Manatee Literacy Council Receives Generous Grant to Advance Adult Literacy Programs in Manatee County

[Bradenton, FL, May, 16, 20224] – The Manatee Literacy Council is expanding their services for Adult English Language and Adult Basic Education to address the growing need for services.  20% of adults in Manatee County reads, writes, or does basic math under a 3rd grade level. Manatee Literacy Council’s 46 year mission to empower residents to independence through literacy includes tutoring and small group instruction for local adults. 

 Improved literacy rates are not merely about mastering language; they are catalysts for profound social change. Research consistently demonstrates that enhanced literacy skills play a pivotal role in lifting individuals out of poverty, fostering childhood literacy, expanding job opportunities, and improving overall health outcomes. Through a grant funded by the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, Manatee Literacy will be able to expand their current in-person classes, fund a “Language Lab”, and better serve adults in our community who need help learning to read.  

“Through literacy, the Manatee Literacy Council is not only teaching individuals to read and write; it is equipping them with the tools they need to build brighter futures for themselves and their families,” remarked Michelle Desveaux McLean, Executive Director of the organization. “By empowering residents with literacy skills, the council is laying the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient community.”

The impact of this grant extends far beyond the confines of the council’s classrooms. It represents an investment in the collective well-being of Manatee County, where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society. By bolstering Adult English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and developing tailored Adult Basic Education programs, the council is fostering an environment where learning knows no bounds.

Since being founded in 1978, The Manatee Literacy Council has helped thousands of adults read, write, and speak English.  At the heart of the organization is their volunteer tutoring program, training and matching local residents to work one-on-one with a learner. Volunteers are always needed as the waiting list often tops 100 individuals. For more information about the Manatee Literacy Council and its transformative programs, please visit www.manatee-literacy.org

The Charles and Margery Barancik family has long believed in the power of philanthropy to shape our world and enrich the lives of all people.  It was the expression of this belief that led them in 2014 to establish Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation—a private, family foundation located in Sarasota, Florida.  Barancik Foundation creates initiatives and awards grants in Sarasota and beyond in the areas of education, humanitarian causes, arts and culture, the environment, and medical research.  For more information, visit www.barancik foundation.org.