2025-05-28T12:49:52-04:00 2024-12-31 275007858 DEBBIE BUNERO CPA 252 W MAIN STREET STE E AZLE TX 760203100 990 2024-01-01 760764561 LITERACY CONNEXUS LITE 8176969898 3020 S CHERRY LANE 123168 FORT WORTH TX 76121 LESTER MERIWETHER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 8176969898 2025-05-28 true true DEBBIE BUNERO CPA P01404083 8173072828 2025-05-27 2024 2025-03-06 01:10:19Z X LESTER MERIWETHER 3020 S CHERRY LANE 123168 FORT WORTH TX 76121 145362 false X WWW.LITERACYCONNEXUS.ORG X 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. 7 7 4 12 0 80539 144227 470 890 243 245 0 81252 145362 0 0 70366 59271 0 0 33995 31582 104361 90853 -23109 54509 15409 69053 0 15409 69053 X 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. false false 23086 890 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. 32484 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. 13195 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. 500 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. 500 69265 true true false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false true 1 0 false 4 true false false false false false false false false false false false X 7 7 false false false false false false false true true false false false true true true true true false false false X LITERACY CONNEXUS 8176969898 3954 SOUTHWEST BLVD ROOM 113 FORT WORTH TX 76116 X RUBEN ANDRADE BOARD MEMBER 1.00 X 0 0 0 FRED ATER BOARD MEMBER 1.00 X 0 0 0 ANGELA CHILDERS BOARD MEMBER 2.00 X 0 0 0 JAMES JESSE PRESIDENT 3.00 X X 0 0 0 KANISHA JOHNSON BOARD MEMBER 1.00 X 0 0 0 JOEL MCCLAIN SECRETARY 2.00 X X 0 0 0 JACOB RODRIGUEZ TREASURER 2.00 X X 0 0 0 JULIE WELLS BOARD MEMBER 1.00 X 0 0 0 false false false 144227 144227 PROGRAM SERVICE INCOME 890 890 890 245 245 145362 1135 36000 18000 18000 18884 18884 1200 600 600 3187 1593 1594 5850 5850 532 532 19307 19307 826 826 2699 2461 238 2368 1212 1156 90853 69265 21588 0 15409 69053 15409 69053 0 0 X 3060 42234 12349 26819 15409 69053 15409 69053 X 54509 -865 X false false X 131175 110898 96983 80539 144227 563822 131175 110898 96983 80539 144227 563822 563822 563822 8201 1.00000 1.00000 X RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED 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