Reading comes naturally for some, but for others it makes the difference between life and death.

Slowly but cautiously a woman walked down every aisle in a grocery store gazing in confusion at each label. She feared for her diabetic father’s life, and was uncertain about which medication to give him.

Another woman became disheartened when her sixth grade education failed to get her employment. As a result, she turned to drugs.

Unable to understand letter formation, a young girl fell behind in her studies. Teachers labeled the third grader as having a learning disability. Her mother struggled to take care of her needs and eventually lost custody.

They come from diverse backgrounds, but their stories have something in common – an inability to read.

About 47 percent of Detroiters are functionally illiterate, unable to use reading, writing and computational skills efficiently in everyday life. In Southwest Detroit, nearly 50 percent of all adults do not have a high school diploma.

While many struggle to perform what may seem to be ordinary tasks such as reading a label on a pill bottle, signs in a grocery store or simple words, there is help available.

The Mercy Education Project (MEP) is helping young girls and women to regain control of their lives through reading.

“We provide a service that strives to prevent youth from dropping out of high school and provide skills needed to succeed in life,” said Amy Amador, executive director. “We want women to move toward self-sufficiency.”

In 1992, the Sisters of Mercy founded MEP, a 501 C3 non-profit organization providing free literacy programs. At the time, there were no programs available for girls.

One-on-one tutoring, computer training and mentoring are offered in after-school programs geared toward girls in first through eighth grade. Sessions are held once or twice a week. Transportation and a meal are provided.

For additional information, contact Winn Crackel or Sister Camille Kelley at (313) 963-5881, e-mail wcrackel@mercyed.net or visit www.mercyed.net.