In 1987, a need for a more literate workforce at a local cannery, Tri-Valley Growers, caused the formation of a literacy program as part of the Volunteer Center in Stanislaus County. Using Vista members, the Volunteer Center developed a program consisting of trained volunteers tutoring 
individuals one-on-one using the Laubach Way to Reading curriculum. In 1995, the Volunteer Center went under the umbrella of United Way and the literacy program became its own organization, the Stanislaus Literacy Center. By that time, there were about 50 volunteer tutors working with students and a program in the jail to teach reading and math skills and help inmates pass the GED test. Karen Williams was hired in 1996 as the first executive director. Under her leadership, programs grew and expanded. In 1998, the first family literacy program and a drop-in learning center were added. In 2001, The Stanislaus Literacy Center partnered with the Stanislaus County Library bringing more funding and volunteers to the literacy program. It was decided to call the product of this partnership ReadingWorks. Since 1996, the program has grown from a $68,000 budget and two part-time employees to over $850,000 and 15 full-time and 40 part-time employees.
For more information visit: www.readingworks.net