Orange County NC Website
7 <br /> on-one tutoring for adults, eighteen and over, who reach adulthood <br /> without this skill. She explained how students are evaluated and <br /> matched with a tutor. At the present time there are more trained tutors <br /> than there are students. In the past five months, their enrollment has <br /> almost doubled. She explained how they recruit students. Finding ways <br /> to attract non-readers or functionally illiterate adults to the Council <br /> continues to be a major goal of the Literacy Council. She explained <br /> that she has met with employers in those sectors of the work force where <br /> there is a high probability of non-reading employees, such as hotels and <br /> motels, the university and the hospital. She explained how she <br /> interacts with the tutors and the procedure that is used to report <br /> progress. The Council plans to provide a new program for the children <br /> and grandchildren of their adult students. She stated that the <br /> immigrant population of Orange County has grown to about 4000. The <br /> Literacy Council Board of Directors has not as yet decided to offer <br /> English as a Second Language but is studying its feasibility. Ms. <br /> Royster outlined the needs of the Council. Since the Council is a <br /> volunteer organization, they receive most of their funding from United <br /> Way and some additional funding from the County and the Municipalities. <br /> They have received several grants for equipment which is used by the <br /> students. She emphasized that as the Council attempts to expand its <br /> programs and reach a greater number of the County's citizens needing <br /> their help, that additional funding will be needed. Their goal is to <br /> raise the literacy level of Orange County citizens so they may be better <br /> qualified for the work force. She asked for continued support from <br /> County Government. Financial assistance will help them to continue <br /> their services. <br /> Ms. Royster stated they now have 62 students. Chairman Carey <br /> stated that if more minorities served on the Board of Directors it may <br /> encourage more blacks to become involved in the program. He also <br /> expressed a concern about the outreach program and indicated a desire <br /> to learn more about the creative ways in which the Council plans to <br /> reach those citizens who will not come forward. <br /> Discussion ensued on Family Literacy. Orange County does not <br /> have an active program at this time. The Literacy Board is looking into <br /> the program and will explore its feasibility. They do not have the <br /> money to implement a new program of this magnitude. <br /> B. PROPOSED LOCAL LEGISLATION FOR AUTHORITY TO ADOPT A CIVIL <br /> RIGHTS ORDINANCE <br /> Jean Bolduc, member of the Human Relations Commission, <br /> reviewed the process which ultimately indicated to the HRC the need for <br /> a Local Civil Rights Ordinance. They formed an Ordinance Subcommittee <br /> and reviewed the local laws of other jurisdictions as well as federal <br /> laws which prevent discrimination. She feels that the County will <br /> clearly benefit from an Ordinance that will protect the citizens against <br /> the different forms of discrimination. She emphasized that the County <br /> cannot expect the Federal and State Governments to set the standards for <br /> Orange County. She pledged the support of the HRC in working with the <br /> County to put an Ordinance in place which is realistic and effective. <br /> Discussion ensued on whether or not the Ordinance would also <br /> apply to municipalities. Geoff Gledhill stated that the general <br />