Bradenton, FL – September 25, 2025

Two years ago, during the 2024 Giving Challenge, our community rallied around Manatee Literacy Council. With your support, we were able to expand programs for our Haitian Creole learners, one of the fastest-growing populations in Manatee County.

That investment quickly changed lives. One of those lives is Joane’s.

Joane first came to us as a learner, eager to improve her English while balancing the demands of working on an assembly line at a local manufacturing plant. On paper, Joane already had remarkable accomplishments: she speaks five languages fluently and holds an MBA from a French university. But here in Manatee County, she needed help to connect fully, grow her opportunities, and feel at home.

Because of your gifts, we were able to launch more Haitian Creole programming, and Joane stepped into our classrooms. That’s when we realized something powerful: to truly serve our Haitian community, we needed staff who could communicate directly, in Haitian Creole. And the best place to look for talent was among our own learners.

Joane was the perfect fit. We were able to bring her on staff, where she became a vital bridge for Haitian families entering our programs. Her skills, her compassion, and her lived experience made it possible for many more learners to feel welcomed, understood, and supported.

But life threw Joane a challenge none of us could control. Due to sudden changes in immigration policy, her work visa was revoked, and she could no longer remain in her staff role. For many, that might have been the end of the story. But not for Joane.

Today, Joane continues to serve as a volunteer with the Manatee Literacy Council, conducting intakes for Haitian learners and ensuring they feel a sense of belonging. Her resilience and dedication inspire us every day, and remind us why our work matters.

Your support during the 2024 Giving Challenge made this story possible. You created a pathway for Joane to grow as a learner, step up as a leader, and continue as a champion for others in her community.

In 2026, we have the chance to do even more. With your help, we can expand programs, lift up new voices, and ensure that no adult in Manatee County is left behind because of language barriers.

Together, we can write the next chapter of this story—one of resilience, opportunity, and hope.