News

For Tricia, retirement on April 1st last year didn’t mean slowing down; it meant redirection. With her own grandchildren living far away, she felt a pull toward the youth of Highlands. “I’ve always loved working with kids—Sunday school, scouts—and I know that being truly present with a child can make all the difference,” she explains. “It’s about letting them be heard.”   That philosophy brought her to The Literacy & Learning Center, where she quickly found that her role as a

The Literacy & Learning Center is proud to announce the appointment of Cal Isaacs as the new Board Chair, alongside the addition of two distinguished community members, Helene Siegel and Nathan Salsbury, to the Board of Directors.   Stepping into the role of Board Chair holds deep personal significance for Cal Isaacs, who follows the legacy of three remarkable educators in his family: his mother, a retired principal, and his grandmother and great-grandmother. Their commitment

The Literacy & Learning Center believes that every step toward language proficiency is a milestone worth celebrating. There is great enthusiasm regarding the early success of the latest initiative: The Literacy Rewards ESL Incentive Program.   Designed to champion adult language learners, this program offers a tangible "thank you" for dedication. For every five classes attended, students earn a $25 gift card. The first five gift cards have already been awarded to students who

We are still smiling after a truly wonderful time at the Highlands Christmas Parade on December 6! Our festive, gingerbread-themed float was a hit, and it was a joy to see so many of our students and families waving from the sidewalks. The highlight of the event was our "mission of the heart": spreading the love of literacy throughout the community. We are thrilled to share that we handed out over 1,200 free books  to children along the parade route! Watching the excitement o

When you choose to support The Literacy & Learning Center’s free educational programs, you are providing the fundamental building blocks for a brighter future in our community. While one-time gifts are always profoundly appreciated, setting up a recurring donation transforms your generosity into a powerful force for long-term stability and growth. Recurring gifts, often set up monthly, offer significant advantages for both donors and students who rely on the free literacy and

The national conversation around childcare has reached a critical point. News reports highlight that in 41 U.S. States, the cost of childcare exceeds the average mortgage payment. This astronomical expense is directly impacting the U.S. labor force, where participation by women with children under five has declined in recent years, demonstrating that a lack of affordable care is a significant barrier to economic stability. The Literacy & Learning Center recognizes the profoun

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The Literacy & Learning Center hosted a fun-filled pumpkin carving event on Thursday, October 23, 2025, for After-School students and their families. The activity was open to all program participants, and families of all ages enjoyed getting creative with their pumpkins to celebrate the season. Armed with carving tools and a variety of pumpkins, students and their families let their imaginations run wild. They carved spooky faces, funny expressions, and intricate designs. The

The 2025 Highlands Motoring Festival® was very successful by every measure including financial support to local human needs charities. To commemorate this accomplishment, there was a presentation of the funds to three local human needs charities at Kelsey Hutchinson Park on Oct. 21.  Representatives for the Literacy and Learning Center of Highlands, REACH of Macon County, and the Community Care Clinic of Highlands and Cashiers along with HMF volunteers were on hand for the of

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The Literacy and Learning Center successfully hosted its annual Celebration of Education fundraiser on September 30, drawing strong community support with a special appearance by global bestselling author and philanthropist, David Baldacci. The day's events began with an engaging hour-long Author’s Presentation at the Performing Arts Center, followed by an intimate dinner for patrons at the Old Edwards Club in the evening. During his public talk, Mr. Baldacci, whose books hav

The Literacy and Learning Center is excited to announce a significant step forward in its community programming: the return of English as...

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The Literacy and Learning Center is excited to welcome a new cohort of students for the 2025-26 school year, offering a comprehensive...

The Literacy & Learning Center is thrilled to announce a special evening dedicated to supporting programs featuring celebrated author...

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As the school year approaches, The Literacy & Learning Center is actively seeking dedicated volunteers to support its vital educational...

For over three decades, The Literacy & Learning Center has been a cornerstone of educational support on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau....

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As summer unfolds in Highlands, The Literacy & Learning Center remains a vibrant hub for early learning, particularly through its beloved...