Vita Education Services, which aims to help the community harness the transformative power of education, is celebrating its 50th anniversary on Friday, May 6, at the Life Sciences Building at Delaware Valley University, from 7:30 to 10 p.m.
Guests can enjoy refreshments, an art show by Vita clients expressing the theme of transformation in their lives, and a silent auction featuring works by local artists and literary-themed gift baskets.
There will also be a presentation on the impact of Vita’s programs and services, with remarks from Bucks County Commissioner Gene DiGirolamo, Bucks County District Attorney Matt Weintraub, Vita’s first executive director Frances Stengel, former Bucks County Corrections Department assistant warden Lillian Budd, former Vita student and current board member Cesar de Amorim, and other community members.
“Vita has evolved over time to meet the changing needs of our students and we will continue to grow to respond to the future needs of our community,” said executive director Mercedes Anderson.
Since 1971, Vita has provided free, accessible educational services to the educationally disadvantaged, underserved populations in Bucks County. Whether teaching basic literacy, family literacy, ESL or other foundational skills, cognitive behavioral skills or employment readiness skills, Vita is focused on helping individuals become productive, self-sufficient, contributing members of the community.
Founded by Judge Edmond Ludwig from the Court of Common Pleas and a dedicated group of volunteers, Vita’s initial purpose was to help young people on probation and parole break patterns of recidivism. Discovering that many clients did not read well, and with no adult basic education services available in the county, the agency began a volunteer-based literacy program.
Since those early days, Vita has expanded into a professional organization with four core programs — cognitive behavioral skills, literacy, English as a Second Language and family literacy — to meet emerging needs in the community, as well as in correctional settings.
“Vita’s students are eager, motivated and dedicated to making this a better community for themselves, their families and their neighbors,” said Catherine McElroy, chair of the board of directors. “We are fortunate to have the opportunity to work with these amazing individuals and to witness their pride in their accomplishments.”
“Working as an English language teacher was so rewarding for me,” added honorary committee chair Pam Byers. “I feel as though I learned as much from my students as they did from me. Let’s continue bringing people together through Vita for the next 50 years. Not only will individuals grow and learn, but our community will surely benefit as well.”
Tickets are $35 per person. All proceeds support Vita’s ability to continue its vital work throughout Bucks County. To purchase tickets, make a donation and learn more about Vita Education Services, visit vitaeducation.org/50th. Call 215-345-8322 for additional information.
