Kofi Annan’s “Bridges of Hope” perfectly encapsulates the mission of the Manatee Literacy Council. Just as Annan sought to connect and understand diverse cultures and nations, we strive to build bridges within our community by empowering individuals through literacy.

By providing essential reading, writing, and English language skills, we empower our learners to overcome barriers, achieve their goals, and become active, contributing members of society. Our dedicated volunteers and staff work tirelessly to foster a supportive learning environment where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. We are building a stronger, more literate Manatee County, one learner at a time.

Your gift to our annual appeal allows us to train more volunteer tutors, offer free learning resources, and provide personalized instruction to those determined to transform their lives. Every dollar you give strengthens our community by breaking the cycle of low literacy and creating a path to opportunity.

This isn’t just a donation—it’s an investment in someone’s future. Help us continue to empower adults through literacy and create lasting change in Manatee County.

Why Literacy Matters…

• 20% of adults in Manatee County read, write, or do basic math under a 3rd-grade level.
• Bringing all adults to the equivalent of a sixth-grade reading level would generate an additional $2.2 Trillion in annual income for the country.
• A mother’s reading level is the biggest determinant of her children’s educational success.

Why Manatee Literacy Council Matters…

• We have 698 active learners on our roster and 135 active volunteers.
• Our number of active learners Doubled during our ‘23-’24 fiscal year.
• In addition to our core volunteers supporting tutoring, our programs include six ESL classes throughout the community, five virtual conversational English classes, a book club, a group chat for our advanced learners, and an ongoing family literacy program.
• We’re developing a more robust Adult Basic Education program for English-speaking adults who need help learning to read.
• 78% of every dollar goes directly to programming expenses.

Why Help is Needed…

• Fundraising helps us to provide additional programming for classes like Family Literacy, Digital Literacy, Resume Building, and Financial Literacy. These classes help our learners connect to better jobs and empower families.
• We receive no local, state, or federal funding. This allows us to provide the programming where, when, and to whom it most benefits.
• Across the country, volunteerism is at a 25-year low. When matched with an unprecedented number of people looking to learn English, we must rely more on paid teachers to provide

At the Manatee Literacy Council, we know that literacy is more than just the ability to read or write; it’s a bridge. A bridge to independence, opportunity, and connection. In 2024, we urgently need to strengthen this bridge, and we need your help.

 Our organization has felt the impact of challenges that make our mission more essential than ever. These realities are felt deeply by the people we serve, many of whom are English language learners seeking a sense of belonging and the chance to build a better future for themselves and their families.

Your support allows us to recruit and train compassionate volunteers, develop innovative programs, hire teachers and staff, and provide essential resources to Manatee County adults determined to improve their literacy skills. With each dollar you give, you strengthen the bridge that connects people in our community—regardless of their background, culture, or language.

I’m asking for your help in building a community of understanding, empathy, and support that empowers individuals to take their first steps toward independence and connection. Your gift today can change lives tomorrow and can help make Manatee County a place where everyone belongs and contributes.

Michelle