JOY ROAD
As we look forward to 2019, I am in awe as I reflect on the thousands of people who have helped Beyond Basics make it to our 20 th year.

So many people have been involved - many who never directly see the children they impact - but who have been there, nonetheless, helping us bring the dream of literacy to so many children and families across our region.

Only through this support does our reach continue to grow. Within the past two decades, we’ve published over 75,000 books through our Publishing Center and given over 30,000 coats to children in need. We have left a lifetime of impact and value on over 100,000 Southeastern Michigan students.

Because of you, we have had the opportunity to create and fine-tune a literacy model for the lowest performing children in the most vulnerable communities and in turn, have dramatically transformed so many young lives.

This newsletter highlights examples of some of the people and organizations who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to support us in our endeavors. We are far from finished.

And for all of you reading this; our 20 th year has been made possible because of you. We appreciate you.
PS. In case you missed it please take a moment to read our featured article in The Detroit News !
The Traveling Coat
Since 1999 we’ve put over 30,000 coats on those in need. We’ve taken pride in partnering with schools to make sure every child is warm for the winter.

This year we decided to make a video that we call “The Traveling Coat!” Watch and see how many people help us to put smiles on the faces of thousands each year!

Thank you to the Williams family at the Family Literacy Center, our first family to begin tutoring there, for allowing “Ellie” and her siblings to be our Stars!
Volunteers of the Year: The Sues

Congratulations are in order for both of our Sues! And yes, you heard us correctly!

For years, we’ve had two ladies - both by the name of Sue - diligently stroll in our office to help us in a multitude of ways. They’ve offered a tremendous amount of support for our events by stuffing envelopes and working at registration. They’ve been equally helpful in our Beyond Basics office, where they’ve typed children books, assisted in our Publishing Center, cut frames and much more! They typically come in quietly make a big impact, and head out before anyone can get a chance to thank them. This is a testament to their hard work, commitment, and most importantly their humble and caring nature.

We are proud to announce that “The Sues” will be our “2018 Volunteers of the Year!” Thank you Susan Wilhelm and Susan Galambos for your many years of service to our organization. You are greatly appreciated by our staff and the students we serve!
LITERACY IS FOR EVERYONE
Partner of the Year: The Farbman Group
We’ve had a great year here at Beyond Basics! After almost two decades of school intervention, our partners continue to recognize and support the in-depth and innovative work that we do for the children and families of Southeastern Michigan. As we’ve grown, our partners have proven their dedication, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without every single one of them.

However, we’re annually tasked with selecting one of these amazing entities to serve as our Partner of the Year.
 
This year we’ve selected the Farbman Group as they continued to go above and beyond in their commitment to the children of our community. Through volunteering in the schools, donating in-kind items (such as our office space!) and sponsoring programs like our Publishing Center, Farbman Group has become a crucial asset to the work that we do - and they help to keep us going strong.
 
It should be noted that Farbman was the first partner to provide us the funding to begin in-school tutoring and enrichment programs. So many years ago, they believed in our vision, and their ongoing belief continues to assist us in reaching so many.

This holiday season we would like to give them a big ‘Thank You!,’ and let them know how much we appreciate their support. Congratulations!

Literacy Chair Recipient: Geno Salomone
In 2015, The 23 rd District Court Judge, Geno Salomone, initiated an effort to bring the Beyond Basics intensive tutoring program to the city of Taylor, Michigan. Judge Salomone advocated for us through personal engagements and conversations with the PNC Foundation, the McKinley Properties, the Taylor Community Development Corporation, and the community’s school board, superintendents and Mayor. His efforts were not in vain - today we are successfully getting children in the Taylor community reading at grade level, and we thank each organization and individual for their collaborative efforts as well as their confidence in the ability of both our program and their students. Without Judge Salomone’s vision for the children of Taylor, none of this could be possible. 

And the students have come so far. Myers Elementary was moved off of Michigan ‘Priority List,’ which is a list of schools performing in the bottom 5 percent of the Michigan State Assessment.

Thank you Judge Salomone for believing in the power of a literate child and the power of a united community. You went above and beyond with your advocacy for literacy - and that’s why we are proud to announce you as our 2018 Literacy Chair recipient! Congratulations! 
SUPPORT BEYOND BASICS TODAY
Your donation will help change lives.
Karon
Contact Kelly Gray at (248) 250-9304x110