Equipping today’s generation to be tomorrow’s leaders.

The Literacy Council Gulf Coast (LCGC)  has served the Lee County, Hendry, and North Collier County, areas for the past 30 years. The Council’s main purpose is to prepare community members for success in the workforce through literacy development in a multitude of categories.

According to the LCGC’s most recent Impact Report, “At the state level, almost 20 percent of Floridians are foreign-born, according to the U.S. Census. Even more important is that 27 percent of Floridians age 5 and older speak a language other than English in the household. As recently as last decade, 20 percent of Floridians 16 years and older lacked basic prose literacy skills, according to the National Center for Education Statistics,” (2019).

The United States has always been known as a melting pot for diversity and culturalism. Ensuring that literacy rates are high impacts our economy, our schools, and our society. As children grow, their comprehension of language enables them to expand their knowledge and experiences. With that expansion, the pipeline from education to the workforce is strengthened. When our workforce is strong, society is strong and connected.

The LCGC starts promoting literacy at a young age. Our Carol De Joy Moms and Tots Family Literacy program allows young moms and their children to learn in a Parent And Child Together (PACT) environment.

“The goal of this program is to prepare young children to begin school speaking English, strengthen the family bond, assist mothers in improving their English skills, and help children and their mothers learn to love reading,” (2019).

Children who go through the program are more likely to test above average when they begin school. The moms benefit as well – program graduates are more likely to obtain their GED and continue on to higher education.

Tomorrow’s workforce is combed for success through the LCGC’s mission to enhance the community by doing the part to set up students and families for success.