Capital Area Literacy Coalition

Los A. Bader
1028 E. Saginaw
Lansing, MI 48906
Phone (517) 485-4949
FAX (517) 485-1924
lbader@pilot.msu.edu
www.thereadingpeople.org

Year Incorporated

1985

Vision and/or Mission

To improve the quality of life in the capital area and the state of Michigan by promoting and achieving literacy for children, teens and adults.

History

The coalition was formed in response to a nationwide call for improved literacy.

Founding Leaders

Area educators, social workers, librarians, and citizens came together to form the coalition.

Early Successes

Local leaders agreed to serve on the board.

Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) assistance was obtained.

United Way accepted the organization as a partner.

Early Challenges

Some providers saw the organization as competition for funding and students.

Obtaining initial funding was very difficult.

Turning Point

We diversified by expanding our mission from serving adults over 16 who were out of school to serving the full spectrum of people who need help in basic skills and English as a new language, from preschool through adult levels.
We were able to attract well-known and respected literacy professionals who increased our crediblity among providers and other agencies.
We were called upon by agencies throughout Michigan for assistance.

Current Size

Staff: Three full-time and three part-time staffpersons, plus interns.
Budget: $200,000.
Offices: Building with offices and learning center.

Recent Accomplishments

Our programs have been found to be effective through research studies. These studies have been published so that we can share our successes nationally.

We are expanding into additional public housing centers through our partnership with a development management company.

Next Steps - Managerial

Next Steps - Programmatic

Work more closely with Work First efforts.

Expand workplace programs.

Advice to Other Coalitions

Find partners among faculty in colleges and universities who can provide expertise by giving credit to students or by urging them to volunteer in all areas: fund raising, community awareness, recruitment, operations, and tutoring.

Last Updated

May 2001