Dear Members of the Seeds Family,

In reflecting on our journey since 2020, I am filled with immense pride in what we have achieved together.

Our commitment to providing uninterrupted support to our students during the pandemic led the team to develop a robust virtual learning environment that mirrored our cherished one-to-one model of service. The success of the staff and tutors with this endeavor, driven by an unwavering dedication to our students' well-being, is truly commendable.

As we navigated the complexities of virtual education, we witnessed a remarkable surge in the popularity of our Virtual Classroom. This platform proved to be a lifeline for individuals facing barriers such as transportation challenges, childcare responsibilities, health concerns, and work commitments. The accessibility and flexibility of our virtual offerings have resonated deeply with our community, both near and far.

However, amidst this wave of interest, we encountered a challenge we hadn't anticipated—an influx of prospective students from across state lines and even beyond our national borders. While this expanded reach was initially exhilarating, it has since prompted us to pause and reflect on the boundaries of our “community.”

Over the past year, we engaged in thoughtful discussions about the implications of having a nationwide presence. We sent surveys, we held focus groups, and the Strategic Planning Committee of the board has reviewed all of the feedback.

While it has been gratifying to witness our impact extending to nearly every corner of the country, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to our mission and values. With this in mind, after careful deliberation, we have made the difficult decision that Seeds of Literacy will no longer accept students who are not Ohio residents, effective May 1, 2024.

Please know that this decision was not made lightly. We considered numerous factors, including resource allocation, program sustainability, and, most importantly, the needs of our local community. Despite our best efforts, the overwhelming demand for our Virtual program has placed significant strain on our volunteer pool, staffing capacity, and financial resources – compromising our ability to deliver the level of support and quality education that our students both expect and deserve.

Looking ahead, our primary focus will be on serving the needs of our local community and residents of Ohio. We remain deeply committed to empowering individuals through literacy and education, and we are confident that by refocusing our efforts, we can continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering support and dedication to our shared mission. Together, we have overcome countless obstacles, and I have no doubt that we will emerge from this challenge stronger and more resilient than ever before.

Thank you for your understanding, your compassion, and your continued commitment to Seeds of Literacy.

BONNIE ENTLER

President & CEO, Seeds of Literacy