The BeLit Bulletin, September 2023
TWO WEEKS FROM TODAY!

BeLit is excited to announce the upcoming launch of our Young Friends Advisory Board (YFAB). Our goal is to convene a group of literacy allies and philanthropic leaders who will gain valuable board experience while helping move BeLit's mission forward now and into the future.

Join us for the YFAB information and networking kickoff event on Wednesday, September 20, 6-7:30pm, at Collins Park (1707 Chestnut Street) with catering by DiBruno Bros and Chaddsford Winery.

To register, please click here. Hope to see you there!
Welcome to our new Chief Operating Officer, Sara Manning!
Since merging Center for Literacy and Community Learning Center two years ago to create Beyond Literacy, our staff and programs have grown exponentially -- and with expansion comes more complex operational needs. We are thrilled to welcome Sara Manning to help us meet these growing demands as BeLit's very first Chief Operating Officer.

Sara has 18 years of nonprofit management experience in development, communications, operations, board relations, and events and has most recently held senior leadership positions at Mental Health Partnerships, The Economy League of Greater Philadelphia, White-Williams Scholars (now Heights Philadelphia) and the American Heart Association. In her prior roles, she built her expertise in implementing new systems for greater efficiencies, leading efforts to increase and diversify organizational revenues, and raising brand awareness. A first-generation college graduate and proud Temple alum, Sara served as a volunteer for the Center for Literacy early in her career. She is excited that her professional journey has brought her full circle to Beyond Literacy. Get in touch with Sara at smanning@beyondliteracy.org.
New Student Spotlights:
Back to school is year-round at Beyond Literacy, but the majority of our learners are parents of K-12 students, so our enrollment soars in September as kids head to school and parents have more time to dedicate to their own studies. Meet a few of our newest learners as they begin their education journey at BeLit...
Erica Rodriguez
Where are you from?
I'm originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and I moved to Philadelphia when I turned 16 years old.

What program are you in?
I'm in Adult Basic Education. I love my teacher, Karen, and my class is awesome. I go in person to class.

What is your biggest goal?
I'm trying to get my high school equivalency diploma so I can go to college for Criminal Justice. I'd like to become a parole officer.
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How did you learn about Beyond Literacy?
I used to take classes in 2020, but I stepped away when I had a baby. Now that my little girl is older, I'm able to come back and finish my diploma.
William Johnson
Where are you from?
I am from North Philly.

What program are you in?
I am in the Weatherization Pre-Apprenticeship Program. It's been awesome. I really like what I'm learning. Plus, it's different having people so willing to help. The BeLit program is a network of people with energy who want to help you.

What is your biggest goal?
My goal for after I graduate the program is to start my own contracting business.

How did you learn about Beyond Literacy?
I was referred through the Innocence Project. I came home three months ago, and to have this opportunity so accessible to me is a blessing.
Glenda Arellanos
Where are you from?
I am from Guatemala and moved to the U.S. about 16 years ago.

What program are you in?
I am in BeLit's Family Literacy program with my son, Abiel. We participate at Saint Matthew School in Mayfair.

What is your biggest goal?
I recently went to a doctor’s appointment and didn’t need a translator! I need to keep practicing English to understand what people at the doctor's office or school say to me. I want to have conversations with other parents at school. Most of all, I want to speak with and listen to my children and my family.

How did you learn about Beyond Literacy?
My child's school told me about the program. They helped me figure out how to attend classes while caring for my young daughter, Giselle. At first, I was scared and said I didn't have time. But they helped me feel comfortable taking English lessons.
Oksana Burlakova
Where are you from?
I live in Philadelphia, PA. But I'm from Russia. My native language is Russian.

What program are you in?
English Language Learner.

What is your biggest goal?
I would like a good profession in the future. In Russia, I had the education of a speech therapist and an elementary school teacher.

How did you learn about Beyond Literacy?
I found BeLit through the internet.
Claude Ambroise
Where are you from?
I'm from Haiti, but I've been in Philadelphia for 10 years.

What program are you in?
I take Digital Skills classes with Alex on Wednesdays at the West Campus. It is a pleasure. Alex is the best and helps people left and right.

What is your biggest goal?
My goal is to learn so I can start English Classes and get my GED.

How did you learn about Beyond Literacy?
Someone gave me a flyer a couple months ago and I decided to check it out. I recommend it.
Beyond Literacy's mission is to expand opportunities and improve lives by unleashing the power of literacy through free, high-quality adult education and career readiness.