We’re honored to be featured in SRQ Magazine’s “Spirit of Giving” issue!
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Manatee Literacy Council was highlighted in the December 2025 Spirit of Giving issue of SRQ Magazine — alongside so many inspiring organizations doing important work across our region. It’s an honor to be included in this circle of changemakers dedicated to strengthening our community through compassion, literacy, and service.
Marcela’s Letter – Help Support our MLC Family
Queridos estudiantes del Manatee Literacy Council:
Cada día veo su dedicación, su esfuerzo, su valentía y su deseo de construir un futuro mejor. Ustedes inspiran a nuestros tutores, a nuestro equipo y a toda la comunidad.
Hoy les escribo porque necesitamos su ayuda.
Cada vez más adultos están buscando clases de inglés, pero mantener estos programas gratuitos es hoy más difícil que nunca. Queremos ofrecer más clases, más horarios y más servicios—sin listas de espera—pero solo podremos hacerlo si nuestra comunidad nos ayuda.
Joane’s Letter – Help Support our MLC Family
Chè etidyan MLC yo,
Non mwen se Joane, e gen anpil nan nou ki konnen mwen nan biwo a oswa paske mwen ede etidyan nan klas yo. Mwen te kòmanse isit la kòm yon etidyan tou, kidonk mwen konnen sa li ye lè w ap aprann angle pou fanmi w, pou travay ou, ak pou avni ou. MLC te chanje lavi mwen, e kounye a mwen rekonesan paske mwen ka ede lòt moun sou chemen yo.
Jodi a, mwen ap ekri nou paske nou bezwen èd nou.
Gen plis granmoun pase tout tan k ap chèche antre nan klas angle yo, men finanse pwogram gratis sa yo vin pi difisil pase anvan. Nou vle kenbe klas yo gratis, nou vle ajoute plis lè ak plis nivo, epi nou vle asire ke pèsonn pa dwe tann pou aprann — men nou pa ka fè sa poukont nou.
Dorothy’s Journey of resilience, opportunity, and hope.
Dorothy’s story highlights the life-changing impact of literacy. From struggling to navigate daily tasks to becoming a vital part of the MLC community, her progress reflects what’s possible when learners receive the support they need.
Patricia’s Journey
Six years ago, Patricia Valdivia left Peru and arrived in the United States filled with uncertainty about what her new life would bring. She worked hard, but learning English—and trying to communicate in daily life—felt overwhelming. “It was very difficult for me to communicate with other people,” she recalls.
Everything changed when she found the Manatee Literacy Council.
What It Will Take to Transform Adult Literacy in Manatee County by 2026
Imagine a stronger, more connected Manatee County—one where more parents can help their children with homework, more workers qualify for higher-paying jobs, and more neighbors can participate fully in the community. That’s the future we’re working toward through our 1% Initiative, a bold plan to help 680 adults improve their English and literacy skills by at least one full level by 2026.
Reaching 1,000 Learners: Our Plan to Grow Literacy Access Across Manatee County
Manatee Literacy Council is pushing toward our goal of serving 1,000 adult learners this year through our 1% Literacy Initiative. To reach the remaining 200 learners—many with the most fundamental English and literacy needs—we’re expanding our classes, strengthening our partnership with SCF, deepening connections with local nonprofits and churches, and developing new workforce literacy programs with area businesses.
Reaching this milestone means we will need to nearly double our classes and tutoring, and we can’t do it alone. If you know someone who needs free English or literacy support—or if your organization would like to help—visit ManateeLiteracy.org. Together, we can lift literacy in Manatee County, one percent at a time.
Help Us Reach 1% Through Our Literacy Legends LEAF Program
At Manatee Literacy Council, we believe that improving adult literacy by just one percent can transform Manatee County. That’s why our 1% Literacy Initiative aims to serve 1,000 adult learners this year—because every learner strengthens their family, their workplace, and their community.
To reach this important milestone, we must nearly double our classes and tutoring, especially for the adults entering at our most fundamental English levels. Each class costs $9,300 a year, and sponsoring a three-month semester costs $2,325.
Why even small steps create massive, measurable impact—and how we calculated it.
A 20% increase in adult literacy in Manatee County would transform the economic, educational, and social fabric of the community—strengthening families, supporting employers, and improving quality of life for tens of thousands of residents.
It’s one of the highest-impact, lowest-cost community investments possible.
From Learner to Leader: Joane’s Story
Thanks to support from the 2024 Giving Challenge, Joane became a bridge to our Haitian community, first as a staff member, and now, even after losing her visa, as a dedicated volunteer.