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Connect. Learn. Change. CLC Newsletter

Welcome to The February CLC Newsletter


Right now in Oklahoma, nearly one in five adults lacks the reading skills needed for daily life and employment. Without literacy, adults struggle to secure stable jobs, access healthcare, pursue training, and support their children’s education. The impact reaches across generations.

Recent federal funding disruptions have increased waitlists for adult basic education, ESL, high school equivalency, and digital literacy programs. For many adults, help is needed now -- immediate support is imperative.


We are deeply grateful for our donors and supporters. Your generosity is more than a gift; it is a lifeline. Because of your support, adults gain the skills to provide for their families, participate fully in their communities, and build brighter futures for their children.


As you consider the days and months ahead, we invite you to continue standing with Community Literacy Centers — whether through a gift, attending our Private Reserve fundraising event, or sharing our mission with others. Together, we can ensure literacy and opportunity remain within reach for every adult who walks through our doors. Get involved with CLC.


Sharron Jackson, President and CEO

This Month’s Highlight

Welcome Our Newest Board Members!


We are proud to announce the appointment of three distinguished leaders to our Board of Directors: Diana Sanchez Dawson, Dr. E. Laurette Taylor, and Alisha Harris.


Each brings extensive experience in education, public health, and community leadership — along with a shared commitment to expanding access to lifelong learning opportunities across Oklahoma City.


Strengthening Leadership for Adult Literacy


“Our mission is rooted in the belief that literacy transforms lives,” said Erin Batey, CLC Board President. “We are honored to welcome Diana, Laurette, and Alisha to our board. Their professional expertise and heart for service will help guide CLC as we continue expanding access to adult education in our community.”


Diana Sanchez Dawson

Ms. Dawson serves as Director of Strategy for the Metropolitan Library System, where she leads initiatives focused on equity, access, and lifelong learning. Her career includes leadership roles with Oklahoma City Public Schools, where she guided English Learner programs and championed family and community literacy efforts.


A bilingual leader (English and Spanish), Diana is passionate about expanding pathways for adult learners and strengthening community engagement through education.


Dr. E. Laurette Taylor

Dr. Taylor is Professor Emeritus from the University of Oklahoma’s Department of Health and Exercise Science. During her more than 30-year academic career, she advanced health education, led public health programs, and contributed to research and leadership at state and national levels.


Her lifelong dedication to education and public service aligns closely with CLC’s mission to empower adults through literacy and learning.


Alisha Harris

Ms. Harris serves as Director of Integrated Health and Social Care at Mercy OKC. She leads community health initiatives that connect healthcare systems with critical social support services and oversees Mercy’s community health needs assessment and the Mercy Good Samaritan Clinic for uninsured patients.


With a background in public health and chronic disease prevention, Alisha works to strengthen systems that improve access and outcomes for families across Oklahoma City.


Looking Ahead

The addition of these three leaders reflects CLC’s continued commitment to building a diverse, mission-driven board that supports adult learners in achieving greater opportunity and independence. View our Board of Directors page.

Diana Sanchez Dawson

Dr. E. Laurette Taylor

Alisha Harris

These leaders bring the experience and conviction our mission requires. Their service will strengthen CLC’s impact in the OKC metro area.”

— Erin Batey, CLC Board President


Student Story: "I couldn't keep a job. I couldn't accept a raise or a promotion because they would have to know about my secret." Lisa couldn't read.


Illiteracy isn't always obvious. Many individuals are able to find ways to navigate around their inability to read or comprehend, for awhile. Lisa's secret began in grade school, yet she was able to function at a high level through adulthood. But when she wanted to level up, without basic reading skills, her secret was always exposed. Then Lisa found CLC -- watch Lisa's story of her inspiring journey to literacy.

Important Reminder:

Support Private Reserve 2026


We invite you to join us for A Night of A Thousand Stories in support of Private Reserve 2026 — our signature annual gala — on April 9, 2026, 6–9 p.m. at the Petroleum Club, Downtown OKC. This special evening celebrates the thousands of stories unfolding through adult literacy across our community. Each learner who walks through our doors carries a story of perseverance, hope, and transformation — breaking generational cycles and building brighter futures.


We are proud to honor:

Mary Blankenship Pointer – 2026 Gourley Leaders in Literacy Award Recipient

Erin Batey – 2026 Page Turner Award Recipient


Your support ensures more adults gain the skills they need to thrive in daily life, advance in the workforce, and fully participate in their communities. You can make a meaningful impact by:

  • Purchasing event tickets
  • Becoming a sponsor
  • Making a one-time or recurring donation
  • Volunteering your time


When one person learns to read, new stories begin. We hope you will join us in making those stories possible. Click here for more information on Private Reserve 2026.

CLC in the News

A proposed Oklahoma bill would hold back third graders who don’t pass literacy tests—highlighting the importance of early intervention. But it also reveals a deeper issue: many children struggle because the adults in their lives never had access to strong literacy support. Read story

 

“When adults improve their literacy skills, the benefits ripple through entire families,” said Sharron Jackson, CEO of Community Literacy Centers.


If we are serious about improving student outcomes, we must address adult literacy now. Waiting another generation is not an option. Investing in adult education strengthens families, supports schools, and breaks cycles that have persisted for decades.


Join us in changing the story. Volunteer, give, or partner with CLC to help more adults gain the skills they need — and create brighter futures for their children.

How You Can Help CLC

🙏 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

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