Our Story

We are a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization committed to improving English language and reading skills of adults and children throughout Southwest Florida. The Literacy Council Gulf Coast provides free instruction for adults in reading and writing, and in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

We offer Moms and Tots Family Literacy for mothers and their young children and Kids + Lifelong Learning for parents in Title I schools. Additionally, we offer work-site literacy programs at local golf/gated communities. Our program serves residents of Bonita Springs, San Carlos Park, Estero, Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Cape Coral, Sanibel & Naples.

Our Mission

To assist adults and children to acquire the English literacy skills and education necessary to improve their quality of life and enhance the entire community.

What We Do

The Council trains volunteers to help students acquire English skills. One-on-one and group classes are offered, free of charge. We have more than 500 volunteer tutors, and are always looking for more!

Where We Are

26820 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135

We serve the residents of the Bonita Springs, San Carlos Park, Estero, Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Cape Coral, Sanibel & Naples areas.

Where We’ve Been

LCGC was created in 2011 by a merger between Literacy Volunteers of Lee County and the Literacy Council of Bonita Springs. We’ve been helping students improve their literacy skills since 1989.

Did You Know?

The Literacy Council Gulf Coast is one of the largest nonprofit, nongovernmental literacy agencies in the United States!

The Literacy Council Gulf Coast

What We Do

The Council trains volunteers to help students acquire English skills. One-on-one and group classes are offered, free of charge. We have more than 500 volunteer tutors, and are always looking for more!

Where We Are

26820 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135

We serve the residents of the Bonita Springs, San Carlos Park, Estero, Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Cape Coral, Sanibel & Naples areas.

Where We’ve Been

LCGC was created in 2011 by a merger between Literacy Volunteers of Lee County and the Literacy Council of Bonita Springs. We’ve been helping students improve their literacy skills since 1989.

Other Offerings

  • Resident-organized programs at golf and gated community worksites
  • Moms & Tots® Family Literacy Programs throughout Southwest Florida
  • Classes in U.S. citizenship, conversation, GED readiness, writing

Our Students

Adults who want to read and write better English, adults who want to learn English to improve their quality of life, and parents and their pre-school children eager to ensure that the children begin school ready to learn. About 2,696 students study English with us each year.

We teach students from 40 different countries. Students come from all countries in South and Central America, Haiti, France, Germany, Albania, Romania, Spain, Lithuania, Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, Slovakia, Greece, China, Vietnam, South Korea, Thailand,  and others.

Our Funding Sources

  • Individual and community contributions
  • Private foundation grants
  • United Way of Lee County

LCGC is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation. All donations are tax deductible.

Officers

Jeremy Fioravanti

Chairman

Caitlyn Ford, CPA

CFO/Treasurer

Christa Short

Secretary

Sue Schad

President & CEO

Board Members

Charlie Hopkins
Carlos Negron, Ed.D

Patt Suwyn
Rob Cooper
George Shaffer

Tripta Sarin
Eileen Tasso