Chattanooga - The year 2009 will bring many changes to adult education classes offered by Tennessee's oldest adult literacy organization. Formerly known as R.E.A.D. Chattanooga, Re:Start - The Center for Adult Education more accurately depicts its new business model.
"The name READ Chattanooga implies a more simplistic function of this agency. People had the misperception that we just teach people to read," said Lori Hairrell, Executive Director of Re:Start. "Reading is a component of what we do, but so are mathematics, language arts, GED® preparation, and health literacy."
Re:Start is a 49-year-old institution of the Chattanooga and Hamilton County community. Started in 1959 and known as C.A.L.M. (Chattanooga Area Literacy Movement), this agency has a proven track record of success and endurance. Serving into the thousands of people over the years, Re:Start is poised to tackle the complicated issue of literacy and under-resourced learners in a strategic way.
Re:Start is an adult education service dedicated to the idea that educated adults have greater economic opportunity, are less vulnerable to those who would take advantage, are less likely to live in poverty, make more productive citizens and better parents, therefore making Chattanooga a better community.
To further it's updated mission and strategy, Re:Start has also moved to a new location. Classes are being taught at 1501 Riverside Drive, a location with easier access, and broader reach. Classes will resume in the new location on Monday, January 5, 2009 at the new location.
"1501 Riverside Drive is a more centrally-located, accessible address for people from all different geographic communities across Hamilton County. The CARTA bus can pick up and drop off students virtually at our front door," Ms. Hairrell stated.
Re:Start will continue to seek out willing and conscientious community partners for the purposes of advancing adult literacy. Anyone who has questions or needs assistance can call Re:Start's offices at (423)855-4443.