1. Life WORKS Learning Center Career and School Solutions for the Whole Family

2. In the community needs assessment, we discovered that residents want… homework support for our youth and workforce development for teens and adults. What a great vision for a lifelong learning center that we are calling Life Works.

3. Statistics support the need for a homework center. Napa’s 3 rd, 6 th and 9 th grades score below national average on standardized testing. 40% of children get reduced/free lunch, can’t afford private tutoring. 27% Latino population, need support to guide homework. High school drop-out rate at ten-year high. Studies show most children do not achieve more than one grade level above parents’ literacy level. Avg. of approx. 350 calls/month to Tutor.com reflects a clear need/interest—few other Napa venues for free after-school homework help.

4. Statistics also support the need for a career center. 8.5% Unemployment rate Napa; 13.8% American Canyon (EDD 3/09) 660 local construction jobs lost 1/08-1/09 In March, 2009 2,000 people sought Job Connection Napa services Food stamp applicants increased by 23% Homeless shelters see a “dramatic increase” Aging workforce—younger employees not adequately prepared

5. Now imagine a solution… Life WORKS : A room full of children delighting in the learning process while they are being tutored by high school students, who are feeling the satisfaction of making a difference with special training for parents, so they can better help their children at home while also building their literacy and career skills.

6. And imagine another Life WORKS solution: A training room is filled with the sound of fingers on keyboards during a résumé- building class or is packed with people attending an informational and inspirational workshop, about new careers in the green economy or how to make a million without a college degree.

7. And imagine… Life WORKS career specialists offering free career assessments, giving customers a blueprint for finding the right job while teens teach seniors the secret to social network marketing, and dads are reading to their children in the cozy Family Corner while moms are learning the Five Steps to an Effective Job Search.

8. Life WORKS reflects our vision of a library responsive to our community. Adult and Family Literacy Workforce Development Homework Help

9. The library is well positioned to do this because … we have a great team committed to Life Works and well-supported by the County. the State’s Library Literacy Services gave us the approval to dedicate a portion of our FFL, ELLI and ABS funding to establish Life WORKS. the library can make a one-time FY 08-09 contribution for start-up.

10. The library is also well-positioned because of our great partnerships. County Office of Ed & Adult School (donated all textbooks used in the schools K-12) Workforce Investment Board (will train library and literacy staff and bring in free resources, including career specialists) Cybermill Napa Arts Council Businesses & CBOs Strong volunteer base with potential to grow

11. The library will consider Life WORKS a success if we… tutor at least 20 students/day and offer monthly trainings for volunteers and parents. provide career assessments, basic and advanced career development classes, career fairs, and are partner to successful job placements. offer computer and Internet instruction. engage the incredible volunteer talent in our community.

12. The library is committed to do everything it can to make this happen because…. we are dedicated to providing our customers with the resources they need and want. Through the creation of Life WORKS Learning Center we will offer solutions for career and school for the whole family and provide greater access and opportunity for all.

13. We hope you’ll agree that Life WORKS is well worth pursuing. Maybe you will consider volunteering as a tutor or career specialist or you will let others know that Life WORKS is more than just a dream. It’s our vision for tomorrow.