The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County is set to host its annual fundraiser, "Reading Between the Wines," on Friday, March 27 at 6 p.m. at Safari Texas Ranch in Richmond, Texas.
The event, formerly known as Wine and Music, is in its 12th year and aims to raise awareness for the volunteer-driven group's adult literacy programs.
This year, Super Bowl winning-quarterback - turned - author Joe Theismann is the special guest.
ABC13 anchor Samica Knight will emcee.
The Literacy Council of Fort Bend County was founded in 1987 by a group of local women as a grassroots effort and today offers five adult education programs: GED preparation, digital literacy, basic literacy, US Citizenship preparation, and ESL.
RELATED: Houston Reads Day turns up the volume with party and Texans' Toro at Best Elementary in Alief ISD
The programs are offered to adults 18 and older if they can prove residence within Fort Bend County or contiguous communities, the organization says.
Interested adults can apply to attend an orientation and begin classes at one of the council's five sites, wherever is closest to them.
"At a basic level, literacy allows adults to function independently," said Executive Director Dedre Smith. "Tasks like filling out job applications, reading medication labels, understanding bills, or helping a child with homework all depend on it. Without these skills, everyday life becomes harder and more limited."
In addition, Smith notes that adults with higher literacy levels are more likely to get stable jobs, earn higher wages, and adapt as workplaces change, while low literacy can have the opposite effect, trapping people in cycles of unemployment or low-paying work.
There are also benefits to adult literacy that the public might not realize, like the impact on health.
"People with stronger literacy skills are better able to understand medical instructions, navigate healthcare systems, and make informed decisions. This can lead to better overall health outcomes," Smith said, adding that families and communities are affected, too.
"Literate parents are more likely to support their children's education, which improves the next generation's chances," Smith continued. "Communities with higher literacy rates tend to have lower crime, higher civic participation, and stronger local economies."
Beyond books: How libraries across Southeast Texas serve as critical spaces
How Rosenberg Library in Galveston Co. helps people beyond books
But literacy, Smith adds, also has a personal benefit that can result in confidence, dignity, empowerment, and ultimately, a stronger voice thanks to effective reading, writing, and communication skills.
For this year's fundraiser, Literacy Council of Fort Bend County has set a $145,000 goal. They need a final $49,000 to meet that.
Certain statistics may also be a driver. According to the organization, 19% of adults, or about 154,000 - 174,000 people in Fort Bend County, have low literacy skills, meaning they struggle with basic reading and writing.
"In short, adult literacy isn't just an education issue," Smith said. "It's a foundation for economic mobility, health, family stability, and community growth."
You can find more information about the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County, including volunteer opportunities and their upcoming event, here.
From 2022: Texas facing crisis as student reading gap grows during pandemic
Action 13: 'Turning the Page on Illiteracy' town hall
ABC13 loves to encourage reading, too! As you read more about the efforts to support adults, check out a segment with Marvin Zindler from our archives below.
ABC13's Marvin Zindler reads 'Cinderella'