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Welcome to the September CLC Newsletter -- a message from our President & CEO

Adult literacy challenges are not always easy to see. An adult may be outgoing, successful at work, comfortable in conversation and highly capable — while quietly relying on memory, context, family or friends to navigate situations that require reading and writing.

That matters in Oklahoma County, where nearly one in five adults struggles with low literacy skills. The effects reach far beyond the classroom. Literacy can influence a person’s ability to apply for a job, understand medical information, use technology, help a child with homework or simply handle everyday tasks independently.

At Community Literacy Centers, we see something equally important: limited literacy does not mean limited ability. Our students bring experience, intelligence, determination and resilience into the classroom. What they need is the opportunity to strengthen skills that can help them use those abilities more fully.

This month, we are sharing stories that show several sides of that mission — from a student who spent years adapting around his inability to read, to employees and board members who believe strongly enough in CLC’s work to invest in it personally.

Thank you for helping us create more opportunities for adults to learn, grow and succeed.

— Sharron Jackson, President and CEO

What you don't always see -- Illiteracy is a skill gap, not a lack of intelligence.

Paulinus is outgoing, articulate and comfortable talking about the things he knows well. If you met him, you might never guess that for much of his life, he could not read or write.

Originally from Cameroon, Paulinus left school in Primary 2 because of illness and never had the opportunity to return. He eventually became a motor mechanic and learned to navigate adult life by relying on his family, friends — and his own ability to adapt.

Like many adults with limited literacy, Paulinus became very good at masking what he could not do.

He could talk. He could explain. He could connect with people. He developed strong verbal and presentation skills around familiar subjects. Those strengths helped him navigate a world that often assumes everyone can read. But behind that confidence was a dependence he wanted to change.

“Before I came to CLC, I felt helpless because I could not read or write,” Paulinus says. “In my daily life, I depended on my family, my siblings and my friends to help me with anything that involved reading or writing.”

That began to change when he came to Community Literacy Centers. Working step by step with supportive teachers, Paulinus has begun developing skills he once thought were out of reach. Today, he can read and write simple words — progress that represents much more than a classroom accomplishment. “I can read simple words and write them, and this makes me feel proud, confident and more independent.” His story is an important reminder that low literacy does not have a single look.

Adults who struggle to read may also be skilled workers, engaging conversationalists, resourceful problem-solvers and active members of their communities. Many have spent years developing ways to compensate for skills they never had the opportunity to learn.

Paulinus is not learning how to become capable. He already is. He is gaining literacy skills that can allow his abilities, independence and confidence to go even further. “CLC has not only helped me learn — it has changed how I feel about myself.”

And he is continuing. “Today, I stand here not as someone who could not read or write — but as someone who is learning, growing and proving that it is never too late to start again.”

Support adult learners.

CLC Workplace Learning Solutions Impact

When Better Communication Builds a Stronger Workforce

At Century Martial Arts, the challenge was not talent or work ethic. It was communication. About 15% of Century’s workforce is Hispanic, and the company began noticing that language differences sometimes made it harder for Spanish-speaking employees to ask questions, understand instructions, participate fully in conversations and share their ideas.

Approximately two years ago, Century partnered with Community Literacy Centers to bring Workplace Learning Solutions directly to its employees. Since then, Director of Human Resources Rosie Dominic says the impact has reached far beyond English-language instruction. Employees have become more comfortable communicating with supervisors and coworkers, participating in discussions and asking questions. Century has also seen stronger engagement, improved safety communication and more opportunities for employees to take on greater responsibility. “Some of the WLS participants have taken on greater responsibilities and moved into leadership positions,” Dominic says. “For me, that is one of the greatest successes of the program.”

She says the experience has also changed how Century thinks about workforce development.

“Employers often talk about recruiting more workers or finding employees with the right skills. Those conversations are important, but workforce development should also include investing in the people who are already coming through our doors every day.”

For Century, Workplace Learning Solutions has become an investment not just in language skills, but in employee confidence, engagement, retention, safety and future leadership.

When employers invest in the people already on their teams and give them stronger tools to communicate, contribute and grow, both employees and organizations benefit. More info on Workplace Learning Solutions

How one CLC employee became one of our most generous donors.

Cheryl MacDonald: I see students transform their lives.

For Cheryl MacDonald, a love of reading began early. “Even now, I end each busy day with a book — it’s how I unwind,” she says.

She credits her parents and grandmothers with encouraging her and her siblings to do their best in school, attend college and pursue careers. Some of her favorite childhood memories are trips to the library with her mother, where each child would check out the maximum number of books, read and swap them, return them — and start all over again.

After retiring from the Air Force, Cheryl wanted a second career that would help people improve their lives. A fellow retiree introduced her to Community Literacy Centers, where she began as a volunteer. What she found surprised her. “I didn’t realize then that many adults struggle to read or need help improving their literacy skills,” Cheryl says. She eventually joined the CLC staff and today serves as Operations Manager. She also became a donor.

“I stayed as an employee because I believe in our mission. Every day, I see students transform their lives in small but powerful ways.” For Cheryl, giving is another way to help make those transformations possible. “Donating to CLC is my way of keeping those daily miracles going.

Giving the gift of reading and literacy is one of the most rewarding gifts you could give.”

We are grateful for every donor who believes in this work — and especially for the people who see its impact firsthand and choose to invest personally in helping it continue. Make your impact, donate now.

Private Reserve 2027 Sponsorships Are Available

Private Reserve 2027: A Night of a Thousand Stories returns Friday, April 9, at the Petroleum Club in downtown Oklahoma City.

Sponsorship opportunities are now available for businesses, organizations and individuals who want to support free adult education while helping CLC celebrate the stories of learners across our community. Explore Sponsorship Opportunities

Fall Classes are Underway

Adult learners across Oklahoma County are back in class, working toward stronger English skills, improved reading and math, high school equivalency, U.S. citizenship and greater confidence in everyday life. CLC offers free adult education in community locations throughout the metro, with programs designed for adults balancing work, family and other responsibilities. Available classes now are English as a Second Language, Adult Basic Education, High School Equivalency preparation and Citizenship. Know someone who could benefit? Please share CLC with them.

Reading Partners Session 3 Is in Progress

CLC’s Reading Partners Program continues to grow, with Session 3 now underway through October 4. Thirty-seven students signed up for the current session, where they are building English skills through reading, conversation and one-on-one encouragement from volunteer Reading Partners. The session will conclude with a Book Talk on October 11, giving students another opportunity to share what they have read, practice speaking and celebrate their progress. Anyone is welcome to attend the book talk -- if you're interested, email us and we'll send you an invitation!

🙏 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