Job worries and an increase in non-English speakers has created a waiting list for people who want to learn to read and write, the St. Joseph Area Literacy Coalition said Friday at its 19th-annual luncheon.

Officials estimate the number of illiterate in the city is between 8,100 to 8,700 persons. Up to 40 percent of adults in St. Joseph read below an eighth-grade level.

Deborah Ellsworth, program director at Pass the Power Adult Literacy Center, said the issue affects one in 10 persons in St. Joseph. “This is a very hidden minority,” she said.

The type of person seeking help has included the worker seeking job security in the economic downturn.

Officials cite the high school-educated welder who wants to improve his reading to better understand manuals and blueprints. Or, the baby sitter who wants to start her own day care but needs better reading comprehension skills to get certified.

There are more non-native speakers seeking help in St. Joseph, partly attributed to the opening of Triumph Foods.

Mrs. Ellsworth said such need has outpaced the number of volunteers — and literacy advocates are putting out a renewed call for help.

At Friday’s literacy luncheon, the coalition recognized three volunteers in the community for their work in promoting literacy.

Diane Goold was recognized for bringing in children’s authors to promote reading among children. Until December, she was the News-Press’ Newspaper in Education coordinator. Her job was cut as part of budget cuts.

Even with an education and job skills, Ms. Goold says her futile job search has opened her eyes to the impediment literacy can be.

At the unemployment office, she says she is sitting in the same room with people “who cannot turn on a computer.”

Mabel Edson, 84, was presented the Helen Long Volunteer Award. Despite a bout with cancer, she’s been a literacy tutor for more than 150 hours in the last four years. “When my husband died I just wanted to do something to fill in the time,” she said.

Angie Luthans, a parent volunteer at Skaith Elementary School, was presented the Roy Blunt Literacy Citation. This school year, she’s volunteered 203 reading hours in the kindergarten and second grade at Skaith, where she has two children. “When there’s a class of 21 kids and one teacher, it’s nice to have an extra person to help those kids that need extra help,” Ms. Luthans said.

To volunteer as a literacy tutor, call 271-4113.

Ahmad Safi can be reached

at ahmadsafi@npgco.com.