2017-2018 Annual Report - Craven Literacy

2017-2018 Annual Report

Mission (Our Purpose for Existing)

Vision (Our Dream for Tomorrow) Revenues and Expenses FY 2017-2018

The mission of the Craven Literacy Council is building literacy skills to empower adults and families to improve lives. Our Core Values:

• We provide free, individualized instruction and materials to adults with low literacy

skills and/or ESL needs in Craven, Pamlico and Jones Counties.

• We believe in the dignity of the individual and work collaboratively with each student

in the development and achievement of personal, literacy-based instructional goals.

• We provide on-going training and continual support to community volunteers who

consistently deliver quality instruction to our adult students.

• We continually explore avenues which better serve to promote adult literacy in

Craven, Pamlico and Jones Counties.

• We provide programs which embrace multiple forms of literacy including basic, ESL,

health, financial and technological.

• We provide the rallying point for community advocacy and support for adults in need

of literacy education in Craven, Pamlico and Jones Counties.

Inside the Annual

Report

From the Director’s Desk 2

Students 3

Volunteers 4

Events 5

Events Continued 6

Chairman’s Message 7

The cycle of low literacy will be stopped and individuals will have the skills to achieve their full potential.

Federal/State Grants $64,247

Foundation/Trust Grants $31,500

Other Grants $20,750

Fundraising $44,788

Individual/Corporate/Civic Donations $11,878

Interest/Other Revenue $795

Total Income $173,958 Administrative $22,784

Fundraising $8,103

Program $134,333

Total Expenses $165,220

2017-2018 FY Annual Report - Page 2

United States Citizenship

Craven Literacy Council is proud to report that 22 adult learners earned their United States Citizenship this year. These individuals worked hard with their volunteer tutors to improve their English listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in addition to learning the answers to 100 civics questions. We are proud of these students and tutors and happy to be part of such a wonderful achievement.

A Message From the Executive Director

Dear Friends of Craven Literacy Council,

It’s been an unforgettable year! A year of changes, challenges, and most importantly – student success. More than ever before, this year was defined by the incredible heart and generosity of our learners, volunteers, staff, donors, literacy partners and YOU!

Craven Literacy Council provides quality training, support, and research based materials for adults to increase their literacy skills. We believe sharing the power of learning transforms lives, empowers communities and inspires change. Last year 145 dedicated volunteers gave their time and talent to help 178 students transform their lives through the power of education. Test scores can measure students’ progress, but no assessment can capture the excitement and pure joy of a student who has achieved a personal literacy goal or passed their citizenship test. A tutor’s elation at their student’s success is a close second.

As the new Executive Director, I don’t have the words to truly express my appreciation for the amazing staff and volunteers at CLC. Fiscal year 2017-2018 achievements include: 2 digital literacy classes, 3 ESL/Rosetta Stone Learning Labs, a basic literacy class at Craven Terrace, 3 citizenship classes, and an ESL class in Pamlico County. Craven Literacy Council’s measurable skills gains scores elicited an “Excellent” rating from the NC Community College Systems office. These results are due to the dedication and hard work of the staff, as well as the persistence and devotion of our volunteers.

And none of the above could have been achieved without the unwavering trust and support of our generous donors, partner agencies, and our dedicated and hard-working Board of Directors. We remain committed to delivering the highest quality programs to our learners. As we move in to the next fiscal year, we look forward to new programs (Family Literacy and Culinary Skills Classes) and continued success. TOGETHER, we have the opportunity to transform lives and effect real change in our community. April King Executive Director


Craven Literacy Council Students

Total Students Served By Program: 178 (During the fiscal year 2017-2018)

Basic Literacy (includes pre-HSE): 24 English as Second Language: 154

Craven Literacy Council provides free instructional services in Craven, Jones and Pamlico counties for

residents who lack basic literacy skills and often cannot attend programs offered at community

colleges due to their schedule or personal circumstances. These services include: reading, writing,

math, and technological skills. High school equivalency (GED) instruction as well as workplace,

financial, and health literacy tutoring is also provided. Volunteer tutors work with their students

one-on-one or in small groups at least once a week, using a variety of educational materials and

techniques to improve their student’s skills to achieve life and literacy goals. During the fiscal year

2017-2018, students attended 10,124 hours of instruction or an average of 58.5 hours per student.

This hard work has paid off for our students because 70 learners showed measurable gains in their

yearly assessments (47 increased a level) and 29 met a personal goal (citizenship, job, increased

math or consumer skills, etc.)

CLC’s English Language Learner (ELL) program teaches foreign-born adults how to listen and speak

English in addition to the basic literacy skills listed in the previous paragraph. This program also

helps prepare students for citizenship. In the 2017-2018 fiscal year, CLC served students from Brazil,

Burma (Myanmar), China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Estonia, India, Iraq, Mexico, Morocco,

Panama, Peru, Puerta Rico, Russia, Saint Lucia, Thailand, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Yemen.

13%

8%

68%

11%

African American White Asian Hispanic

41%

59%

Male Female

Student Demographics


Craven Literacy Council Volunteers

Total Volunteers: 145 (may serve more than 1 position) Tutors: 129 Administrative/Others: 16 Executive Board: 11

Volunteers are the heart of CLC. They serve as tutors, trainers, board members, class facilitators, and office

helpers. In FY 2017-2018, 145 volunteers donated over 14, 714 hours to CLC, including 10,124 hours of

instruction received by students.

CLC Volunteer Tutors live our tag line of Learning for Life. In addition to the initial 15-hour workshop required of all our volunteer tutors, CLC sponsors several in-services and trainings throughout the year. This year, three new tutor workshops were held graduating 37 volunteer tutors. These volunteers were paired with students and are given one-on-one support and the materials they need to successfully tutor. Four in-services were also held for tutors including Assessments, Health Literacy, and Vocabulary Strategies. CLC introduced a Digital Literacy Workshop for tutors and their students. Students, with the assistance of their tutors, were introduced to digital concepts and skills so that students can use computer technology in everyday life. Having these skills helps students develop new social and economic opportunities for themselves, their families, and their communities. The Digital Literacy classes will be offered regularly throughout the year. CLC celebrated our volunteers with the annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on September 13 held at the Farmers’ Market. Numerous volunteers were recognized for the number of hours they have served. Three tutors were inducted into the Grand Club for achieving over 1000 lifetime volunteer hours during the last fiscal year. Debi Lupia, Dorethea Neely, and Mary Spooner were recognized for achieving this great milestone.

Volunteers Enjoying the Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner


The Stay-At-Home Tea The Stay-At-Home-Tea is an annual mailing delivered to over 1000 residents in our community. Recipients are encouraged to enjoy a cup of tea with the enclosed tea bag, read a good book and reflect on the individuals in our community who do not have the basic literacy skills to do the same. Recipients are then encouraged to donate to Craven Literacy Council and invest in the lives of the students we serve.

Sponsors:

Silver Sumrell, Suggs, Carmichael, Hicks & Hart, Attorneys

Zaxby’s of New Bern Bronze

Dr. Rebecca Forrest The Little Bank

White & Allen, P. A. Attorneys

Stay-At-Home Tea Net Income $11,599.01

Expenses $1242.99

Total Income $12,842.00

The Gift of Literacy The Gift of Literacy is an annual fundraising appeal timed to coincide with the holiday season. This year’s mailing was delivered to over 1000 residents in our community. The recipients were encouraged to consider an alternative to giving conventional holiday gifts. For a minimum donation of $25.00, CLC sent a special holiday card to individuals or families announcing that a Gift of Literacy had been given to Craven Literacy Council in their honor.

Sponsors: Gold

Mr. and Mrs. David Ward Mr. Jimmy McCotter

Silver Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Smith

Gift of Literacy Net Income $13,081.56

Expenses $718.74

Total Income $13,800.30

Craven Literacy Council Events

Daddy Daughter Sweetheart Ball The Daddy Daughter Sweetheart Ball is an annual fundraising event where Dads treat their daughters to a fun night of dancing, dinner and memories. The Ball is open to all girls grades five and under and their fathers (or father figures). Tickets were $75 per father/daughter couple with tickets for additional “daughters” at $25. The ticket price includes a child-adult friendly dinner, DJ music and dancing, a corsage, tiara, door prize and souvenir photograph. The New Bern High School Drill Team performed and helped pass out door prizes.

Sponsors: Title

Williams Scarborough Smith Gray CPA’s Silver

Coastal Children’s Clinic Bronze

Mr. Ed Blunt GreeneWilson, Attorneys at Law

Law Offices of Oliver & Cheek Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Pelletier

Mr. and Mrs. Kip Peregoy Mr. and Mrs. Bill Rivenbark

Stubbs Perdue, Attorneys at Law Dr. and Mrs. Reed Underhill

Daddy Daughter Net Income $9742.55

Expenses $3516.45

Total Income $13259.00

"Oh What A Night"


Program Accomplishments

The Fiscal Year 2017-2018 was one of many accomplishments as well as numerous challenges. While we had staff changes (including the loss of a position), increased data input requirements, and decreased funding; the program staff with the help of wonderful volunteers had a year of gratifying achievements. Craven Literacy Council attained an “Excellent” rating from the NC Community College Systems Office for the measurable skills gains assessment results of our students. CLC scores were some of the best in the state. Other program accomplishments include:

• 2 Digital Literacy Classes (Basic Literacy and ESL students) • 3 ESL/Rosetta Stone Learning Labs (ESL students) • Health Literacy Workshop (ECU/CLC) (ESL students) • Basic Literacy Class at Craven Terrace (Basic Literacy) • 3 ESL/Workplace Literacy Citizenship Classes (ESL

students) • ESL Class in Pamlico County (ESL/Hispanic students) • 47 students scored a level gain on their assessment • Another 23 students increased their score on the

assessment • 22 students passing the citizenship test • 3 students obtained their GED

Around and About Craven Literacy Council


FF

Board of Directors as of July 2018

Latisha Bell

Kathy Carter - Treasurer

Tammy Childers

Christine Kaine

Amber McCracken

Keith Merritt - Chairman

Bill Rivenbark - Secretary

Karen Segal – Vice Chairman

John Shipherd

MaryLane Stine

Alice Underhill

Staff

Executive Director April King Program Coordinator Carol McCormick Program Assistant Debby Guillory

Assessment Coordinator Lydia Ash

A Message from the Board of Directors September 2018 The Craven Literacy Council continues to achieve excellence in providing the finest skills for our brothers and sisters who desire to improve their lives qualitatively through literacy.

After careful study and preparation, the Board and Staff elected to pursue family literacy where for 30 years it had restricted its efforts to adults. Family literacy has always been a goal and now we are moving deliberately in fulfillment of that dream. Our Mission and Vision statements have been streamlined and our focus has been refined. Our Mission

Building literacy skills to empower adults and families to improve lives.

Our Vision

The cycle of low literacy will be stopped and individuals will have the skills to achieve their full potential.

The staff has been reorganized and it has had to adapt to many changes in reporting owing to significant changes in State and Federal requirements.

The staff has exceeded State and Federal achievement and reporting standards, performing better than many NC Community Colleges and most other community based literacy organizations.

Our many tutors and other volunteers are the backbone of our achievements and success and have been heroic in stepping up to the new reporting challenges.

Our Board of Directors, 11 persons strong, and our staff of 4 are fully behind the changes and feel we have entered a new, vital and exciting period of service to our students and community.

We are, in brief, Excited for the Future.

Keith Merritt Chairman, CLC Board of Directors


Community Partnerships CLC continues to be excited about our community partnerships. CLC and Craven Community College have a partnership to increase tutoring availability at CCC. CLC is working with Preservation Management Inc. of New Bern to offer literacy classes to residents at Craven Terrace. CLC is now in partnership with Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board and NC Works. We also collaborate with Uptown Business and Professional Association, Interfaith Refugee Ministry, Smart Start, and Mt. Olive College. Community partnerships are key to providing needed services for our students.

Craven Literacy Council

2507-A Neuse Blvd. New Bern, NC 28562 252-637-8079 [email protected]

Learning for Life

Find us on the Web: www.cravenliteracy.org

Circle of Friends During 2016, Craven Literacy Council initiated the Circle of Friends program. Individual donors are the key to sustaining the Literacy Council's work. Donors provide the Literacy Council's staff and volunteers with the resources they need to give students a second chance to learn. Join the Circle of Friends by making a donation at one of the following levels:

Scholar $1000 Fellow $2500 Laureate $5000

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Documents

2017-2018 Annual Report - Craven Literacy