Our Mission
The mission of the Perry County Literacy Council (PCLC) is to provide educational programs for Perry County residents and their families that will enable them to better function as productive, responsible citizens. All of our programs are 100% free; we tailor our instruction to the individual’s needs and deliver it via one-to-one tutoring and small classes.
A Safe Learning Experience
How We Advocate For Our Students
Empowering learners by helping them remove obstacles on their path to financial independence.
Representation and support for those unable to advocate for themselves
OVR, Social Security and MHIDD contact for disabled residents
Literacy Advocacy for those unable to complete literacy tasks independently
UWCR Money In Your Pocket Campaign – onsite tax preparation for low income residents
Access to a community Emergency Needs Fund
Contact for holiday meal programs, personal care kits, quilts, school supplies and gifts
Free book distribution – adults and children
Overcoming Barriers
Our Guiding Principles
We use a holistically-guided approach to education and financial independence for our Perry County neighbors.
We provide residents of Perry County with high quality adult education programs in alignment with state and federal standards, ranging from adult basic literacy to high school equivalency and including instructional models that address each of our students’ unique needs at no cost to them.
We are committed to the ongoing development of programs aligned with state and Federal Standards that offer sustainable, portable credentials and skills that support career pathways for students living below the poverty line.
We maintain ongoing program improvement and professional development for programs that align with state and federal standards and support community needs.
We value and address every Perry County resident’s request for services aligned with literacy at the appropriate level of need with a high-quality participant-service model that supports the desired outcome.
We respond to the need for local access to programs and services in a rural community by maintaining a capacity-building model that supports the unique needs of rural residents.
We support leadership that pairs adult education with workforce development programs that help students attain goals – including (but not limited to) family-sustaining wages and benefits supporting self-sufficiency.
We support collaboration without competition, as well as the alignment of partnerships with common goals.
We support resource-sharing projects that maximize the use of money allocated to Perry County and support future funding with outcomes aligned with a reduction in unemployment and reliance on public assistance.
We maintain working relationships with numerous communities within Perry County, including social service, business, Pre K – 12 education, childcare, healthcare, and faith-based/nonprofit organizations.
FAQs for Students
How Much Do Classes Cost?
At PCLC, we provide all of our services at no cost to the student. The only required payment is one-half of the fee for the GED® or HiSET® exam; the other half is covered by PCLC’s Scholarship Fund. If you are age 17-24 and are enrolled in EDSI’s Youth Program, EDSI will pay for the second half, which will allow you to take the entire exam free of charge.
Where Are Classes Held?
Classes are usually held at the PCLC’s offices, though tutor-student pairs can arrange to meet onsite and offsite.
Can PCLC Find Me Employment?
Absolutely! PCLC offers a variety of job training courses and can put you in contact with potential employers and other career resources that will help lead you to new employment opportunities.
Who Does PCLC Serve?
PCLC serves Perry County, PA residents or those residents of neighboring counties who live closer to PCLC than any other adult education provider.
FAQs for Volunteers
How Do I Become a Tutor to a Student?
Feel free to contact PCLC if you are interested in working with us. 717-567-7323
Do You Require Teaching Experience to Become a Tutor?
All volunteer tutors must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in order to work with PCLC. Aside from this, no prior teaching experience is required.
To Teach English As a Second Language, Do You Have to Speak a Foreign Language?
No foreign language experience is necessary; all of PCLC’s classes are held in English.
Your Donation At Work
Adult learners become high school graduates, skilled workers, taxpayers, and consumers. They decrease their reliance on government support and contribute to a stronger Perry County!
Our Team
Meet Our Staff
The PCLC staff is committed to understanding every individual’s needs & challenges and providing the appropriate services to set them up for success.
Leslie Heimbaugh
Executive Director
View Bio
Gwen Soult
GED Instructor and Student-Tutor Coordinator
View Bio
Lauren Kerlin
Early Childhood Outreach Specialist
View Bio
Robert Isenberg
Fingerprinting Tech
View Bio
Volunteer Leadership
2021 Board of Directors
Our Directors bring a wealth of experience and expertise to PCLC, united by their passion for our mission.
Kevin Fitzpatrick - President 2018
CNESTA GROUP, LLC.
Vice President Perry County Economic Development Authority
Perry County Chamber of Commerce
New Bloomfield Lions Club
President, New Bloomfield Borough Council
Historical Society of Perry County
David Kutz - Vice President 2020
TFEC Board
Perry County Community Foundation
Volunteer Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art
Laura Campbell - Secretary 2015
Director, PA Code and Bulletin, Legislative Reference Bureau
Perry County Council of the Arts
Newport Revitalization and Preservation Society
Newport PA Celebrates 175
Perry County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
Michael Smith - Treasurer 2021
Principal, Newport Elementary School
Shriner
Lane Partner - Life Member
Retired
Perry County Community Foundation
Andrew Bender - 2016
41st Judicial District Judge-Court of Common Pleas
Former Perry County District Attorney
Boy Scouts of America
Lance Laird - 2017
Retired
PCLC Volunteer Tutor
UWCR Volunteer Tax Preparer
F. Clay Merris - 2019
Perry County District Attorney
President Perry County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
Jeff Probasco - 2016
PCLC Volunteer Tutor
Fox Field Airport
Historical Society of Perry County
Perry County Bicentennial Committee
Patty Sibbach - 2021
Precision Training Concepts, LLC
Owner Perry Strength
Megan Gantt - 2021
Guidance Counselor Newport Elementary School
Angela Barlup - 2021
Business Development Representative
Belco Community Credit Union
