Community support is essential to continue providing vital services

The Perry County Literacy Council (PCLC) is currently in dire need of donations and volunteers to continue to support the growing demand for services. Whether individuals or businesses can contribute financially or offer time for training, assistance with office tasks, or assistance with fundraising, support is essential to help an organization achieve its mission.

Donations can be made directly through the PCLC website, and volunteers can apply by contacting the office to learn how their skills can be used in effective community service. Community generosity can make a direct difference in the lives of people striving for a better future.

PCLC began in the early 1980s with a small group of interested community members and over the past four decades has grown into a vital resource for many Perry County residents.

The organization was born out of a shared concern about illiteracy when Dale Lesperance approached Lane Partner looking for a solution to the lack of educational opportunities. With a $100 grant from the New Bloomfield Civic Club, they organized a literacy event in Laubach for a small group of 10-12 people using books provided by the Juniata County Literacy Council. The organization began simply, with no formal structure, but local churches and clubs helped spread the word, and volunteer mentors worked with students one-on-one. The first year they worked with only a handful of people, meeting at Father Larry’s home at St. Bernard Catholic Church.

This unofficial beginning laid the groundwork for what would become a much larger operation. By 1984, with a $25,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), the PCLC moved into the basement of the Newport Public Library. At this point, the organization hired its first executive director, Wendy Lindstrom, and began expanding its offerings to include high school equivalency training. A major shift occurred in 1993 when Carol Steiner took over as executive director. Steiner’s priorities included integrating computer literacy into PCLC programs and significantly increasing fundraising efforts. At the time, Ann Chappelka, a newcomer to Perry County, became active in the organization and eventually joined the board, where she remained an active volunteer until her passing in 2021.

Tragedy occurred in 1997 when Steiner died in a car accident. Chappelka, who served as acting board president, served as acting director until a permanent replacement was found. With the help of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, which held Steiner in high esteem, PCLC was able to continue its search for a new leader. By 2000, the organization had outgrown the library basement and moved to new premises on Market Street in Newport. In 2003, the Newport School District made the important decision to allow PCLC to use its facilities as a GED testing site, an agreement that benefited many adult members of the community who previously had to travel to Harrisburg Community College to take tests.

When executive director Susan Risner retired in 2007, she was replaced by Kathleen Bentley, a former special education teacher. Bentley brought a wealth of experience to the organization and her approach was focused on treating every individual with dignity and compassion. During Bentley’s tenure at PCLC, the organization further expanded its services by opening a new location on South Fifth Street, offering more space for staff training and other resources. She partnered with various agencies, including Perry Apex Services Unlimited (PASU), which provided transportation to help people access PCLC services. Bentley has also created a scholarship fund that covers at least half the cost of GED testing.

Bentley’s work highlighted the critical need for basic services, such as identification documents, that many residents lacked. Through her efforts, PCLC helped people obtain necessary documents such as photo IDs, birth certificates and Social Security cards. A social work department was opened in 2010, and Bentley used grants to provide other important services, such as child care for students’ children and emergency food and gas cards.

In December 2021, Bentley stepped down and Leslie Heimbaugh, who had been with the organization since 2009, took over as CEO. Heimbaugh initially joined PCLC as a part-time office manager and quickly became involved in fundraising and student support. She worked as an administrative assistant and development specialist before being asked to take on the role of executive director in 2017. However, this meant that she had to earn a bachelor’s degree, which she did, earning a degree in communications from Central Pennsylvania College at the age of 58, even becoming valedictorian of her class.

Heimbaugh’s deep commitment to PCLC is reflected in her passion for the students and families the organization serves. “It’s such a privilege that people trust us to help them during the most difficult times in their lives,” she said. “This is simultaneously the most joyful and hardest work I have ever done.”

Heimbaugh is especially moved by the resilience of students who, despite enormous challenges in their lives, continue to pursue their educational goals. She recognizes the importance of giving second chances. “PCLC is a second, third, and sometimes even fourth chance. We never judge those who need to leave and return when conditions are more favorable for their success.”

The range of services offered by PCLC is extensive, with a focus on adult education and GED preparation, as well as English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. Heimbaugh noted that the number of ESL students is growing rapidly, with all students living legally in the United States or having refugee status. In addition to educational services, PCLC provides a range of support services, including assistance with obtaining vital documents, emergency food and gas cards, child care for students’ children, free tax preparation for low-income residents, and assistance connecting to healthcare.

As the official CareerLink organization of Pennsylvania, PCLC helps people find employment and training opportunities, especially youth and adults who need support with job readiness. The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, co-located with PCLC, provides services to Perry County residents with disabilities. Merakey, another organization that shares space, runs programs for adults with mental health issues, including advocacy, recovery and psychiatric rehabilitation.

Heimbaugh emphasized the importance of partnerships with other local organizations. “We rely on the support of an extensive network of partnerships. We listen to what our customers need, take care of what we can, and offer a warm handover to one of our partners.”

The impact of PCLC’s work is evident in the stories of the people it serves. Heimbaugh shared an example of a student who came to the organization hoping that a pair of steel-toe boots would help him get a job. PCLC was able to provide the necessary support and the individual eventually found employment.

PCLC continues to serve residents of not only Perry County, but also neighboring areas such as upper Dauphin and eastern Juniata County. As Heimbaugh puts it, “The people we serve are just like you and me—they want the same things we want: love, safety, protection, education, home and family.” Many students and clients face major obstacles in their lives, but PCLC’s mission is to help them overcome these obstacles and achieve their goals, step by step.