New Programs in Spanish and Early Childhood Literacy

The Literacy Council is excited to announce two new programs. The need for literacy services in St. Joseph County is overwhelming and the Literacy Council is always seeking to innovate new ways to meet this need. The Spanish Literacy Program and Success by 6© Early Childhood Literacy Initiative both provide opportunities to fulfill the Literacy Council's mission-- promoting and improving functional literacy.

Spanish Literacy
The Spanish Literacy Program strives to improve the lives of native Spanish speakers in St. Joseph County by first increasing their Spanish literacy skills to meet students' self-determined goals. After improving Spanish literacy, Spanish speakers are more successful acquiring English reading, writing, and speaking skills. Spanish instruction for native Spanish speakers is an important strategy to move at-risk adults toward self-sufficiency.

Success by 6© Early Childhood Literacy Initiative
National research shows that young children's experiences from birth through age five are critical in founding the literacy skills and attitudes needed for later academic and life success. Research in St. Joseph County indicates an urgent need to raise community awareness about the importance of early literacy. Families, caregivers and teachers must also be provided with the literacy resources and information required to enhance the early learning environments of young children in our community.

St. Joseph County needs a comprehensive, coordinated and systematic literacy initiative focused on fostering literacy development in young children. The Success by 6© initiative saturates the community with the training and tools needed for integrating literacy into early childhood experiences. Success by 6© builds the community's capacity to improve early childhood literacy through strategic partnerships with corporations, caregivers and service providers.

Success by 6© is a Literacy Council program within the United Way of St. Joseph County’s Success by 6 initiative.

Since 1962, the Literacy Council of St. Joseph County has been changing lives with literacy. By serving adults and young children, the Literacy Council strives to break the cycle of illiteracy.

The Literacy Council of St. Joseph County, a volunteer organization, is dedicated to elevating the quality of life in our community by promoting and improving functional literacy.

The ability to read, write, speak and understand is fundamental to success as a parent, worker and community member. The Literacy Council of St. Joseph County provides access to success by promoting and improving functional literacy in the community.

The Literacy Council's work is made possible by the generous gifts of time, money and in-kind support from individuals and businesses. An investment of your time or money will allow the Literacy Council to continue to serve functionally illiterate adults in the community and reduce the number of people waiting to receive services.

Support us by giving your time.
We need volunteers! There are adult learners who want to learn, waiting for a volunteer to help. Click here for more information on volunteering with the Literacy Council.

Help us by giving your financial support.
Your donation will help us change lives with literacy. The Literacy Council is in need of financial resources to support our three programs. Click here for information on how your donation will impact the Literacy Council's work.