At Manatee Literacy Council (MLC), we are incredibly grateful to be part of a community that values collaboration and collective impact. This past month, our staff and board members have been busy connecting with other nonprofit leaders and partners around town, and we’re excited to share the highlights of these important events.

We had the privilege of attending the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration hosted by the Manatee Community Foundation. This event was a vibrant reminder of the rich cultural diversity that makes our community strong. It was inspiring to see how various nonprofits, businesses, and community leaders are working together to uplift the Hispanic community. At MLC, we believe that literacy is a cornerstone of empowerment, and it was an honor to celebrate the heritage, contributions, and stories of Hispanic Americans in our region. The event also allowed us to connect with other organizations focused on fostering inclusivity and opportunity.

Additionally, members of our team participated in the *Promising Practices in Governance* workshop, also held at the Manatee Community Foundation. This event was a valuable opportunity to learn about best practices in nonprofit governance, ensuring that MLC continues to operate with the transparency, accountability, and effectiveness that our community deserves. We walked away with fresh insights and new strategies to better serve the adults in Manatee County who are striving for literacy and independence.

We cannot overstate how fortunate we are to be in a community where foundations like the Manatee Community Foundation consistently invest in the growth and success of local nonprofits. Through their support, we are able to build meaningful relationships, strengthen our governance, and, most importantly, expand our programs to meet the needs of adult learners. The foundation’s commitment to the health and vitality of our nonprofit sector ensures that organizations like MLC can continue to fulfill their missions, fostering a more inclusive, literate, and empowered community for all.

As we look ahead, we are excited about the opportunities these partnerships create and the impact we can make together. Thank you to the Manatee Community Foundation and to everyone who continues to support the mission of MLC. We are proud to be part of this wonderful network of organizations working to make Manatee County stronger, one step at a time.