Improving lives through literacy

How a gift from Spire empowers adults working to improve their lives 

_{Photo credit: The Literacy Council}

At Spire, dedicating time and resources to organizations that improve the quality of life for the communities we serve is a key part of Spire Serves—our employee volunteerism and community impact program. 

Spire recently provided a grant to The Literacy Council (TLC) in Birmingham, Alabama to support the organization's important work.

Antoine Liddell, Spire’s vice president of field operations and proud TLC board member, awarded the gift to the organization at our Birmingham office earlier this summer. 

In 2022, TLC served around 4,800 people in Central Alabama, offering innovative courses with online options to lessen the transportation and time barriers of in-person learning. Spire’s grant will help TLC expand access to address even more literacy challenges throughout the area. 

“Literacy touches many aspects of health and wellness. Having improved language skills – including reading, writing, speaking and listening – not only empowers individuals socially and economically. It can also lift entire communities with educational and job opportunities, enabling people to reach their full potential. 

“I share the same passion for lifting and supporting those in my community. I also have people close to me who have had literacy challenges – and I’m proud to serve this organization that works to close the gap,” Liddell shared. 

According to the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies study (2020), 58% of adults in Central Alabama are considered below proficiency in reading, writing and language skills. But when someone has access to improving literacy, they are more likely to live fuller lives, have greater  access to job opportunities, build financial independence and make healthy dietary choices. 

For more information about The Literacy Council, visit their website.