Reported by Romeo Cantu, Team4News.com
 
NOVEMBER 11, 2003 - One of the Rio Grande Valley's most successful non-profit organization will soon be showcased on a DVD that will be distributed around the state.

An Austin film crew was in town Tuesday making a documentary on the San Benito Literacy Center, which helps teach languages and writing skills to folks in the area.

"This literacy center in San Benito is a real shinning star," said Ira Abrams, producer of the documentary. It's a very successful one."

"The reason that we've come here is that we have a grant from Texas Education (Agency) that is intended to produce a DVD showcase other literacy centers how it's possible to increase your capacity and be more successful in this area in a time of limited resources," Abrams said.

It is because of its success that the center is being singled out as an example for the entire state to see.

"What we've learned is that this organization is extraordinary in that it reaches out to try and help the community in a number of ways," Abrams said.

"Many other places say, 'Well, support us give us money so that we can do literacy.' This organization tries to solve all of the problems of the community around it so the people will be interested in supporting a literacy program."

The center's board president, Ron Rogers, said that they are proud of being selected to showcase the hard work that the staff and volunteers have accomplished.

"We're really excited about the fact that we've been chosen to represent an example of what a good non-profit looks like (and) what a good literacy center looks like," ROger said. "We've been at it for almost 12 years now."

The film crew will be in town for another day. The DVD is expected to be distributed throughout the state by the end of next month.

For more information on the San Benito Literacy Center or if you'd like to be a volunteer, you can call (956) 399-7818.