The Literacy Coalition is a not-for-profit organization committed to ensuring that every resident of Palm Beach County, Florida is able to read. Our philosophy is best expressed by Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations:

“Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope… (it is) the road to human progress and the means through which every man, woman and child can realize his or her full potential.”

OUR MISSION

The mission of the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County is to improve the quality of life in our community by promoting and achieving literacy.

OUR VISION

Our goal is to ensure that every child and adult in Palm Beach County becomes a reader.

WHOM WE SERVE

  • The mother who can’t read a letter sent home by her daughter’s teacher.
  • The worker who claims he left his glasses at home rather than admit he can’t read the instructions left by his boss.
  • The preschool child who lives in a home that doesn’t contain a single book.
  • The family who lives in poverty because the parents don’t have the literacy skills to qualify for a job that pays a family-sustaining wage.

In Palm Beach County, 22.2% of adults lack basic literacy skills and are unable to read and understand the information found in books, newspapers and manuals. Nearly half of all third graders in our county are not reading on grade level. Through extensive outreach and collaboration with a network of community partners, the Literacy Coalition strives to ensure that individuals who need to improve their literacy skills receive the help they need. This year, the Literacy Coalition provided services to more than 55,716 adults, children and families through 9 programs in 173 sites from Jupiter to Boca Raton to Belle Glade. We teach adults with low literacy skills in the workplace and in community centers. We work with pediatricians to introduce low-income families to the importance of reading with their children. We provide reading partners who share books weekly with three-year-old children to help them blossom into life-long readers. We oversee a home visiting program that encourages verbal interaction and educational play between parents and their preschool children. We coordinate up to 30 Literacy AmeriCorps members who serve as tutors for children and adults and as graduation coaches to aid struggling high school students. We support and encourage literacy programs and initiatives throughout the county.

Our Impact in Palm Beach County

Literacy Coalition Recognized in Top 1% of Charities Nationwide for 15th Year

We are proud to announce that Literacy Coalition has earned our 15th consecutive 4-star rating for our ability to efficiently manage and grow our finances. Only 1% of the charities rated have received at least 10 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Palm Beach County Literacy Coalition consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way, and outperforms most other charities in America. This “exceptional” designation from Charity Navigator differentiates Palm Beach County Literacy Coalition from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust. Charity Navigator is America’s premier independent charity evaluator.

Learn More

The Literacy Coalition has earned a 2024 Platinum Seal from Candid/GuideStar

Now our community members as well as 10+ million GuideStar/Candid users can find in-depth information about our goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress. We’re shining a spotlight on the difference we help make in the world. Plus, we’ve provided fresh information to 200+ charitable websites and applications that use GuideStar/Candid data, such as Facebook and Network for Good.

Check Out Our Profile