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.