Discover the Benefits of Family Literacy
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.
Fundraising Letter 2024-2025
Dear Friends,
We hope this letter finds you well. As we embark upon our 19th year of improving literacy in our community, the value of knowledge is stronger than ever. The Family Literacy Academy at Lake Wales can continue to make a profound difference in the lives of those who need it most with your support.
The Academy provides free educational support to adults seeking their high school diploma (GED) or wishing to improve their use of English (ESOL). In addition, preschool and tutoring services for their children are provided to encourage families to learn together—all at no cost to our students. Enrollment in the GED and ESOL programs continues to increase which indicates the need for these services.
The Family Literacy Academy has helped 142 students (14 this year alone) earn their GED. A significant percentage of these students have furthered their education at Polk State College or other higher learning institutions. Many others have gained valuable knowledge and skills to help them better function in society. A large number of non-English speakers improve their use of English (and gain their citizenship). Overall, the Academy has provided educational services to nearly 1,900 adults and children in our local community thanks to our generous supporters.
We hope you'll take a minute to read the attached newsletter, which includes success stories of recent graduates whose lives improved after completing our program. With your support, we can fulfill our mission of building futures for families so that they have the skills needed to succeed in life and help our local workforce.
Please visit our Facebook page or our website at flalw.org to learn more about the impact the Academy has on our community. Feel free to contact us at 863-604-8012 with any questions.
Thank you for your support.
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.