PLATINUM2023

LEE COUNTY LITERACY COALITION

Always Improving

Opelika, AL   |  www.leecountyliteracy.org

Mission

The mission of the Lee County Literacy Coalition is to help adults learn to read, write, and use mathematics and computers at a level necessary to succeed and thrive in society. Key community benefits include increasing and leveraging resources to meet the current demand for adult literacy services; improving collaboration and coordination across local systems serving adult learners while promoting equitable access to literacy education for all adults in Lee County and neighboring counties.

Ruling year info

1990

Executive Director

Ms. Patricia Butts

Main address

505 West Thomason Circle

Opelika, AL 36801 USA

Show more contact info

EIN

63-1010124

NTEE code info

Human Service Organizations (P20)

IRS filing requirement

This organization is required to file an IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ.

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Communication

Programs and results

What we aim to solve

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

The mission of the Lee County Literacy Coalition is to help adults learn to read, write, and use mathematics and computers at a level necessary to succeed and thrive in society. The Lee County Literacy Coalition (LCLC) offers one-to-one tutoring for reading, writing, math, computer, and GED preparation to individuals in Lee County and neighboring counties as well as financial, health, and computer literacy workshops. Key community benefits provided by LCLC include increasing and leveraging resources to meet the current demand for adult literacy services; improving collaboration and coordination across local systems serving adult learners while promoting equitable access to literacy education for all adults in Lee County and neighboring counties.

Our programs

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?

One-to-One Tutoring /GED Preparation

Once a learner and tutor is paired, an introduction is scheduled. Learners and tutors then agree on weekly session times and location. Sessions are generally one hour and are hosted at a public library, faith-based organization or the LCLC office. The learner determines the goals and objectives of the learning experience, whether it’s improving their vocabulary to read to their grandchildren, obtaining a driver’s license, passing a test to get a promotion or to obtain your GED. Volunteers receive a Basic Tutor Training to gain the needed fundamentals to assist adult learners that emphasize respect and confidentiality. Continued education opportunities are provided via webinar, meetings and on-line resources.

Population(s) Served
Adults

Control Your Money – This two-session workshop offers basic financial information, such as creating a budget, how to track spending, managing a checking or savings account, and using credit wisely. This workshop is scheduled monthly. Resume Writing and Interview Techniques webinars are a new addition.

Population(s) Served
Adults

In these workshops, participants gain information to better advocate for themselves, understand food labels to make informed choices, and prepare and ask questions of health care providers for a better understanding of the medical advice and instructions. This workshop is scheduled monthly and includes hosted webinars for on-demand opportunities.

Population(s) Served
Adults

Many jobs require computer use in some form and more and more information is offered in electronic rather than printed format. Understanding technology and how to utilize it is a necessity in today’s world is very important and aligns with our overall mission. These workshops assist participants with the basics of Windows, software applications, internet safety and more. This workshop is scheduled as needed; however; walk-ins are welcome. LCLC’s computer lab is open during normal business hours.

Population(s) Served
Adults

Where we work

Our results

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.

Number of clients passing job skill competency exams or assessments after completing course

This metric is no longer tracked.
Totals By Year
Population(s) Served

Ethnic and racial groups, Age groups

Related Program

One-to-One Tutoring /GED Preparation

Type of Metric

Outcome - describing the effects on people or issues

Direction of Success

Holding steady

Context Notes

One to One Tutoring specific to GED Preparation

Number of financial literacy courses conducted

This metric is no longer tracked.
Totals By Year
Population(s) Served

Age groups, Ethnic and racial groups, Social and economic status

Related Program

Financial Literacy Workshops

Type of Metric

Output - describing our activities and reach

Direction of Success

Increasing

Context Notes

This two-session (2-hour) workshop offers basic financial information, such as creating a budget, how to track spending, managing a checking or savings account, and using credit wisely. This workshop

Number of job skills training courses/workshops conducted

This metric is no longer tracked.
Totals By Year
Population(s) Served

Age groups, Ethnic and racial groups

Related Program

Computer Literacy Workshops

Type of Metric

Output - describing our activities and reach

Direction of Success

Increasing

Context Notes

Workplace Literacy - Multi-session workshop: Job search strategies, Effective resume writing, and Interview techniques.

Number of computer literacy/skills/technology courses conducted

This metric is no longer tracked.
Totals By Year
Population(s) Served

Age groups, Ethnic and racial groups

Related Program

Computer Literacy Workshops

Type of Metric

Output - describing our activities and reach

Direction of Success

Holding steady

Context Notes

This multi session workshop assist participants with the basics of Windows, software applications, internet safety and more. This workshop is facilitated on-site in the LCLC computer lab

Number of clients who become literate because of literacy education programs by the nonprofit

This metric is no longer tracked.
Totals By Year
Population(s) Served

Age groups, Ethnic and racial groups

Related Program

One-to-One Tutoring /GED Preparation

Type of Metric

Output - describing our activities and reach

Direction of Success

Holding steady

Context Notes

One to One Tutoring for adult literacy in reading, math, and writing.

Our Sustainable Development Goals

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Learn more about Sustainable Development Goals.

Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.

Charting impact

Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.

While learner gain is the primary goal for all Lee County Literacy Coalition (LCLC) programming, getting, keeping, and advancing in a job is a close second. LCLC’s Leveraging Technology for Literacy Project will introduce adult learners to applications to improve overall literacy to include reading, writing, math, health, financial, and basic computer skills. Technology is an almost daily requirement in the decision-making process of financial, medical, educational, and technical industries. This reliance on technology can make life challenging for those lacking basic literacy fundamentals. Learners will be paired with tutors for assessments and online sessions, live webinars, and on-demand options. This service delivery will enhance our established core services: on-site one-to-one tutoring, GED preparation, and literacy workshops.

This project will allow us to extend outreach and service delivery areas. It will reduce barriers such as transportation and childcare; and the on-demand component will allow the learner to engage at a time most convenient for them. In terms of overall program benefits, learners will gain instruction to increase literacy in reading, writing, math, health, financial, and basic computer skills to produce desired outcomes such as employability, income gain, improved self-esteem, and stronger families with engaged communities

Our vision will expand services and learner access with a stronger presence in the local libraries. LCLC will facilitate Volunteer Basic Tutor training at the participating libraries, lessening the barrier of transportation for both the learner and the tutor, while establishing service delivery on-site. Counties include Lee, Chambers, Macon, Russell, and Bullock with libraries in Opelika, Auburn, Dadeville, Horseshoe Bend, Tuskegee, Phenix City, Tallassee, and Union Springs.

The program outreach has multiple medians to include social media, local government, and chambers of commerce websites, low or no-cost radio PSAs as well as printed posters with QR code that links to informational videos. Printed materials are distributed to barber shops, salons, faith-based organizations, and the Department of Human Resource offices. Other outreach efforts include providing information to organizations and civic groups and manning information tables at local public events and activities throughout the county

Lee County Literacy Coalition is in the capacity-building mode, increasing staff, attracting new learners with improved service delivery by leveraging technology. Our plan is to meet learners “right where they are”, and empower them with literacy tools and skills that they need to be contributing, productive, and engaged members of the community. We do this by advocating for adult education, providing instruction, and partnering with other
community-based agencies. Improving access to adult literacy addresses intergenerational poverty and makes our community strong

Our executive director has over 20 years of experience in change management, public relations, strategic planning, program performance, staff development, and education and training. Her career has always been about service. After serving in the United States Army, she worked with military families, in the states and aboard, at Fleet and Family Support Centers in the Hampton Roads and Commander, Navy Installations Command in Washington, D.C. She was appointed by the board of directors on May 1, 2019.

Our Board of Directors is comprised of community leaders and local professionals with expertise in a wide range of areas, including training, advocacy, education, finance, law, fund development, health care, and business management. The Board meets bi-monthly (and twice in person annually). It is responsible for taking care of the strategic and financial health of the organization on an ongoing basis.

LCLC offered virtual learning options as well as safe social distancing spaces on-site. Our literacy workshops continue on-line with digital resources. This service delivery also reduces barriers such as transportation and childcare; and the on-demand component allows the learner to engage at a time most convenient for them. 80% of learners are showing improvement with grade-level progression and documented via monthly Tutor Reporting. Financial Literacy Workshop evaluations indicate participants were able to increase their knowledge and skills in creating a budget with improved problem-solving.

Individuals Served 2020: One-to-one/GED Tutoring 49; Literacy Workshops 126, Outreach 340. LCLC was prepared to pivot and provide virtual learning options. In June, on-site options resumed with safe social distancing spaces with PPE. Our literacy workshops continue on-line with digital resources with on-demand viewing. This service delivery has reduced barriers such as transportation and childcare, and the on-demand component allows the learner to engage at a time most convenient for them.

2021 INITIATIVES:
EQUITY CAMPAIGN
Everyone has a right to literacy. Lee County Literacy Coalition (LCLC) promotes equitable access to literacy education, opportunities, and resources for all adults. While learner gain is the primary goal for all programming, getting, keeping, and advancing in a job is a close second. In terms of overall program benefits, learners gain instruction to increase literacy in reading, writing, and math. Literacy workshops include health, financial and digital to produce desired outcomes such as employability, income gain, improved self-esteem and stronger families with engaged communities.

WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT
When women are empowered through literacy, they can find their voice, become strong, get educated, and improve their lives. Real life examples of women’s empowerment through literacy include: leaving abusive situations, getting a better job, improving their health, breaking the cycle of poverty, and furthering their education so their children have an increased opportunity for academic success. LCLC will partner with organizations supporting women experiencing homelessness, domestic violence and substance recovery.

LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY
LCLC’s Leveraging Technology for Literacy Project introduces adult learners to applications to improve overall literacy. Technology is a daily occurrence. This reliance on technology can make life challenging for those lacking basic literacy fundamentals. Learners are paired with tutors for assessments and online sessions, live webinars, and on-demand options. This service delivery enhances established core services: on-site one-to-one tutoring, GED preparation, and literacy workshops. This project extends outreach and service delivery areas as it reduces barriers such as transportation and childcare, and the on-demand component will allow the learner to engage at a time most convenient for them.

How we listen

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.

done We demonstrated a willingness to learn more by reviewing resources about feedback practice.
done We shared information about our current feedback practices.
  • How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?

    To identify and remedy poor client service experiences, To make fundamental changes to our programs and/or operations, To inform the development of new programs/projects, To strengthen relationships with the people we serve

  • Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?

  • What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?

    It is difficult to get the people we serve to respond to requests for feedback, We try to enlist the help of the tutors

Financials

LEE COUNTY LITERACY COALITION
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Operations

The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.

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Connect with nonprofit leaders

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Connect with nonprofit leaders

Subscribe

Build relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.

  • Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
  • Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
  • Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations

Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.

LEE COUNTY LITERACY COALITION

Board of directors
as of 01/19/2023
SOURCE: Self-reported by organization
Board chair

Mr. Jeff Stallworth

Auburn University

Term: 2023 - 2019

Patricia Stewart

Retired

Michael Barlow

East Alabama Health

Faith Twiggs

Attorney

Joseph Holt

Developer

Andrea Daniels

Educator

Board leadership practices

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.

  • Board orientation and education
    Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes
  • CEO oversight
    Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes
  • Ethics and transparency
    Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes
  • Board composition
    Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes
  • Board performance
    Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? No

Organizational demographics

SOURCE: Self-reported; last updated 2/1/2021

Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.

Leadership

The organization's leader identifies as:

Race & ethnicity
Black/African American
Gender identity
Female, Not transgender (cisgender)
Sexual orientation
Heterosexual or straight
Disability status
Person without a disability

Race & ethnicity

Gender identity

 

Sexual orientation

Disability

No data

We do not display disability information for organizations with fewer than 15 staff.

Equity strategies

Last updated: 02/01/2021

GuideStar partnered with Equity in the Center - an organization that works to shift mindsets, practices, and systems to increase racial equity - to create this section. Learn more

Data
  • We review compensation data across the organization (and by staff levels) to identify disparities by race.
  • We ask team members to identify racial disparities in their programs and / or portfolios.
  • We analyze disaggregated data and root causes of race disparities that impact the organization's programs, portfolios, and the populations served.
  • We disaggregate data to adjust programming goals to keep pace with changing needs of the communities we support.
Policies and processes
  • We use a vetting process to identify vendors and partners that share our commitment to race equity.
  • We seek individuals from various race backgrounds for board and executive director/CEO positions within our organization.
  • We have community representation at the board level, either on the board itself or through a community advisory board.
  • We help senior leadership understand how to be inclusive leaders with learning approaches that emphasize reflection, iteration, and adaptability.
  • We measure and then disaggregate job satisfaction and retention data by race, function, level, and/or team.
  • We engage everyone, from the board to staff levels of the organization, in race equity work and ensure that individuals understand their roles in creating culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization.