Literacy Council finds new home

LIMA - Ken Blanchard has been in the business of helping illiterate adults for years, and now he has a great space in which to do that.

Thanks to the generosity of sisters Beverly Driver and Janelle Del Vesco, the Northwest Ohio Literacy Council has a new home. The group has had to relocate six times in its 22-year history, Blanchard said.

"I knock on wood and say my prayers every night after moving into this house," said Blanchard, the director of the group.

The house, located at 563 W. Spring St., was once the accounting firm of Fred John. Driver and Del Vesco wanted the house to be in good hands, Blanchard said, and cut the council a deal.

"When I got a call to come check out the interior of this. As soon as I saw how nice it was, I said immediately that we couldn't afford it," Blanchard said. "We didn't have $105,000 to spend, so I wasn't about to put a bid in. ... I was asked if we could afford $50,000, and I couldn't believe it. I knew we could and the board agreed immediately."

The new office will be named the Fred L. John Literacy House, in honor of the father of Driver and Del Vesco.

The house, which has been vacant for three years, is currently being refurbished by prisoners from Allen Correctional Institution and Oakwood Correctional Facility. The two-story, nearly 3,000-square-feet house didn't require any major improvements.

"It's part of their vocational classes at the correctional center," he said. "They are learning how to work on plumbing, how to refinish floors, install carpet, just about everything."

The Northwest Ohio Literacy Council works to help adults improve their reading skills. About a quarter of the nation is functioning below a third-grade reading level, Blanchard said. About 40 people volunteer locally with the council to tutor those needing help.

"We now have a place we are proud to show off," Blanchard said. "We have more room for the adults and tutors, and now we can make a statement. We are here - and we are going to make a difference."

What: Ribbon cutting ceremony for Northwest Ohio Literacy Council

When: 4 p.m. June 18

Where: 563 W. Spring St., Lima

• Also, an open house is planned for June 22.

• To volunteer or reach someone for reading help, call the council at 419-223-0252.