United Way Success Story: Lilia Ramirez
Lilia Ramirez dropped out of high school at age 16 to marry and raise a family. At age 30, she knew she needed to earn her general education diploma (GED) to improve her chances at employment. Lilia learned about a family literacy program in Jessamine County that not only offered academic instruction and but also assistance with early care and education for children of participants.
Lilia was one of the 25% of Jessamine County freshman entering high school that did not graduate. Close to 9,000 Jessamine County residents over age 18 function at the two lowest literacy levels. In fact, 18% of children in Jessamine County still live in poverty, and a large number of adults need additional training and skill improvement to effectively compete in the job market.
Published on November 15, 2011