The Literacy Center Celebrates Students and Community Partners: Sturdy Memorial Hospital and Attleboro Norton YMCA Honored

From Left to Right: Sturdy Health Chief Medical and Quality Officer Dr. Brian Patel, The Literacy Center Executive Director Amanda Blount, Attleboro-Norton YMCA CEO Leigh Fontes, and State Rep. James Hawkins (D-Attleboro)

ATTLEBORO, MA – The Literacy Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing adult education and English language learning opportunities in Attleboro and surrounding communities, recently hosted its annual Evening of Recognition to celebrate the achievements of their students and acknowledge the vital support of their community partners.

Over 750 adults and 60 volunteers were recognized for their participation in TLC’s classroom and tutoring programs. TLC students Meriam Shehetta received the Joan Ricci Academic Achievement Award and Marie Bontemps received the Judy Robbins Student Leadership Award. TLC also presented Outstanding Community Partner awards to Sturdy Memorial Hospital and the Attleboro Norton YMCA in recognition of their exceptional collaboration and commitment to supporting adult learners in the region.

"Every day at Sturdy, we are driven by a singular goal: to keep our community as healthy as possible," said Dr. Brian Patel, Sturdy Health Chief Medical and Quality Officer. "And while it’s always humbling to receive awards, it’s especially meaningful when it comes from an organization that’s equally committed to having a profound impact on the lives of those same neighbors that we serve."

"Strong partnerships are essential to our mission of empowering adults in our community," said Amanda Blount, Executive Director of The Literacy Center. "Sturdy Hospital and the Attleboro Norton YMCA have demonstrated unwavering support for our students and programs, helping us create innovative pathways to success for individuals from diverse backgrounds."

Each year, TLC’s Evening of Recognition highlights the transformative impact of adult education on individuals and families throughout the community. Students from dozens of countries participate in The Literacy Center's English language classes and adult education programs, working toward goals that include citizenship, career advancement, and academic achievement. This year’s event took place at a time when services for individuals hailing from other countries are under scrutiny from some federal agencies.

In her comments, Ms. Blount stated that the Evening of Recognition celebrates “not just individual achievements, but the collective spirit that refuses to be broken by division. We honor those who choose to uplift others, who choose to plant roots in soil that sometimes feels uncertain, and who choose to build bridges when others build walls.”

The Literacy Center continues to serve as a vital resource for adult learners in Attleboro and the greater community, offering classes and support services that help individuals build the skills they need to thrive in their personal and professional lives.

For more information about The Literacy Center and its programs, visit www.theliteracycenter.com or call to speak with a staff member at 508-455-5382.

About The Literacy Center
The Literacy Center is a nonprofit organization based in Attleboro, Massachusetts, dedicated to providing adult education and English language learning opportunities. Serving approximately 800 individuals from over 50 countries annually, the organization offers classes and support services designed to help adult learners achieve their educational, personal, and career goals.