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Welcome to The April CLC Newsletter -- Private Reserve Impact

We are still beaming with joy following this year’s Private Reserve Gala Event on April 9 — A Night of a Thousand Stories — we were reminded why this work matters. We heard from CLC students Shante Bivins, Alba Menjivar, and Paulinus Ndungmbowo about literacy’s impact on their lives and families. We also honored Mary Blankenship Pointer - 2026 Gourley Leaders in Literacy Awardee and Erin Batey 2026 Page Turner Awardee — leaders helping make these stories possible.

But literacy is about more than reading or language. It’s about dignity, opportunity, and what becomes possible — not just for one person, but for generations. View Moments from Private Reserve 2026 here.

One CLC story I think of every day is this one: A young mother had her first child at 15. Still a child herself, she left school and entered a life marked by hardship and abuse. By the time she had four daughters to raise, she made a decision: something had to change.

With support from her family, the young mother found a way out, working three jobs to build a different future. Along the way, someone told her, “If you get your GED, I’ll give you an opportunity.” She did — and that one step changed everything. Her four daughters grew up understanding what education makes possible. Their father remained involved, working in construction to provide as best he could. Only after his passing did they learn he was illiterate — struggling quietly, privately, without ever letting them see it. Because literacy challenges are often hidden. But their impact is not.

Today, those four daughters reflect what’s possible when opportunity meets determination: 

One daughter became a senior VP for one of the largest privately held storage companies in the U.S. Another became a manager of accounting for a large oil and gas company.

One became a teacher and coach for one of Texas’ largest independent school districts. And this daughter is now president and CEO of Community Literacy Centers.

Yes — this story is mine. Stories like this are why CLC exists. And with your support, more stories can change — for individuals, families, and generations to come. Thank you for your support of Community Literacy Centers and for being part of my story.

— Sharron Jackson, President and CEO

Workplace Learning That Works

When Century Martial Arts partnered with CLC, their goal was clear: close the communication gap between Spanish-speaking team members and English-speaking managers.

CLC developed a customized workplace learning program focused on practical language skills employees could use immediately on the job. The result? Stronger communication, a more connected team culture, and better alignment around company goals—an impact CEO Michael Dillard described as “incredible.”

“The results have been incredible—we’ve built a stronger team culture and better communication across the organization.”

-- Michael Dillard, CEO, Century Martial Arts

CLC’s Workplace Learning services help businesses invest in their teams in ways that directly improve performance, retention, and culture.

If your organization is ready to strengthen communication and unlock the full potential of your workforce, learn more.

Student Story

Private Reserve 2026 has ended... but, what if your next vacation could change a life?

Through CLC's partnership with AmFund, you can explore incredible destinations — from the Amalfi Coast to Iceland — while supporting adult literacy across Oklahoma. These curated travel experiences were featured at Private Reserve, and your opportunity to be part of that impact continues through June 30 via AmFund Trips of a Lifetime:

AmFund’s Fundraising Travel Program allows supporters to invest in CLC through unforgettable travel — with a portion of each trip directly supporting adult literacy in our community.

It’s simple: You purchase a trip and travel within the next 3 years (no blackout dates). You experience something unforgettable. Your purchase supports adult literacy far into the future. Explore the trips and make your impact by June 30. View the Private Reserve Trips page

Destination Options (trips are generally 6 days and 7 nights):

• Netherlands: Rotterdam & Amsterdam
• Amalfi Coast & Capri
• Alaskan Cruise: Explorer of the North
• France, Belgium & England Experience
• Ireland: The Emerald Isle
• Greece & Greek Island Odyssey
• Iceland Adventure
• Croatia: Beauty on the Adriatic

How ever you choose to contribute, your support of literacy transforms more than one person — it changes families, futures, and generations for the better. View more information.

For more information on these fabulous trips, you may contact the AmFund representative Monica Sakurai at monica@amfund.org or call her directly at (386) 334-1599 with any questions you may have.

TRIP RULES:

• Valid for 3 years with no blackout dates
• 4- Star Accommodations
• Dedicated Travel Specialist
• Options to extend and add additional travelers are available.
• View the full Trip Rules

🙏 Support our mission!

Whether through time, talent, or donation, your support keeps adult literacy programs free and accessible. You can make a general donation or select something from our Wish List. No matter how you support CLC, you are helping to change lives through literacy.

Community Literacy Centers | 405-524-7323

okcread@communityliteracy.com |communityliteracy.com