Ralph (L-tutor) and Michael (R -student) have been working on GED math since the end of April. They met each other in person for the first time a couple weeks ago. They will continue online tutoring.
AmeriCorps Members. Getting Things Done for America and Adult Education.
A new chapter for adult literacy in Northeast Florida has arrived. Thanks to the support of Volunteer Florida and AmeriCorps, the Literacy Alliance, pending approval, will be launching the first adult literacy program in our community that leverages the skills, talents and time of national AmeriCorps members. Starting in the Summer of 2021, at least 10 AmeriCorps members will support adult learners in our community with basic reading, writing and math instruction through tutoring and small group classes. Additionally, members will support the expansion of our literacy instruction into digital literacy and career development as well as health, financial and family literacy. Recruiting is right around the corner! If you, or someone you know, is interested in being an AmeriCorps member who works to address the adult literacy needs of our community, let us know today!
ADULT LEARNING AND TUTORING CONTINUE THROUGH THE PANDEMIC
Our students are continuing their educational plans and are making progress during the pandemic. It may be different than their original plans and schedule, but most students are moving forward. We have online, in-person, and hybrid teacher-led classes along with computer lab, independent study, and one-on-one tutoring. We are accepting new students and determining a schedule that works for them. 

Many volunteer tutors are meeting with students in some fashion. This could be in-person tutoring at a safe distance with masks, over the phone tutoring ,or online tutoring. Tutors and students have learned digital literacy skills while using digital materials. Most tutoring pairs prefer to meet in person, but during this time, online tutoring can work for many. Students and tutors need a computer and access to the internet. 

Libraries across town are reopening, but sometimes with reduced hours. Some tutors who meet during the weekday can meet at duPont Center (if you make arrangements with our office.) 
Gale (L- Tutor) and Katherine (R – Student) have been meeting for about two years. Both feel comfortable tutoring in person with masks, distance, and sanitized tables. They are working on reading and writing skills and making great progress.
Erin (R - tutor) started tutoring for us in June when her public school position was put on hold. She tutors Kathyann (L – student) each week building her foundation in math.
UNITED WAY & COJ FUNDING ANNOUNCED

The Literacy Alliance would like to give our profound thanks to the City of Jacksonville’s Public Service Grants Council and everyone who gives to the United Way of Northeast Florida. Both the City and United Way have decided to continue funding our adult literacy programs this year. Decision makers at both heard our case for the importance of adult education at a time when many are unemployed or looking for new opportunities due to the pandemic. They also understood, particularly during a year that included an election and national census, that many of our adult learners are more interested than ever in being civically engaged and looking for the skills to do so. Thank you United Way and the City of Jacksonville! We could not do this work without you.
WELCOME NEW INTERNS
Brianna Griffin is completing her FSCJ Human Services internship with us. By day, she is a permanent substitute teacher at Sallye B. Mathis Elementary School. After work, she is tutoring a student online and another student in person. Thank you for sharing your instructional skills with us. Brianna graduates in December 2020.
Denita Bowles is an intern from the FSCJ Human Services program. She is helping students in the computer lab, tutoring a student, and assisting in math classes and the Health Literacy workshops. Say “hello” to Denita when you see her in lab and class. Denita graduates in December 2020.
Almaas Bannister is our “Student Advocate.” She is here to help students overcome barriers that may prevent them from attending and performing well in the Literacy Alliance programs. She can listen to student concerns and can direct students to services and support, help students complete paperwork, and follow-up as needed. Almaas is a Social Work major at UNF and is interning with us through May 2021. Students can call our office to make an appointment to meet with her.
SUCCESSFUL NATIONAL ADULT EDUCATION AND FAMILY LITERACY WEEK
We celebrated National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week September 20 – 26. Its goal is to increase financial and societal support for access to basic education programs for U.S. adults with low literacy, numeracy, and digital skills. We had frequent social media posts highlighting our adult education programming, the need for funding and volunteers, and local and national statistics.

The effect that an increase in adult education can have on a community is clear. Adult education gives the low literate and those without basic math skills a chance to find a job, launch a career, educate their own children and live healthier lives.

We held a friendly competition of peer-to-peer fundraising that raised $10,376 – well over our $5,000 goal. Thank you to RS&H Elevate Fund for putting us over the top with their generous donation of $5,000 and to Comcast for $2,000 to help our digital literacy programming. Thank you to McVeigh & Mangum Engineering for $1,000 to support our literacy programs. Special shout out to the members of the Brookwood Book Club and the Gallies Book Club. Your love of reading is helping support our adult students learn to read better. Even one of our students made a generous donation as he wanted to give back in thanks for attending classes for free this past year. 
CONGRATULATIONS, GRADUATES!
Congratulations to the seventeen Literacy Alliance students who graduated between July 2019 and Sept 2020! Your hard work and dedication has allowed you to reach your goals. We wish you the very best as you continue your education.
Annia T
Lisa S
Charika S
Maria D
Darius B
Marie M
Dawn W
Mayez A
Donnell B
Tarik W
Ja A
Terry G
Jean T
Tonya H
Junett J
Willie T
Kayirerwa F
CENSUS PARTY
We had to skip the party food, thanks to COVID, but we still had fun celebrating the 148 students who registered for the 2020 Census. We had goody bags, trivia, and a drawing for great prizes! Thank you to Mr. Mike and his wife Linda who donated the grand prize...a 7" Kindle Fire!

LIFE LITERACY
Our instruction includes financial, health, and digital literacy. Material is available for tutor/students pairs, or you can encourage your student to participate in our workshops. Ask us how you can be involved!
Interested in becoming a volunteer? Visit our website to learn more.
Volunteer Information Sessions (online)
  • Friday, Nov 6, 8:30 – 9:30 am, online
  • Wednesday, Nov 18, 5:30 – 6:30 pm, online
  • Friday, Dec 4, 8:30 – 9:30 am, online

Tutor Training 
  • Saturday, Nov 21 @9:30 am - 1:30 pm

*Note: Tutor Training may be completed 100% on-line if you prefer.  
*Contact volunteers@literacyallnefl.org to confirm online meeting information and schedule.
WELCOME AND THANK YOU
NEW TUTORS!
Nicole Bailey, Denita Bowles, Victoria Fawthrop, Jake Gorres, Brianna Griffin, Cathy Gunter, Victor Halbach, Karen Higgins, Molly Kuhn (returning), Julie Larsen, Stacey McCoy, Johnsie Nelson, Alexa Rucinski, Rachel Vuchinich, Kwanza Yates
The Literacy Alliance of Northeast Florida is partially supported by the United Way of Northeast Florida and The City of Jacksonville.
Our mission is to increase literacy awareness and improve adult literacy in northeast Florida through formal instruction and volunteer-based tutoring.


(904) 238-9000