There are many nonprofit organizations in Bradenton and the surrounding area. Each one is doing incredible work to support our community by helping those less fortunate, promoting the arts, providing education, and more.
During our nonprofit spotlight series, we'll highlight information about a different local nonprofit each week. This week, we were thrilled to chat with Manatee Literacy Council, to learn more about their mission and how we can help. Here's what they had to say.
Can you tell us a little bit about your mission and how you help to support our community?
Our mission is to empower Manatee Residents to Independence through literacy.
We provide free classes and tutoring to adults living in Manatee County, assisting them in learning to read, write, and speak English. We know that literacy is the tide that raises all ships. Most of the people we serve are English language learners, but we are working to provide more services to people for whom English is their first language. Low literacy skills impact every citizen in the U.S. - influencing public policy, crime rates, educational and health outcomes, and more.
Can you tell us a little bit more about why your services are so important?
Of course! Here's a look at some important (and sometimes shocking) statistics about literacy across the U.S. and in Manatee County:
A mother’s reading skill is the greatest determinant of her children’s future academic success, outweighing other factors such as neighborhood and family income.
More than 43 million adults in the U.S. can't read, write, or do basic math above a 3rd-grade level.
1 in 5 adults in Manatee County are considered "low-literate."
Bringing all adults to the equivalent of a sixth-grade reading level would generate an additional $2.2 trillion in annual income for the country.
Workers who have less education than a high school diploma have the lowest median weekly earnings ($592), which is three times less than those with the highest level of education.
World events have led to the most dramatic need for services in our over 40-year history.
What's the best way our community can help?
We currently have over 100 individuals waiting for tutors. Please consider volunteering as a tutor or other support person to help us meet the ever-growing need.
We have virtual conversation classes, a book club, in-person classes at Manatee public libraries, and one-on-one tutoring. Please visit our website to find out more, apply for services, or to volunteer.
We also have a matching gift program through The Flanzer Philanthropic Fund - your donation of between $5 and $500 dollars will be matched. Please visit https://flanzertrust.org/make-a-donation/ to support literacy in our community!
Don't Miss This Fun Upcoming Event!
Join the Manatee Literacy Council for their upcoming fundraising event - All Aboard for Literacy, which will be held on Saturday, November 5th from 12 pm to 3 pm. This third annual "Flavors of Literacy" event will feature great food, family fun, a silent auction, and live entertainment. Tickets are just $40 and include meals, parking, entrance to the Village, and much more. You can get your tickets here.
To learn more about The Manatee Literacy Council, visit their website and follow them on Facebook!
