LITERACY CONNEXUS INC: Form 990, tax year 2024
View the entire original 990 at ProPublica ↗
- Organization
- LITERACY CONNEXUS INC (EIN 76-0764561)
- Tax period
- 2024-01-01 to 2024-12-31
- Filed
- 2025-05-28
- IRS object ID
- 202501489349300240
- Schema version
- 2024v5.0
- Note
- A later return for the same period supersedes this one.
- Source
- Download XML · Original 990 at ProPublica
Every field in the e-filed return. Faint text is the IRS element name, for citing.
Return header ReturnHeader
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Return | 2025-05-28T12:49:52-04:00 | ReturnTs |
| Tax Period End | 2024-12-31 | TaxPeriodEndDt |
Preparer Firm PreparerFirmGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Preparer Firm EIN | 275007858 | PreparerFirmEIN |
Preparer Firm Name PreparerFirmName
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Business Name Line1 | DEBBIE BUNERO CPA | BusinessNameLine1Txt |
Preparer US Address PreparerUSAddress
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Address Line1 | 252 W MAIN STREET STE E | AddressLine1Txt |
| City | AZLE | CityNm |
| State Abbreviation | TX | StateAbbreviationCd |
| ZIP | 760203100 | ZIPCd |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Return Type | 990 | ReturnTypeCd |
| Tax Period Begin | 2024-01-01 | TaxPeriodBeginDt |
Filer Filer
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| EIN | 760764561 | EIN |
Business Name BusinessName
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Business Name Line1 | LITERACY CONNEXUS | BusinessNameLine1Txt |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Business Name Control | LITE | BusinessNameControlTxt |
| Phone | 8176969898 | PhoneNum |
US Address USAddress
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Address Line1 | 3020 S CHERRY LANE 123168 | AddressLine1Txt |
| City | FORT WORTH | CityNm |
| State Abbreviation | TX | StateAbbreviationCd |
| ZIP | 76121 | ZIPCd |
Business Officer BusinessOfficerGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Person | LESTER MERIWETHER | PersonNm |
| Person Title | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | PersonTitleTxt |
| Phone | 8176969898 | PhoneNum |
| Signature | 2025-05-28 | SignatureDt |
| Discuss With Paid Preparer | Yes (true) | DiscussWithPaidPreparerInd |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| IRS Responsible Prty Info Curr | Yes (true) | IRSResponsiblePrtyInfoCurrInd |
Preparer Person PreparerPersonGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Preparer Person | DEBBIE BUNERO CPA | PreparerPersonNm |
| PTIN | P01404083 | PTIN |
| Phone | 8173072828 | PhoneNum |
| Preparation | 2025-05-27 | PreparationDt |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Tax | 2024 | TaxYr |
| Build TS | 2025-03-06 01:10:19Z | BuildTS |
Form 990 IRS990
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Amended Return | Yes (X) | AmendedReturnInd |
| Principal Officer | LESTER MERIWETHER | PrincipalOfficerNm |
US Address USAddress
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Address Line1 | 3020 S CHERRY LANE 123168 | AddressLine1Txt |
| City | FORT WORTH | CityNm |
| State Abbreviation | TX | StateAbbreviationCd |
| ZIP | 76121 | ZIPCd |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Receipts | $145,362 | GrossReceiptsAmt |
| Group Return For Affiliates | false | GroupReturnForAffiliatesInd |
| Organization501c3 | Yes (X) | Organization501c3Ind |
| Website Address | WWW.LITERACYCONNEXUS.ORG | WebsiteAddressTxt |
| Type Of Organization Corp | Yes (X) | TypeOfOrganizationCorpInd |
| Activity Or Mission | LITERACY CONNEXUS OVERSEES FOUR MAIN PROGRAMS, ALL SERVING THE GOAL OF EMPOWERING COMMUNITY AND FAITH-BASED PROGRAMS TO PROMOTE LITERACY. THESE FOUR PROGRAMS INCLUDE: TEACHING ENGLISH CONNEXUS (TECS), L.E.A.R.N. FOR LIFE, READY FOR SCHOOL, AND WHAT'S FOR LUNCH? EACH PROGRAM FOCUSES ON A KEY AREA OF LITERACY: TEACHING ENGLISH TO SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES, ADULT LITERACY, FAMILY LITERACY & PREPARATION FOR SCHOOL, AND ADDRESSING THE SUMMER READING SLIDE & ACCESS TO BOOKS. EACH PROGRAM IS LISTED BELOW WITH A LONGER DESCRIPTION. | ActivityOrMissionDesc |
| Voting Members Governing Body | 7 | VotingMembersGoverningBodyCnt |
| Voting Members Independent | 7 | VotingMembersIndependentCnt |
| Total Employee | 4 | TotalEmployeeCnt |
| Total Volunteers | 12 | TotalVolunteersCnt |
| Total Gross UBI | $0 | TotalGrossUBIAmt |
| PY Contributions Grants | $80,539 | PYContributionsGrantsAmt |
| CY Contributions Grants | $144,227 | CYContributionsGrantsAmt |
| PY Program Service Revenue | $470 | PYProgramServiceRevenueAmt |
| CY Program Service Revenue | $890 | CYProgramServiceRevenueAmt |
| PY Investment Income | $243 | PYInvestmentIncomeAmt |
| CY Investment Income | $245 | CYInvestmentIncomeAmt |
| CY Other Revenue | $0 | CYOtherRevenueAmt |
| PY Total Revenue | $81,252 | PYTotalRevenueAmt |
| CY Total Revenue | $145,362 | CYTotalRevenueAmt |
| CY Grants And Similar Paid | $0 | CYGrantsAndSimilarPaidAmt |
| CY Benefits Paid To Members | $0 | CYBenefitsPaidToMembersAmt |
| PY Salaries Comp Emp Bnft Paid | $70,366 | PYSalariesCompEmpBnftPaidAmt |
| CY Salaries Comp Emp Bnft Paid | $59,271 | CYSalariesCompEmpBnftPaidAmt |
| CY Total Prof Fndrsng Expns | $0 | CYTotalProfFndrsngExpnsAmt |
| CY Total Fundraising Expense | $0 | CYTotalFundraisingExpenseAmt |
| PY Other Expenses | $33,995 | PYOtherExpensesAmt |
| CY Other Expenses | $31,582 | CYOtherExpensesAmt |
| PY Total Expenses | $104,361 | PYTotalExpensesAmt |
| CY Total Expenses | $90,853 | CYTotalExpensesAmt |
| PY Revenues Less Expenses | -$23,109 | PYRevenuesLessExpensesAmt |
| CY Revenues Less Expenses | $54,509 | CYRevenuesLessExpensesAmt |
| Total Assets BOY | $15,409 | TotalAssetsBOYAmt |
| Total Assets EOY | $69,053 | TotalAssetsEOYAmt |
| Total Liabilities EOY | $0 | TotalLiabilitiesEOYAmt |
| Net Assets Or Fund Balances BOY | $15,409 | NetAssetsOrFundBalancesBOYAmt |
| Net Assets Or Fund Balances EOY | $69,053 | NetAssetsOrFundBalancesEOYAmt |
| Info In Schedule O Part III | Yes (X) | InfoInScheduleOPartIIIInd |
| Mission | LITERACY CONNEXUS OVERSEES FOUR MAIN PROGRAMS, ALL SERVING THE GOAL OF EMPOWERING COMMUNITY AND FAITH-BASED PROGRAMS TO PROMOTE LITERACY. THESE FOUR PROGRAMS INCLUDE: TEACHING ENGLISH CONNEXUS (TECS), L.E.A.R.N. FOR LIFE, READY FOR SCHOOL, AND WHAT'S FOR LUNCH? EACH PROGRAM FOCUSES ON A KEY AREA OF LITERACY: TEACHING ENGLISH TO SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES, ADULT LITERACY, FAMILY LITERACY & PREPARATION FOR SCHOOL, AND ADDRESSING THE SUMMER READING SLIDE & ACCESS TO BOOKS. EACH PROGRAM IS LISTED BELOW WITH A LONGER DESCRIPTION. | MissionDesc |
| Significant New Program Srvc | false | SignificantNewProgramSrvcInd |
| Significant Change | false | SignificantChangeInd |
| Expense | $23,086 | ExpenseAmt |
| Revenue | $890 | RevenueAmt |
| Desc | TEACHING ENGLISH CONNEXUS (TECS) TEACHING ENGLISH CONNEXUS (TECS) IS THE LARGEST PROGRAM OF LITERACY CONNEXUS, CREATED TO EQUIP VOLUNTEERS TO TEACH ENGLISH TO REFUGEES, IMMIGRANTS, AND INTERNATIONALS. LED BY VOLUNTEER ESL COORDINATOR KAREN PEISER, THE PROGRAM TRAINS HUNDREDS OF NEW AND EXPERIENCED ESL TEACHERS EACH YEAR. TECS IS ESPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR VOLUNTEERS WITHOUT PRIOR TEACHING EXPERIENCE AND IS IDEAL FOR THOSE INVOLVED IN FAITH-BASED ESL MINISTRIES. THE PROGRAM INCLUDES A SEVEN-HOUR TRAINING COURSE THAT BLENDS ONLINE LEARNING WITH IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION. CHURCHES AND THE ANNUAL METROPLEX LITERACY CONFERENCE IN MARCH COMMONLY HOST THESE TRAINING SESSIONS. THE ONLINE PORTION FEATURES OVER THREE HOURS OF INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS AND INTERACTIVE QUIZZES, HOSTED ONLINE THROUGH THE CANVAS LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. IN-PERSON TRAINING OFFERS HANDS-ON PRACTICE USING ACTIVITIES APPLICABLE IN REAL ESL CLASSROOMS, GIVING PARTICIPANTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRACTICE WHAT THEY WILL TEACH IN THE ESL CLASSROOM. PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE THE TECS TRAINING MANUAL, AVAILABLE AS A FREE PDF OR AS A PRINTED TEXTBOOK AVAILABLE ON AMAZON. THE MANUAL COVERS ESSENTIAL ESL TEACHING STRATEGIES, CLASSROOM-READY ACTIVITIES, AND GUIDANCE FOR LAUNCHING, EVALUATING, AND IMPROVING AN ESL PROGRAM. IN ADDITION, TECS TRAINERS ARE AVAILABLE TO CONSULT WITH CHURCH AND PROGRAM LEADERS TO ASSIST WITH CURRICULUM SELECTION AND ADDRESS SPECIFIC PROGRAM NEEDS. ADVANCED TRAININGS TAILORED TO INDIVIDUAL PROGRAMS OR GROUPS OF TEACHERS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE. THE TEACHING ENGLISH CONNEXUS (TECS) TRAINING WAS REDESIGNED IN 2020-2021 (AROUND THE TIME OF THE COVID PANDEMIC) AS AN ONLINE TRAINING, AND NOW UTILIZES THE HYBRID ONLINE AND IN-PERSON MODEL. IT WAS BASED ON THE PRIOR TEACHING ENGLISH WITH EXCELLENCE (TEX) TRAINING WHICH WAS DEVELOPED IN 2007 BY ROBIN FEISTEL. OVER THE YEARS, THIS TRAINING HAS EQUIPPED THOUSANDS OF VOLUNTEER ESL TEACHERS ACROSS DOZENS OF ESL PROGRAMS IN TEXAS AND BEYOND. THE TECS TRAINING TEAM INCLUDES EXPERIENCED ESL TEACHERS AND TEACHER- TRAINERS WHO SERVE IN CHURCH BASED ESL PROGRAMS ACROSS TEXAS, TEACH PROFESSIONALLY AT UNIVERSITIES, OR LEAD ESL PROGRAMS. NEW TRAINERS ARE DEVELOPED THROUGH AN APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM IN WHICH THEY SHADOW EXPERIENCED TECS TRAINERS AND TAKE ON PORTIONS OF THE TRAINING AS THEY FEEL COMFORTABLE, UNTIL THEY ARE READY TO LEAD ALL PARTS OF THE TRAINING THEMSELVES. | Desc |
Prog Srvc Accom Acty2 ProgSrvcAccomActy2Grp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Expense | $32,484 | ExpenseAmt |
| Desc | WHATS FOR LUNCH? WHAT'S FOR LUNCH? AIMS TO ENHANCE READING READINESS FOR PRESCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN AND TO MITIGATE SUMMER LEARNING LOSS AMONG LOW-INCOME ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS, INCREASING THE LIKELIHOOD THAT PARTICIPANTS WILL READ PROFICIENTLY BY 3RD GRADE. THE INITIATIVE LEVERAGES EXISTING DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS FOR ADDRESSING HUNGER WHEN SCHOOL IS OUT (E.G., FREE SUMMER MEAL SITES, NON-CONGREGATE MEAL PROGRAMS, AND FOOD PANTRIES) TO ELIMINATE BARRIERS TO BOOK ACCESS AND SUPPORT FAMILY READING PRACTICES AMONG FOOD INSECURE HOUSEHOLDS. IN 2024, AFTER A HIATUS DUE TO THE COVID PANDEMIC, AND THE WELCOME ADDITION OF A PASSIONATE NEW COORDINATOR, DR. LINDA ENGLISH, THE WHAT'S FOR LUNCH? PROGRAM EXPANDED ITS REACH THROUGH NEW PARTNERSHIPS, INCREASED VISIBILITY, AND GREATER COMMUNITY IMPACT - ESPECIALLY THROUGHOUT CENTRAL TEXAS. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDED ORGANIZING A PANEL DISCUSSION AT THE TEXAS LIBRARY ASSOCIATION MEETING TO PROMOTE FREE SUMMER MEALS AND MOBILE LIBRARY OUTREACH, AS WELL AS HOSTING THE FIRST ANNUAL KCEN 6-SPONSORED BOOK DRIVE, WHICH COLLECTED OVER 2,000 BOOKS AND RAISED AWARENESS ABOUT SUMMER READING LOSS. LITERACY CONNEXUS FORMED NEW PARTNERSHIPS WITH TRANSFORMATION WACO, THE WACO PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITY, PIZZA HUT BOOKIT, AND FARMACY, AND RECEIVED AN HEB READ3 COMMUNITY INVESTMENT GRANT. THE PROGRAM PROVIDED AROUND 1,400 BOOKS TO STUDENTS AT THREE HIGH-NEED WACO ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS, DISTRIBUTED 750 BOOKS THROUGH BOOK BLAST LITERACY-THEMED EVENTS, AND ESTABLISHED PERMANENT READING NOOKS AT TWO PUBLIC HOUSING COMMUNITIES. ADDITIONALLY, BOOKS WERE DISTRIBUTED TO OVER 300 HOUSEHOLDS AT A CHRISTMAS COMMUNITY EVENT FOR FAMILIES USING A LOCAL FOOD PANTRY AND NEARLY 500 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS RECEIVED BOOKS TO READ OVER WINTER BREAK. PLANS ARE ALSO UNDERWAY TO ESTABLISH A PERMANENT WHAT'S FOR LUNCH? BOOK BANK IN WACO. | Desc |
Prog Srvc Accom Acty3 ProgSrvcAccomActy3Grp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Expense | $13,195 | ExpenseAmt |
| Desc | READY FOR SCHOOL READY FOR SCHOOL IS A FAMILY LITERACY PROGRAM SUPPORTING REFUGEE CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS IN FORT WORTH. NOW DIRECTED BY HEATHER SMITH, FOLLOWING THE RETIREMENT OF LONGTIME LEADER KAREN MORROW, THE PROGRAM CONTINUES ITS MISSION OF EQUIPPING FAMILIES FOR SCHOOL SUCCESS. OVER THE PAST YEAR, THE PROGRAM HAS SERVED AROUND 20 FAMILIES AT MONARCH PASS APARTMENTS. BY ENGAGING BOTH CHILDREN AND PARENTS IN LITERACY-RICH ACTIVITIES, READY FOR SCHOOL FOSTERS A CULTURE OF LEARNING AND PREPARES PRESCHOOLERS FOR SUCCESS IN U.S. CLASSROOMS. THE 20-WEEK CURRICULUM-DEVELOPED BY KAREN MORROW (M.R.E.), JANA MARBUT-RAY (M.ED.), AND CAROLINE BELL (M.S.)-USES CLASSIC CHILDREN'S BOOKS LIKE BROWN BEAR, BROWN BEAR AND THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR TO BUILD EARLY LITERACY, MATH, MOTOR, AND SOCIAL SKILLS THROUGH SONGS, STORIES, AND HANDS-ON FUN. PARENTS PARTICIPATE ALONGSIDE THEIR CHILDREN, LEARNING WAYS TO SUPPORT LEARNING AT HOME. WHILE THE PROGRAM PREVIOUSLY CONCLUDED WITH A PERSONALIZED BOOKSHELF FOR EACH FAMILY, THIS YEAR FAMILIES WILL RECEIVE BOOK BAGS INSTEAD-BECAUSE, LET'S BE HONEST, THOSE SHELVES WERE GETTING MORE USE AS SHOE RACKS THE CURRICULUM REMAINS FREE AND ACCESSIBLE ON THE LITERACY CONNEXUS WEBSITE, MAKING IT EASY FOR CHURCHES, ESL PROGRAMS, OR PASSIONATE VOLUNTEERS TO REPLICATE. LOOKING AHEAD, VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR THE FALL SESSION, WHICH IS SET TO BEGIN THE THIRD TUESDAY IN SEPTEMBER. PLANS ARE UNDERWAY TO HOST CLASSES IN THE CLUBHOUSE AT MONARCH PASS, AND LITERACY CONNEXUS IS WORKING WITH WORLD RELIEF TO SECURE THE SPACE. | Desc |
Prog Srvc Accom Acty Other ProgSrvcAccomActyOtherGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Expense | $500 | ExpenseAmt |
| Desc | L.E.A.R.N. FOR LIFE LITERACY EDUCATION AND RESOURCE NETWORK (L.E.A.R.N. FOR LIFE) IS A COLLABORATIVE INITIATIVE BETWEEN LITERACY CONNEXUS AND THE TARRANT LITERACY COALITION DESIGNED TO IMPROVE ADULT LITERACY AND SUPPORT EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT. DIRECTED BY JOAN GRIGSBY, TRAINED VOLUNTEERS OFFER ONE-ON-ONE TUTORING AT TWO GOODWILL CENTERS IN FORT WORTH AND AT LOCAL LIBRARIES. THE PROGRAM SERVES ADULTS WHO ARE WORKING TOWARD GOALS SUCH AS EARNING A GED, IMPROVING THEIR READING AND WRITING SKILLS, OR GAINING CONFIDENCE IN DAILY LITERACY TASKS-EMPOWERING THEM TO ENGAGE MORE FULLY IN WORK AND EDUCATION AS WELL AS CHURCH AND COMMUNITY LIFE. ESTABLISHED IN 2014, L.E.A.R.N. FOR LIFE WELCOMES BOTH NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKERS AND FLUENT ENGLISH SPEAKERS FROM OTHER LANGUAGE BACKGROUNDS WHO STRUGGLE WITH READING OR SPELLING. THE TUTORING IS PERSONALIZED TO MEET EACH LEARNER'S INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND GOALS. COORDINATORS JOAN GRIGSBY AND LINDA WAGGONER ALSO HELP CONNECT LEARNERS TO ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES THROUGH THE TARRANT COUNTY ADULT EDUCATION AND LITERACY CONSORTIUM, BROADENING ACCESS TO ADULT EDUCATION SUPPORT ACROSS THE REGION. IN 2024, L.E.A.R.N. FOR LIFE TUTORS PROVIDED 363 HOURS OF ONE-ON-ONE INSTRUCTION TO 15 ADULTS-BOTH NATIVE AND DUAL LANGUAGE ENGLISH SPEAKERS- WHOSE READING SKILLS LIMITED THEIR ABILITY TO ADVANCE IN WORK, EDUCATION, OR PERSONAL GOALS. THE PROGRAM CELEBRATES STUDENT SUCCESS IN MANY FORMS, FROM PROGRESSING TOWARD HIGHER EDUCATION OR MEETING JOB-RELATED READING DEMANDS TO MORE PERSONAL MILESTONES, LIKE READING TO CHILDREN OR UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE. MEMORABLE MOMENTS INCLUDE A STUDENT ATTENDING ZOOM SESSIONS DURING HER LUNCH BREAK FROM HER CAR AND OTHERS MEETING IN GROCERY STORES. ONE UNIQUE CASE INVOLVED MENTORING A VISUALLY IMPAIRED STUDENT, HELPING HIM NAVIGATE COMPLEX EDUCATION SERVICES THROUGH COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS. EVERY STUDENT WHO CONTINUES LEARNING IS CONSIDERED A SUCCESS IN THIS DEEPLY PERSONAL AND IMPACTFUL PROGRAM. | Desc |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Other Prog Srvc Expense | $500 | TotalOtherProgSrvcExpenseAmt |
| Total Program Service Expenses | $69,265 | TotalProgramServiceExpensesAmt |
| Described In Section501c3 | Yes (true) | DescribedInSection501c3Ind |
| Schedule B Required | Yes (true) | ScheduleBRequiredInd |
| Political Campaign Acty | false | PoliticalCampaignActyInd |
| Lobbying Activities | false | LobbyingActivitiesInd |
| Subject To Proxy Tax | false | SubjectToProxyTaxInd |
| Donor Advised Fund | false | DonorAdvisedFundInd |
| Conservation Easements | false | ConservationEasementsInd |
| Collections Of Art | false | CollectionsOfArtInd |
| Credit Counseling | false | CreditCounselingInd |
| Donor Rstr Or Quasi Endowments | false | DonorRstrOrQuasiEndowmentsInd |
| Report Land Building Equipment | false | ReportLandBuildingEquipmentInd |
| Report Investments Other Sec | false | ReportInvestmentsOtherSecInd |
| Report Program Related Invst | false | ReportProgramRelatedInvstInd |
| Report Other Assets | false | ReportOtherAssetsInd |
| Report Other Liabilities | false | ReportOtherLiabilitiesInd |
| Include FIN48 Footnote | false | IncludeFIN48FootnoteInd |
| Independent Audit Fincl Stmt | false | IndependentAuditFinclStmtInd |
| Consolidated Audit Fincl Stmt | false | ConsolidatedAuditFinclStmtInd |
| School Operating | false | SchoolOperatingInd |
| Foreign Office | false | ForeignOfficeInd |
| Foreign Activities | false | ForeignActivitiesInd |
| More Than5000 K To Org | false | MoreThan5000KToOrgInd |
| More Than5000 K To Individuals | false | MoreThan5000KToIndividualsInd |
| Professional Fundraising | false | ProfessionalFundraisingInd |
| Fundraising Activities | false | FundraisingActivitiesInd |
| Gaming Activities | false | GamingActivitiesInd |
| Operate Hospital | false | OperateHospitalInd |
| Grants To Organizations | false | GrantsToOrganizationsInd |
| Grants To Individuals | false | GrantsToIndividualsInd |
| Schedule J Required | false | ScheduleJRequiredInd |
| Tax Exempt Bonds | false | TaxExemptBondsInd |
| Engaged In Excess Benefit Trans | false | EngagedInExcessBenefitTransInd |
| PY Excess Benefit Trans | false | PYExcessBenefitTransInd |
| Loan Outstanding | false | LoanOutstandingInd |
| Grant To Related Person | false | GrantToRelatedPersonInd |
| Business Rln With Org Mem | false | BusinessRlnWithOrgMemInd |
| Business Rln With Fam Mem | false | BusinessRlnWithFamMemInd |
| Business Rln With35 Ctrl Ent | false | BusinessRlnWith35CtrlEntInd |
| Deductible Non Cash Contri | false | DeductibleNonCashContriInd |
| Deductible Art Contribution | false | DeductibleArtContributionInd |
| Terminate Operations | false | TerminateOperationsInd |
| Partial Liquidation | false | PartialLiquidationInd |
| Disregarded Entity | false | DisregardedEntityInd |
| Related Entity | false | RelatedEntityInd |
| Related Organization Ctrl Ent | false | RelatedOrganizationCtrlEntInd |
| Trnsfr Exmpt Non Chrtbl Rltd Org | false | TrnsfrExmptNonChrtblRltdOrgInd |
| Activities Conducted Prtshp | false | ActivitiesConductedPrtshpInd |
| Schedule O Required | Yes (true) | ScheduleORequiredInd |
| IRP Document | 1 | IRPDocumentCnt |
| IRP Document W2 G | 0 | IRPDocumentW2GCnt |
| Backup Wthld Compliance | false | BackupWthldComplianceInd |
| Employee | 4 | EmployeeCnt |
| Employment Tax Returns Filed | Yes (true) | EmploymentTaxReturnsFiledInd |
| Unrelated Bus Incm Over Limit | false | UnrelatedBusIncmOverLimitInd |
| Foreign Financial Account | false | ForeignFinancialAccountInd |
| Prohibited Tax Shelter Trans | false | ProhibitedTaxShelterTransInd |
| Taxable Party Notification | false | TaxablePartyNotificationInd |
| Nondeductible Contributions | false | NondeductibleContributionsInd |
| DAF Excess Business Holdings | false | DAFExcessBusinessHoldingsInd |
| Taxable Distributions | false | TaxableDistributionsInd |
| Distribution To Donor | false | DistributionToDonorInd |
| Indoor Tanning Services | false | IndoorTanningServicesInd |
| Subj To Tax Rmnrtn Ex Prcht Pymt | false | SubjToTaxRmnrtnExPrchtPymtInd |
| Subject To Excs Tax Net Invst Inc | false | SubjectToExcsTaxNetInvstIncInd |
| Info In Schedule O Part VI | Yes (X) | InfoInScheduleOPartVIInd |
| Governing Body Voting Members | 7 | GoverningBodyVotingMembersCnt |
| Independent Voting Member | 7 | IndependentVotingMemberCnt |
| Family Or Business Rln | false | FamilyOrBusinessRlnInd |
| Delegation Of Mgmt Duties | false | DelegationOfMgmtDutiesInd |
| Change To Org Documents | false | ChangeToOrgDocumentsInd |
| Material Diversion Or Misuse | false | MaterialDiversionOrMisuseInd |
| Members Or Stockholders | false | MembersOrStockholdersInd |
| Election Of Board Members | false | ElectionOfBoardMembersInd |
| Decisions Subject To Approva | false | DecisionsSubjectToApprovaInd |
| Minutes Of Governing Body | Yes (true) | MinutesOfGoverningBodyInd |
| Minutes Of Committees | Yes (true) | MinutesOfCommitteesInd |
| Officer Mailing Address | false | OfficerMailingAddressInd |
| Local Chapters | false | LocalChaptersInd |
| Form990 Provided To Gvrn Body | false | Form990ProvidedToGvrnBodyInd |
| Conflict Of Interest Policy | Yes (true) | ConflictOfInterestPolicyInd |
| Annual Disclosure Covered Prsn | Yes (true) | AnnualDisclosureCoveredPrsnInd |
| Regular Monitoring Enfrc | Yes (true) | RegularMonitoringEnfrcInd |
| Whistleblower Policy | Yes (true) | WhistleblowerPolicyInd |
| Document Retention Policy | Yes (true) | DocumentRetentionPolicyInd |
| Compensation Process CEO | false | CompensationProcessCEOInd |
| Compensation Process Other | false | CompensationProcessOtherInd |
| Investment In Joint Venture | false | InvestmentInJointVentureInd |
| Other | Yes (X) | OtherInd |
Books In Care Of Detail BooksInCareOfDetail
Business Name BusinessName
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Business Name Line1 | LITERACY CONNEXUS | BusinessNameLine1Txt |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 8176969898 | PhoneNum |
US Address USAddress
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Address Line1 | 3954 SOUTHWEST BLVD | AddressLine1Txt |
| Address Line2 | ROOM 113 | AddressLine2Txt |
| City | FORT WORTH | CityNm |
| State Abbreviation | TX | StateAbbreviationCd |
| ZIP | 76116 | ZIPCd |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| No Listed Persons Compensated | Yes (X) | NoListedPersonsCompensatedInd |
Form990 Part VII Section A Form990PartVIISectionAGrp (8 entries)
| TitleTitleTxt | Average Hours Per WeekAverageHoursPerWeekRt | Individual Trustee Or DirectorIndividualTrusteeOrDirectorInd | Reportable Comp From OrgReportableCompFromOrgAmt | Reportable Comp From Rltd OrgReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt | Other CompensationOtherCompensationAmt | OfficerOfficerInd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RUBEN ANDRADE | ||||||
| BOARD MEMBER | 1.00 | Yes (X) | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
| FRED ATER | ||||||
| BOARD MEMBER | 1.00 | Yes (X) | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
| ANGELA CHILDERS | ||||||
| BOARD MEMBER | 2.00 | Yes (X) | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
| JAMES JESSE | ||||||
| PRESIDENT | 3.00 | Yes (X) | $0 | $0 | $0 | Yes (X) |
| KANISHA JOHNSON | ||||||
| BOARD MEMBER | 1.00 | Yes (X) | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
| JOEL MCCLAIN | ||||||
| SECRETARY | 2.00 | Yes (X) | $0 | $0 | $0 | Yes (X) |
| JACOB RODRIGUEZ | ||||||
| TREASURER | 2.00 | Yes (X) | $0 | $0 | $0 | Yes (X) |
| JULIE WELLS | ||||||
| BOARD MEMBER | 1.00 | Yes (X) | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Former Ofcr Employees Listed | false | FormerOfcrEmployeesListedInd |
| Total Comp Greater Than150 K | false | TotalCompGreaterThan150KInd |
| Compensation From Other Srcs | false | CompensationFromOtherSrcsInd |
| All Other Contributions | $144,227 | AllOtherContributionsAmt |
| Total Contributions | $144,227 | TotalContributionsAmt |
Program Service Revenue ProgramServiceRevenueGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Desc | PROGRAM SERVICE INCOME | Desc |
| Total Revenue Column | $890 | TotalRevenueColumnAmt |
| Related Or Exempt Func Income | $890 | RelatedOrExemptFuncIncomeAmt |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Program Service Revenue | $890 | TotalProgramServiceRevenueAmt |
Investment Income InvestmentIncomeGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Revenue Column | $245 | TotalRevenueColumnAmt |
| Related Or Exempt Func Income | $245 | RelatedOrExemptFuncIncomeAmt |
Total Revenue TotalRevenueGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Revenue Column | $145,362 | TotalRevenueColumnAmt |
| Related Or Exempt Func Income | $1,135 | RelatedOrExemptFuncIncomeAmt |
Comp Disqual Persons CompDisqualPersonsGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $36,000 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $18,000 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $18,000 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
Other Salaries And Wages OtherSalariesAndWagesGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $18,884 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $18,884 | ProgramServicesAmt |
Pension Plan Contributions PensionPlanContributionsGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $1,200 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $600 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $600 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
Payroll Taxes PayrollTaxesGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $3,187 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $1,593 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $1,594 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
Fees For Services Accounting FeesForServicesAccountingGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $5,850 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $5,850 | ProgramServicesAmt |
Advertising AdvertisingGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $532 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $532 | ProgramServicesAmt |
Office Expenses OfficeExpensesGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $19,307 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $19,307 | ProgramServicesAmt |
Occupancy OccupancyGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $826 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $826 | ProgramServicesAmt |
Travel TravelGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $2,699 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $2,461 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $238 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
Insurance InsuranceGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $2,368 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $1,212 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $1,156 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
Total Functional Expenses TotalFunctionalExpensesGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $90,853 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $69,265 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $21,588 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
| Fundraising | $0 | FundraisingAmt |
Cash Non Interest Bearing CashNonInterestBearingGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $15,409 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $69,053 | EOYAmt |
Total Assets TotalAssetsGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $15,409 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $69,053 | EOYAmt |
Total Liabilities TotalLiabilitiesGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $0 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $0 | EOYAmt |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Organization Follows FASB117 | Yes (X) | OrganizationFollowsFASB117Ind |
No Donor Restriction Net Assets NoDonorRestrictionNetAssetsGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $3,060 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $42,234 | EOYAmt |
Donor Restriction Net Assets DonorRestrictionNetAssetsGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $12,349 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $26,819 | EOYAmt |
Total Net Assets Fund Balance TotalNetAssetsFundBalanceGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $15,409 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $69,053 | EOYAmt |
Tot Liab Net Assets Fund Balance TotLiabNetAssetsFundBalanceGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $15,409 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $69,053 | EOYAmt |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Info In Schedule O Part XI | Yes (X) | InfoInScheduleOPartXIInd |
| Reconcilation Revenue Expnss | $54,509 | ReconcilationRevenueExpnssAmt |
| Other Changes In Net Assets | -$865 | OtherChangesInNetAssetsAmt |
| Method Of Accounting Cash | Yes (X) | MethodOfAccountingCashInd |
| Accountant Compile Or Review | false | AccountantCompileOrReviewInd |
| FS Audited | false | FSAuditedInd |
Schedule A IRS990ScheduleA
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Public Organization170 | Yes (X) | PublicOrganization170Ind |
Gifts Grants Contri Rcvd170 GiftsGrantsContriRcvd170Grp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Current Tax Year Minus4 Years | $131,175 | CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus3 Years | $110,898 | CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus2 Years | $96,983 | CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus1 Year | $80,539 | CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt |
| Current Tax Year | $144,227 | CurrentTaxYearAmt |
| Total | $563,822 | TotalAmt |
Total Calendar Year170 TotalCalendarYear170Grp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Current Tax Year Minus4 Years | $131,175 | CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus3 Years | $110,898 | CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus2 Years | $96,983 | CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus1 Year | $80,539 | CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt |
| Current Tax Year | $144,227 | CurrentTaxYearAmt |
| Total | $563,822 | TotalAmt |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Public Support Total170 | $563,822 | PublicSupportTotal170Amt |
| Total Support | $563,822 | TotalSupportAmt |
| Gross Receipts Rltd Activities | $8,201 | GrossReceiptsRltdActivitiesAmt |
| Public Support CY170 | 1.00000 | PublicSupportCY170Pct |
| Public Support PY170 | 1.00000 | PublicSupportPY170Pct |
| Thirty Thr Pct Suprt Tests CY170 | Yes (X) | ThirtyThrPctSuprtTestsCY170Ind |
Schedule B IRS990ScheduleB
Contributor Information ContributorInformationGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Contributor | RESTRICTED | ContributorNum |
Contributor Business Name ContributorBusinessName
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Business Name Line1 | RESTRICTED | BusinessNameLine1 |
Contributor US Address ContributorUSAddress
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Address Line1 | RESTRICTED | AddressLine1 |
| Address Line2 | RESTRICTED | AddressLine2 |
| City | RESTRICTED | City |
| State | RESTRICTED | State |
| ZIP Code | RESTRICTED | ZIPCode |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Contributions | RESTRICTED | TotalContributionsAmt |
Schedule O IRS990ScheduleO
Supplemental Information Detail SupplementalInformationDetail (12 entries)
| Form And Line ReferenceFormAndLineReferenceDesc | ExplanationExplanationTxt |
|---|---|
| FORM 990, PAGE 1, ITEM B | THIS RETURN IS BEING AMENDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THE DESCRIPTIONS FOR THE PROGRAMS HAVE BEEN REVISED, AS WELL AS, THE ORGANIZATION'S MISSION STATEMENT. |
| FORM 990 - ORGANIZATION'S MISSION | LITERACY CONNEXUS OVERSEES FOUR MAIN PROGRAMS, ALL SERVING THE GOAL OF EMPOWERING COMMUNITY AND FAITH-BASED PROGRAMS TO PROMOTE LITERACY. THESE FOUR PROGRAMS INCLUDE: TEACHING ENGLISH CONNEXUS (TECS), L.E.A.R.N. FOR LIFE, READY FOR SCHOOL, AND WHAT'S FOR LUNCH? EACH PROGRAM FOCUSES ON A KEY AREA OF LITERACY: TEACHING ENGLISH TO SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES, ADULT LITERACY, FAMILY LITERACY & PREPARATION FOR SCHOOL, AND ADDRESSING THE SUMMER READING SLIDE & ACCESS TO BOOKS. EACH PROGRAM IS LISTED BELOW WITH A LONGER DESCRIPTION. |
| FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4A | TEACHING ENGLISH CONNEXUS (TECS) TEACHING ENGLISH CONNEXUS (TECS) IS THE LARGEST PROGRAM OF LITERACY CONNEXUS, CREATED TO EQUIP VOLUNTEERS TO TEACH ENGLISH TO REFUGEES, IMMIGRANTS, AND INTERNATIONALS. LED BY VOLUNTEER ESL COORDINATOR KAREN PEISER, THE PROGRAM TRAINS HUNDREDS OF NEW AND EXPERIENCED ESL TEACHERS EACH YEAR. TECS IS ESPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR VOLUNTEERS WITHOUT PRIOR TEACHING EXPERIENCE AND IS IDEAL FOR THOSE INVOLVED IN FAITH-BASED ESL MINISTRIES. THE PROGRAM INCLUDES A SEVEN-HOUR TRAINING COURSE THAT BLENDS ONLINE LEARNING WITH IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION. CHURCHES AND THE ANNUAL METROPLEX LITERACY CONFERENCE IN MARCH COMMONLY HOST THESE TRAINING SESSIONS. THE ONLINE PORTION FEATURES OVER THREE HOURS OF INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS AND INTERACTIVE QUIZZES, HOSTED ONLINE THROUGH THE CANVAS LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. IN-PERSON TRAINING OFFERS HANDS-ON PRACTICE USING ACTIVITIES APPLICABLE IN REAL ESL CLASSROOMS, GIVING PARTICIPANTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRACTICE WHAT THEY WILL TEACH IN THE ESL CLASSROOM. PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE THE TECS TRAINING MANUAL, AVAILABLE AS A FREE PDF OR AS A PRINTED TEXTBOOK AVAILABLE ON AMAZON. THE MANUAL COVERS ESSENTIAL ESL TEACHING STRATEGIES, CLASSROOM-READY ACTIVITIES, AND GUIDANCE FOR LAUNCHING, EVALUATING, AND IMPROVING AN ESL PROGRAM. IN ADDITION, TECS TRAINERS ARE AVAILABLE TO CONSULT WITH CHURCH AND PROGRAM LEADERS TO ASSIST WITH CURRICULUM SELECTION AND ADDRESS SPECIFIC PROGRAM NEEDS. ADVANCED TRAININGS TAILORED TO INDIVIDUAL PROGRAMS OR GROUPS OF TEACHERS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE. THE TEACHING ENGLISH CONNEXUS (TECS) TRAINING WAS REDESIGNED IN 2020-2021 (AROUND THE TIME OF THE COVID PANDEMIC) AS AN ONLINE TRAINING, AND NOW UTILIZES THE HYBRID ONLINE AND IN-PERSON MODEL. IT WAS BASED ON THE PRIOR TEACHING ENGLISH WITH EXCELLENCE (TEX) TRAINING WHICH WAS DEVELOPED IN 2007 BY ROBIN FEISTEL. OVER THE YEARS, THIS TRAINING HAS EQUIPPED THOUSANDS OF VOLUNTEER ESL TEACHERS ACROSS DOZENS OF ESL PROGRAMS IN TEXAS AND BEYOND. THE TECS TRAINING TEAM INCLUDES EXPERIENCED ESL TEACHERS AND TEACHER- TRAINERS WHO SERVE IN CHURCH BASED ESL PROGRAMS ACROSS TEXAS, TEACH PROFESSIONALLY AT UNIVERSITIES, OR LEAD ESL PROGRAMS. NEW TRAINERS ARE DEVELOPED THROUGH AN APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM IN WHICH THEY SHADOW EXPERIENCED TECS TRAINERS AND TAKE ON PORTIONS OF THE TRAINING AS THEY FEEL COMFORTABLE, UNTIL THEY ARE READY TO LEAD ALL PARTS OF THE TRAINING THEMSELVES. |
| FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4B | WHATS FOR LUNCH? WHAT'S FOR LUNCH? AIMS TO ENHANCE READING READINESS FOR PRESCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN AND TO MITIGATE SUMMER LEARNING LOSS AMONG LOW-INCOME ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS, INCREASING THE LIKELIHOOD THAT PARTICIPANTS WILL READ PROFICIENTLY BY 3RD GRADE. THE INITIATIVE LEVERAGES EXISTING DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS FOR ADDRESSING HUNGER WHEN SCHOOL IS OUT (E.G., FREE SUMMER MEAL SITES, NON-CONGREGATE MEAL PROGRAMS, AND FOOD PANTRIES) TO ELIMINATE BARRIERS TO BOOK ACCESS AND SUPPORT FAMILY READING PRACTICES AMONG FOOD INSECURE HOUSEHOLDS. IN 2024, AFTER A HIATUS DUE TO THE COVID PANDEMIC, AND THE WELCOME ADDITION OF A PASSIONATE NEW COORDINATOR, DR. LINDA ENGLISH, THE WHAT'S FOR LUNCH? PROGRAM EXPANDED ITS REACH THROUGH NEW PARTNERSHIPS, INCREASED VISIBILITY, AND GREATER COMMUNITY IMPACT - ESPECIALLY THROUGHOUT CENTRAL TEXAS. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDED ORGANIZING A PANEL DISCUSSION AT THE TEXAS LIBRARY ASSOCIATION MEETING TO PROMOTE FREE SUMMER MEALS AND MOBILE LIBRARY OUTREACH, AS WELL AS HOSTING THE FIRST ANNUAL KCEN 6-SPONSORED BOOK DRIVE, WHICH COLLECTED OVER 2,000 BOOKS AND RAISED AWARENESS ABOUT SUMMER READING LOSS. LITERACY CONNEXUS FORMED NEW PARTNERSHIPS WITH TRANSFORMATION WACO, THE WACO PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITY, PIZZA HUT BOOKIT, AND FARMACY, AND RECEIVED AN HEB READ3 COMMUNITY INVESTMENT GRANT. THE PROGRAM PROVIDED AROUND 1,400 BOOKS TO STUDENTS AT THREE HIGH-NEED WACO ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS, DISTRIBUTED 750 BOOKS THROUGH BOOK BLAST LITERACY-THEMED EVENTS, AND ESTABLISHED PERMANENT READING NOOKS AT TWO PUBLIC HOUSING COMMUNITIES. ADDITIONALLY, BOOKS WERE DISTRIBUTED TO OVER 300 HOUSEHOLDS AT A CHRISTMAS COMMUNITY EVENT FOR FAMILIES USING A LOCAL FOOD PANTRY AND NEARLY 500 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS RECEIVED BOOKS TO READ OVER WINTER BREAK. PLANS ARE ALSO UNDERWAY TO ESTABLISH A PERMANENT WHAT'S FOR LUNCH? BOOK BANK IN WACO. |
| FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4C | READY FOR SCHOOL READY FOR SCHOOL IS A FAMILY LITERACY PROGRAM SUPPORTING REFUGEE CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS IN FORT WORTH. NOW DIRECTED BY HEATHER SMITH, FOLLOWING THE RETIREMENT OF LONGTIME LEADER KAREN MORROW, THE PROGRAM CONTINUES ITS MISSION OF EQUIPPING FAMILIES FOR SCHOOL SUCCESS. OVER THE PAST YEAR, THE PROGRAM HAS SERVED AROUND 20 FAMILIES AT MONARCH PASS APARTMENTS. BY ENGAGING BOTH CHILDREN AND PARENTS IN LITERACY-RICH ACTIVITIES, READY FOR SCHOOL FOSTERS A CULTURE OF LEARNING AND PREPARES PRESCHOOLERS FOR SUCCESS IN U.S. CLASSROOMS. THE 20-WEEK CURRICULUM-DEVELOPED BY KAREN MORROW (M.R.E.), JANA MARBUT-RAY (M.ED.), AND CAROLINE BELL (M.S.)-USES CLASSIC CHILDREN'S BOOKS LIKE BROWN BEAR, BROWN BEAR AND THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR TO BUILD EARLY LITERACY, MATH, MOTOR, AND SOCIAL SKILLS THROUGH SONGS, STORIES, AND HANDS-ON FUN. PARENTS PARTICIPATE ALONGSIDE THEIR CHILDREN, LEARNING WAYS TO SUPPORT LEARNING AT HOME. WHILE THE PROGRAM PREVIOUSLY CONCLUDED WITH A PERSONALIZED BOOKSHELF FOR EACH FAMILY, THIS YEAR FAMILIES WILL RECEIVE BOOK BAGS INSTEAD-BECAUSE, LET'S BE HONEST, THOSE SHELVES WERE GETTING MORE USE AS SHOE RACKS THE CURRICULUM REMAINS FREE AND ACCESSIBLE ON THE LITERACY CONNEXUS WEBSITE, MAKING IT EASY FOR CHURCHES, ESL PROGRAMS, OR PASSIONATE VOLUNTEERS TO REPLICATE. LOOKING AHEAD, VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR THE FALL SESSION, WHICH IS SET TO BEGIN THE THIRD TUESDAY IN SEPTEMBER. PLANS ARE UNDERWAY TO HOST CLASSES IN THE CLUBHOUSE AT MONARCH PASS, AND LITERACY CONNEXUS IS WORKING WITH WORLD RELIEF TO SECURE THE SPACE. |
| FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4D | L.E.A.R.N. FOR LIFE LITERACY EDUCATION AND RESOURCE NETWORK (L.E.A.R.N. FOR LIFE) IS A COLLABORATIVE INITIATIVE BETWEEN LITERACY CONNEXUS AND THE TARRANT LITERACY COALITION DESIGNED TO IMPROVE ADULT LITERACY AND SUPPORT EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT. DIRECTED BY JOAN GRIGSBY, TRAINED VOLUNTEERS OFFER ONE-ON-ONE TUTORING AT TWO GOODWILL CENTERS IN FORT WORTH AND AT LOCAL LIBRARIES. THE PROGRAM SERVES ADULTS WHO ARE WORKING TOWARD GOALS SUCH AS EARNING A GED, IMPROVING THEIR READING AND WRITING SKILLS, OR GAINING CONFIDENCE IN DAILY LITERACY TASKS-EMPOWERING THEM TO ENGAGE MORE FULLY IN WORK AND EDUCATION AS WELL AS CHURCH AND COMMUNITY LIFE. ESTABLISHED IN 2014, L.E.A.R.N. FOR LIFE WELCOMES BOTH NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKERS AND FLUENT ENGLISH SPEAKERS FROM OTHER LANGUAGE BACKGROUNDS WHO STRUGGLE WITH READING OR SPELLING. THE TUTORING IS PERSONALIZED TO MEET EACH LEARNER'S INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND GOALS. COORDINATORS JOAN GRIGSBY AND LINDA WAGGONER ALSO HELP CONNECT LEARNERS TO ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY RESOURCES THROUGH THE TARRANT COUNTY ADULT EDUCATION AND LITERACY CONSORTIUM, BROADENING ACCESS TO ADULT EDUCATION SUPPORT ACROSS THE REGION. IN 2024, L.E.A.R.N. FOR LIFE TUTORS PROVIDED 363 HOURS OF ONE-ON-ONE INSTRUCTION TO 15 ADULTS-BOTH NATIVE AND DUAL LANGUAGE ENGLISH SPEAKERS- WHOSE READING SKILLS LIMITED THEIR ABILITY TO ADVANCE IN WORK, EDUCATION, OR PERSONAL GOALS. THE PROGRAM CELEBRATES STUDENT SUCCESS IN MANY FORMS, FROM PROGRESSING TOWARD HIGHER EDUCATION OR MEETING JOB-RELATED READING DEMANDS TO MORE PERSONAL MILESTONES, LIKE READING TO CHILDREN OR UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE. MEMORABLE MOMENTS INCLUDE A STUDENT ATTENDING ZOOM SESSIONS DURING HER LUNCH BREAK FROM HER CAR AND OTHERS MEETING IN GROCERY STORES. ONE UNIQUE CASE INVOLVED MENTORING A VISUALLY IMPAIRED STUDENT, HELPING HIM NAVIGATE COMPLEX EDUCATION SERVICES THROUGH COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS. EVERY STUDENT WHO CONTINUES LEARNING IS CONSIDERED A SUCCESS IN THIS DEEPLY PERSONAL AND IMPACTFUL PROGRAM. |
| FORM 990, PART VI | ALL BOARD MEMBERS RECEIVED AN ELECTRONIC COPY OF THE RETURN AND INPUT FROM THEIR RESPONSES WAS USED IN EDITING THE SUBMITTED RETURN. |
| FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 11B | FORM 990 IS REVIEWED BY EACH BOARD MEMBER BEFORE IT IS FILED. |
| FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 12C | AT ANNUAL MEETING, BOARD MEMBERS COMPLETE CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT. |
| FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 18 | 990 IS ON FILE WITH GUIDESTAR |
| FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 19 | GOVERNING DOCUMENTS AND REPORTS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. |
| FORM 990, PART XI, LINE 9 | CHANGE IN ACCRUALS -865 |
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