top of page

Mission

 
Empowerment Through Literacy!
 
The Reading People works to eliminate illiteracy in our community by providing free educational support to anyone on a language-learning journey.

 

We serve adults with personal or job-related literacy goals, any immigrant, refugee, or asylum-seeker learning English as a second language, and children at risk of falling behind in school for any reason.

​

We believe the ability to read and write is critical to personal freedom. Through improved literacy, we empower and help unlock pathways to new and better opportunities.

​

Our Vision

​

A community of empowered individuals, able to access the benefits that come with the ability to read, write, and speak English.

​

Our Core Values

​

Empowerment: We empower our students to thrive.

​

Community: We value lasting relationships and serve all who have educational goals.

​

Warmth and Openness: We create safe and welcoming spaces for learning.

​

Empathy and Compassion: We honor the well-being of our students and show one-another grace.

​

Resilience: We persevere on a path to eliminate illiteracy in our community.

​

Equity and Inclusivity: We value diversity and provide opportunities for all.

​

Cultural Sensitivity: We treat everyone with kindness and celebrate differences.

​

Gratitude: We deeply appreciate the crucial support of our community and our volunteers.

UNDERSTANDING

THE CHALLENGE

20% of adults in the greater-Lansing counties of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham – or 80,000 individuals – lack basic literacy skills.

​

According to the National Literacy Institute:

​

  • 130 million adults in the US are unable to read a simple story to their children.

  • 21% of adults in the US are functionally illiterate in 2022. 45 million adults read below a 5th grade level.

  • 20% of Americans read below the level needed to earn a living wage.

  • 50% of the unemployed between the ages of 16 and 21 cannot read well enough to be considered functionally literate.

  • Between 46% and 51% of American adults have income well below the poverty level because of their inability to read.

  • Approximately 50% of Americans lack the skills to perform simple tasks such as reading prescription drug labels.

bottom of page