked in Delaware County Libraries in various roles since 2001. Before becoming the Director of the Upper Darby Township and Sellers Memorial Free Public Library, Jennifer served as Head of Public Services for the Marple Library, Assistant Director of the Marple Library, and Director of the Helen Kate Furness Free Library.
Jennifer describes first learning about the Literacy Council when she noticed literacy tutors meeting with their adult students in libraries where she was working. Jennifer says she is impressed with how DCLC has adapted to changing needs in the community, explaining, “Now the focus is not only on adult basic literacy, adult GED, adult English as a Second Language (ESL), and adults’ learning something so that they can go on to either higher education or citizenship, but now there is also an important literacy-to-work aspect that DCLC provides.”
She adds, “The Literacy Council has embraced this change, and we’ve seen the success. There are even DCLC students who have been able to become employees and continue the mission in that role. That’s amazing and a testament to the organization.”
Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union has provided financial products and services to its members in the greater Philadelphia region and beyond since 1970. As the largest financial institution headquartered in Delaware County, FMFCU has 110,000 members, 2,500 partner organizations, and branches located throughout the Delaware Valley.
The Upper Darby Township and Sellers Memorial Free Public Library includes three branches, the Sellers Memorial Branch on State Road in Upper Darby, the Primos Branch on Ashland Avenue in Secane, and the Municipal Branch on Bywood Avenue in Upper Darby. These libraries belong to the Delaware County Libraries, a federated system comprised of 26 member libraries.
The Delaware County Literacy Council helps adults develop reading, writing, math, and English language skills so that these adults can thrive in the workplace and community. To learn more or to get involved, visit https://www.delcoliteracy.org.
DCLC News & Notes Jan/Feb 2021
See the January/February 2021 issue of DCLC News & Notes here.
DCLC News & Notes Nov/Dec 2020
Literacy Telethon Reaches Goal with Boost from Rosenthal Family Foundation
Press Release of November 23, 2020
The Literacy Is Essential Telethon brought together a bevy of stars and community leaders to shine the spotlight on adult literacy and to raise awareness and needed funds for the Delaware County Literacy Council (DCLC), all while keeping attendees safe. The fundraising goal of the innovative online event was to raise $45,000.00 in honor of the 45 years that DCLC has been providing free literacy services to local adults.
Held online on October 21st, the Telethon succeeded by all measures. Sponsors supported the event; celebrities, entertainers, and civic leaders shared their talent and insight during the event; individuals donated to the event; and attendees thoroughly enjoyed the event. But the ambitious goal of raising $45,000.00 was achieved only because of a generous $15,000.00 matching grant awarded to DCLC by the Rosenthal Family Foundation.
The Rosenthal Family Foundation was created by Monica Horan Rosenthal and Phil Rosenthal. Monica hails from Delaware County and shared a personal message during the Telethon. She is best known as Amy MacDougall/Amy Barone from Everybody Loves Raymond. Phil created, wrote, and executive produced the beloved TV show and currently has a food travelogue series on Netflix called Somebody Feed Phil! When Monica heard about the Delaware County Literacy Council (DCLC) and the Literacy Is Essential Telethon, she took it upon herself to learn more. Touched by the stories of adults who persist in their studies, often despite challenging barriers, Monica then wanted to do more in support of DCLC’s students.
In Monica’s Telethon message she explained, “I was born and raised in Delco but I had no idea about the incredible work the Delaware County Literacy Council has been doing for 45 years. And I was so touched to learn that it all started because Chester community members noticed that their neighbors were struggling with reading, writing, math, and they didn’t just notice, they did something about it.”
Thus inspired, Monica Horan Rosenthal and Phil Rosenthal took action and awarded DCLC a matching grant from the Rosenthal Family Foundation to help spur donations during the Telethon. As a result, the first $15,000.00 raised during the Telethon was matched and doubled to become $30,000.00, which launched the event two-thirds of the way toward its overall fundraising goal. Donations and sponsorships combined to raise the remaining $15,000.00, helping DCLC raise the 45th anniversary target of $45,000.00!
The Literacy Is Essential Telethon’s generous sponsors include Major Sponsors Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union, Harrah’s Philadelphia, and PECO; Supporting Sponsors Brinker Simpson, Sun East Federal Credit Union, and White Horse Village; Gold Sponsors the Ed Snyder Family Foundation, King’s Automotive, and Wayne Jewelers; Silver Sponsors John Cipollone Heating and Cooling and Rose Valley Appraisal; Bronze Sponsors Vinnie Arcana and R&N Enterprises; and individual sponsors David Belanger, Madeline Bialecki, Michael Hartnett, and Carol A. Weiss.
Helmed by emcee Shonette Harrison Carew, the Literacy Is Essential Telethon honored the 2020 Champions of Adult Literacy for furthering the cause of adult literacy in Delaware County. During the Telethon, awards were presented to Student Champion Maria Torres, Community Champion Jonathan Abdur Rahim King, and Hometown Hero Champion the Delaware County Citizen Corps.
The roster of stars appearing in the Telethon was impressive and included celebrities, entertainers, and civic leaders with roots in or connections to Delaware County. From the sports world Dan Connor and Vince Papale each shared an inspirational message. Former Champions of Adult Literacy and local entertainment standouts Jahlil Beats and Dyana Williams also gave messages of support. Sharing their personal connection to literacy and to Delaware County from the world of TV and movies were Monica Horan; Fran Brill, a Sesame Street puppeteer; Byron Johnson, a hairstylist for Tyler Perry Studios; Cheri Oteri, best known for her work on Saturday Night Live; and Tina Fey, who presented Maria Torres with the Student Champion of Adult Literacy award.
Also appearing were television news anchors Lucy Bustamante of NBC10/Telemundo62 and Jessica Kartalija of CBS3, and local leaders Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, Mayor Thaddeus Kirkland, PA Representative Jenn O’Mara, and DCCC President Dr. L. Joy Gates Black.
Entertainment was provided by singer-songwriters Danie Ocean and Matthew Ryan, both from Chester; Lost Northern Tribe, a local band out of Media; and Broadway performer Kathy Deitch, originally from Ridley Park.
A special raffle prize was also generously provided by Phil Rosenthal of the Rosenthal Family Foundation. The “Dinner with Phil” raffle offered attendees the chance to have a free meal delivered from a local restaurant and then to share that meal with Monica Horan Rosenthal and Phil Rosenthal by video chat. Bonnie Hallam of Drexel Hill won the raffle prize.
More than 130 individuals donated to the Telethon, and as many as 500 people viewed the event live. A replay of the Telethon can be seen at https://bit.ly/TelethonReplay.
The Rosenthal Family Foundation works alongside grassroots activists to address issues of inequity. While most of the funding is focused in Los Angeles, the foundation supports a number of organizations working in the Philadelphia area and New York City. Key focus areas include developing a leadership pipeline for community based organizations and ensuring arts education is core curriculum in public schools. The Rosenthal Family Foundation recently launched a new program titled Somebody Feed The People, to support organizations working to alleviate hunger and food insecurity in communities across the United States and the globe.
The Delaware County Literacy Council (DCLC) helps adults develop reading, writing, math, and English language skills so that these adults can thrive in the workplace and community. To learn more or to get involved, visit www.delcoliteracy.org.