Literacy Action serves individuals 18 and older in need of basic skills, preparation for the General Educational Development (GED) examination and diploma, basic computer skills and "21st century work skills" or employment readiness.  The majority of students, over 70% are taking classes in an effort to attain their GED. Students range in age from 18 to over 60. Nearly 60% are under 35 years old. An average student enters with a 5th grade literacy level, and their native language is English. Students typically dropped out of high school due to extreme poverty or lack of family support. Over 90% of our students live at or below the poverty level. Approximately 40% are the caregiver to at least on school-aged child. 35% are currently un-employed. 70% live in Fulton County and 20% live in DeKalb. The program does not provide ESL (English as a Second Language), but we encourage bilingual individuals with sufficient English language skills to apply. The agency adheres to non-discriminatory policies and procedures and welcomes clients of any race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, socioeconomic status or national origin. The program reflects the diversity of the community and the facility is wheelchair accessible.  All clients and program participants enroll to improve life and build better futures for themselves or their families.  For some, this means finding a better job or earning the GED diploma to apply to community colleges and technical schools. For others, this simply means overcoming the terrible stigma of "functional illiteracy," learning to read to their children or grandchildren, or simply participating more in society. Literacy Action, Inc. is conveniently located near the Five Points MARTA station and the downtown connector, so we are accessible to clients from all sections of the city as well as nearby counties. Patrick Alfred Although he left high school three credits shy of a diploma, Patrick Alfred did well before coming to Literacy Action, Inc.  He had developed a marketable skill -- making eyeglasses -- and held management roles in this field. When Alfred enrolled in LAI to prepare for his General Educational Development (GED) diploma, his motivation was as much personal as professional.  "When my children came to live with me, I realized that, without a GED, I couldn't be convincing when I stayed on my daughter about working hard in high school."   With this motivation, he registered at LAI to prepare for the GED examinations in 2000. Alfred says that was "the hardest year of my life."   Commuting from Clayton County to work full-time in Buckhead and attend night classes downtown at LAI made for a grueling schedule.   Moreover, he was adjusting to what he calls "the hardest and most important job" -- being a full-time parent.  After years of being the "weekend and vacation dad," Alfred was living fulltime with his 17-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son.   Full-time parenthood brought both emotional and financial challenges; his living expenses skyrocketed. "There were a lot of times I just didn't think I could make it," Alfred said.  Gregory Bailey, LAI instructor and Director of Student Services, played an important part in his passing the GED exams.   "Mr. Bailey kept on me when I'd start to slack off.   He really helped me finish."  Today, Alfred is assistant laboratory manager at the Lenscrafters store on The Avenue at Peachtree City.   He is also playing a leadership role in Lenscrafters' Gift of Sight program, which provides free glasses for those who cannot afford them. In 2002, he won LAI Trailblazer award for outstanding achievement after graduation. Patrick was elected to LAI Board of Trustees.   This Trustee is already making contributions - helping LAI students through the Gift of Sight program.