I knew (and still know) that I had to get up and get it if I wanted a better life. Nobody was coming to save me or do it for me.

- Michelle, Literacy Alliance Alumna

The stories and the words of our alumni are inspirational for us, and hopefully for you. Follow this link to read Michelle’s story in her own words.

We also featured Michelle on our LinkedIn page. If you haven’t already followed us on LinkedIn, please click here and follow today!

Eliminating Poverty with a Family Learning Community

The Literacy Alliance is partnering with the National Centers for Family Learning (NCFL) to engage families in building the first Family Learning Community in Florida.

Representatives from NCFL, including President & CEO Dr. Felecia C. Smith, facilitated the local Visioning Team’s first meeting. The goal is nothing short of eradicating poverty through education solutions for families.

The Literacy Alliance is serving as the anchor partner for NCFL. Joining Literacy Alliance President & CEO, Marcus Haile, as part of the Core Team are Rachael Tutwiler Fortune, President of the Jacksonville Public Education Fund; Dr. Diana Greene, Literacy Alliance Board Member and CEO of the Children’s Literacy Initiative; Dr. Paula Renfro, Chief Academic Officer of Duval County Public Schools; and Melissa Ross, Director of Strategic Initiatives for Mayor Donna Deegan.

Jacksonville's Family Learning Community Visioning Team with the NCFL team. From left to right: Dr. Diana Greene, Children's Literacy Initiative CEO and Literacy Alliance Board Member; Dr. Felicia C. Smith, NCFL CEO; Anita Edwards, Literacy Alliance COO, Cherry Boyles, NCFL National Director; Rachael Tutwiler Fortune, Jacksonville Public Education Fund President; Dr. Paula Renfro, Duval County Public Schools Chief Academic Officer; Melissa Ross, Mayor's Office Director of Strategic Initiatives; Marcus Haile, Literacy Alliance CEO; and Leslie Wilson, NCFL Associate Director.

Engaging Families at River City Science Academy

Our recent partnership with River City Science Academy turned a love for literacy into a vibrant community celebration.

Literacy Alliance team members participated in a series of events over the last two weeks, including spirited Read Across America days, a family literacy night that involved parents in practicing family learning activities, and an outreach event at their Spring Carnival.

By combining our resources, we fostered a deeper connection to reading, proving that when local organizations and schools unite, we create a stronger foundation for lifelong learning. It was a joy to see the students’ faces light up with every page turned, and we are incredibly proud to support the next generation of readers at RCSA.

Literacy Alliance Lead Instructor, Aimee Parker, participating in Read Across America Day at River City Science Academy.

Literacy Alliance instructors Kim Gaskins and Anita Habibi sharing information on continuing education, adult literacy, family literacy, and volunteer opportunities at the River City Science Academy Spring Carnival.

Finding the Sweet Spot in Balancing Work, Life, and Learning

Recognizing that a sharp mind needs a calm spirit, the Literacy Alliance hosted a Stress Management Workshop specifically tailored for adult learners.

Students learned the importance of understanding the "sweet spot" between too little and too much stress, identifying stressors, and responding both positively and negatively.

The atmosphere was one of shared support and empowerment, as learners left with not just a lighter outlook but also a toolkit of "stress-busting" rituals and insights to stay in the "sweet spot" while focusing on their goals. It was a powerful reminder that taking care of our mental well-being is just as vital as any academic achievement.

New volunteer, Jori Collette, presented the workshops. Jori worked at the Florida State University counseling center in Tallahassee as a mental health counselor, where she presented similar workshops for college students. She moved to the area a few years ago and wanted to get involved in a new volunteer role.

Literacy Alliance volunteer, Jori Collette, presented a stress Management workshop designed for adult learners balancing the demands of their continuing education with work and life.

Literacy Alliance volunteers are not just tutors! Interested in volunteering, but not ready to tutor yet? Let us know!

Celebrating the Carrier Pigeon Post

We were honored to celebrate a major milestone with our friends at the Carrier Pigeon Post as they marked their second anniversary last week.

The Literacy Alliance team attended their celebration and caught up on their incredible work providing hope and connection to incarcerated individuals through the power of storytelling.

Seeing how much they’ve grown over the last two years was truly inspiring, and it was a pleasure to applaud their continued success in fostering literacy and humanity within the prison system.

A feature on the Literacy Alliance is coming from the Carrier Pigeon Post soon!

Literacy Alliance CEO, Marcus Haile, and Corrections Education Director, Sherri Jackson, celebrated the two year anniversary of the Carrier Pigeon Post with founder Sonya Cronin.

The Literacy Alliance is generously supported by individual donors like you and the following partners.

The Thomas M. and Irene B. Kirbo Charitable Foundation