Discover the Benefits of Family Literacy

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Family Literacy Academy at Lake Wales

Where families build their future through education

Discover the Benefits of Family Literacy

The community based Family Literacy Academy at Lake Wales (FLALW or “the Academy”) was originally founded in 2005 with a grant from the Barbara Bush Family Literacy Foundation. The Academy now a beneficiary of Polk State College, Dollar General Literacy Foundation, Mountain Lake Service Corporation, United Way of Central Florida and a wide range of local organizations and individuals. In partnership with Polk State College, the Academy strives to remove the barriers to education through a focus on literacy for the entire family. Staff (including instructional personnel and social workers) and volunteers nurture participating families to become lifelong learners and readers, while simultaneously building a strong sense of self-worth.

Many of the program’s participants pursue and attain a higher education and rewarding careers and all become contributing members of the community who are better able to participate in all that is offered in our economy.

 The  Academy is a fully integrated, comprehensive educational program that benefits families throughout Polk County, Florida. It is a program based on the four steps of family literacy: adult education, education of their children (our next generation), adults and children growing together (PACT time) and life skills. The majority of the Academy’s budget is generated from private donations from individuals, corporations and foundations. Your support of the  Academy is greatly appreciated.

Community Outreach Letter 2023

Dear Friends,

As we navigate the challenges of these times, the importance of community and compassion is clearer than ever. The Family Literacy Academy at Lake Wales has been improving literacy in our city and beyond for the past 18 years. With your support, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most and build a brighter future for the next generation.

The Academy makes an impact in Lake Wales by providing free educational support to adults seeking their high school diploma (GED) or wishing to improve their use of English (ESOL). Plus, free preschool and tutoring services are provided for their children to encourage families to learn together. Enrollment in our programs is growing which indicates a need for the educational services we provide.

With help from the Academy's staff, more than 130 students have earned a GED (Florida high school diploma) and a significant percentage of these students have furthered their education at Polk State College or another academic or technical college. Many others have gained valuable knowledge and skills to land good jobs. The Academy has helped numerous non-English speakers improve their use of English, and some even went on to gain their citizenship! Overall, the Academy's services have benefited more than 1,900 adults and children in our local community.

We hope you'll take a moment to read the below newsletters with success stories of recent graduates whose lives have improved since completing our program. With your support, we can continue to improve literacy and educate those struggling financially so they can better provide for their families and contribute to our local workforceand economy.

Thank you in advance for your support and take care.

Free GED & ESOL Classes

Evening Classes

Mondays  & Thursdays 5:15 – 7:30 p.m.

Preschool education and school- age tutoring provided

Classes held at:
Mary Norma Campbell Resource Center
2226 Karen Street, Lake Wales, Florida 33898

Daytime Classes

Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays  9AM-Noon.

preschool education provided

Classes held at:
Mary Norma Campbell Resource Center
2226 Karen Street, Lake Wales, Florida 33898

Interested in earning your GED? Contact Dem Cowles, demingcowles@aol.com, 863-604-8012

Improving your English? Contact Jessica Galvin, 863-326-0771

Our Sponsors Are:

as well as:

  • Lake Wales AAUW
  • Lake Wales Noon Rotary Club
  • Good shepard Episcopal Church
  • Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors
  • Thrivent Financial
  • All Veterans Center
  • McCance Foundation
  • Jahna Foundation
  • Kislak Family Foundation
  • and several generous individuals

If you wish to help us with volunteer or financial support, please call Dem Cowles at 863-604-8012.

The Family Literacy Academy at Lake Wales is a 501c(3) charitable organization.