About TV411 Episode 2: Literacy, Life Skills, and Community Support

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Episode 2, Literacy, Life Skills, and Community Support focuses primarily on the issues of community support centers and family literacy. The format of the show is closer to that of ALMA's variety-show style, and offers viewers a more in-depth experience. The show opens with a montage of learners and instructors reflecting on the importance of family literacy and community support centers. The first site highlighted is Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council's Families for Learning program in the Northview Heights section of Pittsburgh. This program helps families by providing GED instruction for adults, day-care for children, and planning community events. Contact director Sharon Brentley at (412) 323-1020 for more information. Next stop is The Renaissance Center, where adults can find rehabilitation for emotional and mental trauma. Contact director Brian Heywood at (412) 261-0875 for more information. The final segment in Episode 2 is a two-parter. First is the Beginning With Books program, designed to serve the early literacy needs of low-income children and their families. The Storymobile, part of BWB's Project BEACON, is next. The TV411 crew follows outreach coordinators as they ride in this "traveling library" to low-income neighborhoods, providing "top notch books, and top notch service." Contact Betty Dell or Debbie El at (412) 731-1717 for more information about BWB and the Storymobile. Episode 2 also features AmeriCorps member Danielle Crumrine, who hosts two"Lifeskills" segments. The first follows Danielle to Pittsburgh's Driver's Registration Center, the second to the Voter's registration office. Danielle interviews the directors of both offices to help inform adult learners how to take advantage of both facilities.

*To order a copy of TV411 L.C. Episode 2, e-mail Denise Caldwell at Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council, or call (412)661-7323.