FY 2021 Literacy Mid-South Annual Report

leadership

Dear 901 Friends,

Dear 901 Friends,

I have been given the honor and privilege to lead Literacy Mid-South at this time. This is an opportunity and assignment that I am excited to begin. My time in Memphis has taught me many things. Chief among them is, as goes Memphis… so goes the Mid-South. Our challenge, and subsequent question, then becomes… “what role does literacy play in the viability of this city and this region?”

I have been given the honor and privilege to lead Literacy Mid-South at this time. This is an opportunity and assignment that I am excited to begin. My time in Memphis has taught me many things. Chief among them is, as goes Memphis… so goes the Mid-South. Our challenge, and subsequent question, then becomes… “what role does literacy play in the viability of this city and this region?”

Like many of you, I can remember my earliest encounter with a book that I was tasked to read. My kindergarten year was looming over the horizon and reading on grade-level, before I entered that classroom, was the goal. There were challenges. There were words that I had not seen before. However, it was deemed that this was the time for me to learn to read and those challenges would be overcome with assistance from capable and supportive adults.

Like many of you, I can remember my earliest encounter with a book that I was tasked to read. My kindergarten year was looming over the horizon and reading on grade-level, before I entered that classroom, was the goal. There were challenges. There were words that I had not seen before. However, it was deemed that this was the time for me to learn to read and those challenges would be overcome with assistance from capable and supportive adults.

We live, work, and play in a city that has a history of multi-generational inequities. This way of living, working, and playing has sustained and energized the challenges that are presented before us. We must recognize the challenges and chart a successful path toward our collective futures.

We live, work, and play in a city that has a history of multi-generational inequities. This way of living, working, and playing has sustained and energized the challenges that are presented before us. We must recognize the challenges and chart a successful path toward our collective futures.

Since March 2020, this once-in-a-generation pandemic has motivated us to transform the way we serve our learners across the Mid-South. While offering services in person, virtually, or through a hybrid model, our vision remains the same… 100% literacy for the Mid-South.

Since March 2020, this once-in-a-generation pandemic has motivated us to transform the way we serve our learners across the Mid-South. While offering services in person, virtually, or through a hybrid model, our vision remains the same… 100% literacy for the Mid-South.

These adjustments are necessary to remain relevant and accessible to key stakeholders. Conversations about literacy must take on a different tone and occupy new spaces. Discussions about literacy are often placed within a public education context or an at-home context. While these contexts are crucial to 100% literacy, non-traditional opportunities should be explored to expand these efforts.

These adjustments are necessary to remain relevant and accessible to key stakeholders. Conversations about literacy must take on a different tone and occupy new spaces. Discussions about literacy are often placed within a public education context or an at-home context. While these contexts are crucial to 100% literacy, non-traditional opportunities should be explored to expand these efforts.

Our adult learning program, a cornerstone of our 47-year history of service, has been tremendously successful. Efforts have ranged from individuals seeking their high school equivalency to grandparents that want to engage their grandchildren in their favorite stories. As we continue to do this important work, we must also seek ways to reach adults that wish to engage in the global workforce opportunities that will find their way to our great city. This permits literacy to live in the ongoing economic and community development conversations that determine the fiscal trajectory of our region.

Our Adult Learning Program, a cornerstone of our 47-year history of service, has been tremendously successful. from individuals seeking their high school equivalency to grandparents that want to engage their grandchildren in their favorite stories. As we continue to do this important work, we must also seek ways to reach adults that wish to engage in the global workforce opportunities that will find their way to our great city. This permits literacy to live in the ongoing economic and community development conversations that determine the fiscal trajectory of our region.

As we consider the civil rights history of our region, there exists the importance of positioning literacy to operate through an equity lens. In short, literacy must empower, encourage, and position our neighbors to recognize and dismantle inequitable conditions that prevent access to quality-of-life opportunities. Literacy is the vehicle that empowers people who have been consistently excluded from the decisionmaking structures that ensure access to opportunity and life improvement.

In this annual report, we will share successes in our programs and demonstrate our ability to provide ongoing services to our region.* I want you to see where you fit in this work. Literacy Mid-South is repositioning literacy as a significant convenor for our collective educational, economic development, and empowerment imperatives. We have the great honor and the tremendous responsibility to transform lives and impact generations to come.

Join us as we push towards a new way of impacting literacy across the lifespan!

In service,

Sam O’Bryant Executive Director

leadership

Dear 901 Friends,

Dear 901 Friends,

It has been an extraordinary year in so many ways, but one in which Literacy Mid-South has not only adeptly navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, but one in which we have continued to thrive thanks to our excellent staff, volunteers, and board members. We greatly appreciated the leadership of our now former Executive Director, Knox Shelton, as he left after five years in that role that saw tremendous growth of our programs. We are also grateful for our Interim Executive Director, Johnny Jeffords, who shepherded the organization throughout our transition period, but did much more than that during his short time with us. LMS will be forever indebted to the tremendous leadership of our outgoing Board Chair, Katherine Bryan, for all that she has done to support the organization and the board. She did not let a global pandemic slow her down in the slightest as she raised the bar for the organization in many ways. I am thrilled and honored to serve as Board Chair this year as we bring in our new Executive Director, Sam O’Bryant, to lead LMS into the future.

It has been an extraordinary year in so many ways, but one in which Literacy Mid-South has not only adeptly navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, but one in which we have continued to thrive thanks to our excellent staff, volunteers, and board members. We greatly appreciated the leadership of our now former Executive Director, Knox Shelton, as he left after five years in that role that saw tremendous growth of our programs. We are also grateful for our Interim Executive Director, Johnny Jeffords, who shepherded the organization throughout our transition period, but did much more than that during his short time with us. LMS will be forever indebted to the tremendous leadership of our outgoing Board Chair, Katherine Bryan, for all that she has done to support the organization and the board. She did not let a global pandemic slow her down in the slightest as she raised the bar for the organization in many ways. I am thrilled and honored to serve as Board Chair this year as we bring in our new Executive Director, Sam O’Bryant, to lead LMS into the future.

As we prepare for Literacy Mid-South’s 50th anniversary in 2024, we are looking to reimagine all that LMS can be for Memphis. Sam brings the leadership, experience, skills, connections, awareness, and knowledge to build on our existing programs and services and guide us as conveners, advocates, and into the launch of Read901. We could not be more excited to follow his vision to meet our vision of a 100% literate Mid-South. In addition to all the other ways that we talk about literacy, Sam recognizes literacy as a civil rights issue and a way to move our community forward economically as well.

As we prepare for Literacy Mid-South's 50th anniversary in 2024, we are looking to reimagine all that LMS can be for Memphis. Sam brings the leadership, experience, skills, connections, awareness and knowledge to build on our existing programs and services and guide us as conveners, advocates and into the launch of Read901. We could not be more excited to follow his vision to meet our vision of a 100% literate Mid-South. In addition to all the other ways that we talk about literacy, Sam recognizes literacy as a civil rights issue and a way to move our community forward economically as well.

I am looking forward to a year that will allow us to build a fantastic foundation for the future of the organization and I am grateful for our leadership, staff, volunteers, learners, partners, donors, and our board. Thank you for the opportunity to lead and all the support you provide for LMS.

I am looking forward to a year that will allow us to build a fantastic foundation for the future of the organization and I am grateful for our leadership, staff, volunteers, learners, partners, donors, and our board. Thank you for the opportunity to lead and all the support you provide for LMS.

Sincerely,

Jason Yaun, M.D. Board Chair

our board

Chandra Alston, University of Tennessee Health Science Center

John Barker, Shelby County Schools

Katherine Bryan, The Urban Child Institute

Crystal Cook, Shelby County Schools

Edith Gnanadass, University of Memphis

Jeanne Hermann-Petrin, University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Erin Hillis, Rhodes College

Shenika Hudson, University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Laurie MacGillivray, University of Memphis

Cherhonda Mason-Ayers, ALSAC

Dana Migliaccio, International Paper

John Nichols, St. Mary’s School

Patrice Thomas, Shelby County Schools

Marc Van Lieshout, International Paper

Herb Wells, FedEx

Jason Yaun, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, University of Tennessee Health Science Center

our staff

Sam O’Bryant - Executive Director

Johnny Blount - Director of Collaborative Action

Amanda Cook - Director of Development

Stacy Early - Adult Program Director

Elisabeth F Lee - Director of Education

Anasa Franklin - Director of Community Impact

Lee Chase IV - Adult Program Coordinator

Lucy Hughes - Operations Coordinator

Mackenzie VanAusdall - Development Associate

programs

read901

To significantly advance the vision and mission of Literacy Mid-South, the LMS Board of Directors has approved the implementation of this collective impact framework. Powered by Literacy Mid-South, Read901 is: 1) A community-driven, asset-based collective impact approach to increasing literacy across the lifespan; 2) A multi-sector coalition of direct service providers and community stakeholders; and 3) An awareness-to-action campaign. The goal of Read901 is to ensure equitable access to high-quality resources and learning opportunities needed to have strong literacy skills and the driving force behind Read901 is the belief that literacy is the game changer for creating and sustaining an equitable and empowered community. LMS roles in Read901 include convening stakeholders, providing direct literacy services and resources, and serving as the go-to information hub for all things literacy in the Mid-South.

To significantly advance the vision and mission of Literacy Mid-South, the LMS Board of Directors has approved the implementation of this collective impact framework. Powered by Literacy Mid-South, Read901 is: 1) A community-driven, asset-based collective impact approach to increasing literacy across the lifespan; 2) A multi-sector coalition of direct service providers and community stakeholders; 3) An awareness-to-action campaign. The goal of Read901 is to ensure equitable access to high-quality resources and learning opportunities needed to have strong literacy skills. The driving force behind Read901 is the belief that literacy is the game changer for creating and sustaining an equitable and empowered community. LMS roles in Read901 include convening stakeholders, providing direct literacy services and resources, and serving as the go-to information hub for all things literacy in the Mid-South.

bluff city baby

The Bluff City Baby program provides a backpack filled with early literacy books and resources anchored around family literacy to each family of a newborn at the participating hospitals before they are discharged. In each backpack, families receive 2 books, a Touch Talk Read Play family literacy tip brochure and magnet, a family resources card, 2 diapers, “I’m a Bluff City Baby” bib, and a “Read to Me” onesie.

out-of-school time

Literacy Mid-South’s out-of-school Time (OST) Support is rooted in our mission to provide literacy resources to learners of all backgrounds and ages. Building the capacity of nonprofit OST providers to provide high-quality literacy interventions to elementary students has made a measurable impact in our community. Working collaboratively through the Literacy Mid-South OST Network, partners commit to data-driven continuous quality improvement, share promising practices, and align to a common goal of increasing third grade reading proficiency. Literacy Mid-South also provides literacy resources directly to the community. Since 2020, tens of thousands of Lit Bags have been distributed to students each summer filled with weekly, grade-level appropriate literacy materials. Additionally, Literacy Mid-South has distributed over 100,000 new books to elementary students over the past five years.

Literacy Mid-South’s Out-of-School Time (OST) Support is rooted in our mission to provide literacy resources to learners of all backgrounds and ages. Building the capacity of nonprofit OST providers to provide high-quality literacy interventions to elementary students has made a measurable impact in our community. Working collaboratively through the Literacy Mid-South OST Network, partners commit to data-driven continuous quality improvement, share promising practices, and align to a common goal of increasing third grade reading proficiency. Literacy Mid-South also provides literacy resources directly to the community. Since 2020, tens of thousands of Lit Bags have been distributed to students each summer filled with weekly, grade-level appropriate literacy materials. Additionally, Literacy Mid-South has distributed over 100,000 new books to elementary students over the past five years.

OST program goals for next year

Looking forward with greater intention to support OST Network partners and elementary-aged children, Literacy Mid-South will bring innovative and approachable ways for families to experience literacy together. Reading Checkup will empower families to understand their child’s exact strengths and needs to improve their literacy skills and provide individualized, high-quality activities. The needs of adults and children are interconnected within and by the family. Literacy Mid-South will enhance a 2Gen approach - a holistic, family centered lens to literacy allowing learners of all ages to celebrate while developing literacy skills to foster a lifelong love of reading and learning.

programs (continued)

adult learning program

Literacy Mid-South’s Adult Learning Program (ALP) provides adults with basic education and English Language Learning services. Our Adult Learning Program is the only program providing Adult Basic Education (reading level below 6th grade) services in Memphis. Learners come to Literacy MidSouth to achieve life goals and prepare for better employment opportunities. The Adult Learning Program offers an innovative and collaborative approach to adult literacy education.

Literacy Mid-South’s Adult Learning Program (ALP) provides adults with basic education and English language learning services. Our Adult Learning Program is the only program providing Adult Basic Education (reading level below 6th grade) services in Memphis. Learners come to Literacy MidSouth to achieve life goals and prepare for better employment opportunities. The Adult Learning Program offers an innovative and collaborative approach to adult literacy education.

Our team of over 100 trained volunteer tutors provides one-on-one and group learning sessions in reading, math, and English Language Learning. This approach allows learners to set their learning pace and connect with other learners in a classroom environment. In order to meet the needs of our community, Literacy Mid-South also seeks to build classroom opportunities in other community-based organizations.

Our team of over 100 trained volunteer tutors provides one-on-one and group learning sessions in reading, math, and English Language Learning. This approach allows learners to set their learning pace and connect with other learners in a classroom environment. In order to meet the needs of our community, Literacy Mid-South also seeks to build classroom opportunities in other community-based organizations.

In addition, learners and staff created the Learner Council in 2019 to support the ALP programs. The council gives learners the opportunity to be a part of program development and ensures that the ALP is best fitting their needs.

In addition, learners and staff created the Learner Council in 2019 to support the ALP programs. The council gives learners the opportunity to be a part of program development and ensures that the ALP is best fitting their needs.

spotlight

volunteer & learner

Debra and Larry - “Larry, my LMS partner for 8 years, and I counted our blessings in 2020. We gained a much deeper appreciation for so many people in our lives, dedicated healthcare and essential workers, and numerous simple activities we had often times taken for granted. And through it all, Larry mastered reading Psalms 23 and has been asked to read it to his church congregation.”

volunteer

Reethu - “Volunteering with Literacy MidSouth has been a wonderful experience! This past year, I have connected with two amazing learners, and I’m so proud of the progress they have made. Seeing their growth inspires me and encourages me to continue serving our Memphis community. Literacy Mid-South has changed the lives of many, and I’m so glad to be a part of it!”

learner

Patricia - “I enjoy learning English because it helps me connect with other people and cultures and develop personally and professionally. I was looking for an institution that really understood my needs as a foreigner. Through Reethu I felt I had more personalized support and I feel happy and motivated to learn English.”

our donors

The Angelou Association ($150,000+)

Karen Michelle Dent Irrev Trust

The Tolkien Alliance ($75,000-$149,999)

Urban Child Institute

The Hurston Fellowship ($10,000-$74,999)

Anonymous

Blue Cross Blue Shield Community Trust

Dollar General Literacy Foundation

The Hughes Community ($2,500-$9,999)

Jonathan Bennett Junior League of Memphis, Inc. Joyce Sealand David Tester United Way of the Mid-South

The Austen Association ($500-$2,499)

Chandra Alston

John Barker

Patrick Blankinship Jr.

Ashley Bonds

Katherine Bryan

Megan Bula

Regina A. Campbell

Grace Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church

Crystal Cook William Crawford

Lynn B. Diebold

Community Foundation

Harry M. Freeman

Natalie Garnett

Margaret Grinder

Suzanne Gronemeyer

Michael Harris Janet Hawk

Jayne E. Hayden

Jeanne Hermann-Petrin

Erin Hillis

Benjamin Holman Shenika Hudson

Joyce Jones

Chris Lazarini Stacey Hansom Lazarini John Nichols

Linda Payne

Lauri Prather

Robert J. Quinn Pamela Salzgeber

Patrice Thomas Taylor Wamble Herb Wells C. Thomas Whitman Jason A. Yaun

The Faulkner Folk ($1-$499)

Timothy Armor Dede Austin

Jennifer Bates

Jay Becton

Dolores Bell

Annette Berhe-Hunt

Joni Blount

John Blount

Steven Boggs

Suzanne Bonefas

Earl Randle Bouldin

Marcus Branch

Maury Bronstein

Susan Bryant Tom Bryant

Lou Etta Burkins

Sandra Burns

Robert Burns

Julie Burrows

Charlene Cain

Kathryn Cannon Bryan Capooth Bettye Carrington Julie Chang

Nancy and Lee Chase III St. John Missionary Baptist Church

Kay Coleman-Johnson

Amanda Cook

Christopher Cullum Ashley Culotta Drew Cutliff

Margaret Day

The Dilettantes Whitney Dowdy James Drummond Jennifer Dumas Dorothy Dyer

Stacy Early Faith Baptist Church East Carr Family Lorraine Ferguson Bob Ferguson Penelope Fisher Daniel J. Flick

Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity Elizabeth Friedman Terri Glazer

Edith Gnanadass Philip Goetz

Deanna Goodman Gill Goodman

Wanda Jenne’ Green

Nicole Grida

Ariel Guthery Jeff Hale

Robert Hansom Mary Hansom

Julia Hart-Lawson Matthew Hawk Jennifer Hepler

Carl Herron

Gloria Hodges

Janice M. Holder

Haley Hughes

Leroy Hunt

Rhynette N. Hurd Rebecca Hutchison Robin Hutton

Kenard Inman Susan Inman Frank Inman Catherine Iskander Kari E. Jarrell Lindsey Johnson Cheryl Johnson Jeff Johnson Warren Johnson Angie Johnson Adam Johnson Thomas Jones Ruby Jones Wilson Justice Ken Kimble Eddie Klank Jennifer Klank Jackie Kravetz

Vicki Murrell Dan Murrell Linda Nichols Meagan Nichols John Oehmler Christina Palilla William Parker Marisa Soto Phipps Bailey & Greer PLLC Mallory Prater Stephen Price Richard Prillaman Nancy D. Prillaman Emilie G. Rather Charles Ray Jr. Joe Reno Rita R. Richardson Helen Riggs Walter Riggs Margaret Roney Perveen K. Rustomfram Steven Schmidt Harriet Schneider Robert Schneider Sarah Schwab James Schwab

Valentina Taran

Betsy Tate

Quinton Thompson

Lynn Tilson Marie Tilson Rebecca Tuttle Kulsoom Usmani Carol Van Hoozer David R. Van Hoozer

Mary VanGieson

Maria Vetter

Kroger Jeffrey Land Susanne Landau Anthony Lawson Betty Lazarini Gary Lazarini Rene Lee William Mabury Elizabeth Madde James Madden John Marshall Linda Martin Mary Lou McCaa

René Friemoth Lee

Elisabeth Vogel James L. Waller Karen Wellford Jessica Wilson Debra Young Todd Zoblotsky n

Brian W. Meredith Beth Miller

Suzanne Montgomery Eldon Morgan Hilda Mullen

Kerry Wilson Sernel Shelley Shanaman Knox Shelton Barry Shulkin Cassie Smith Joe Spake Shannon Sparks David Sparks Linda Staley Gerry Staley Amy Sterling Linda Stevens Laura Stewart Dayna Stewart Anne Stokes Ann Sullivan Richard T. Sullivan Robert Svoboda

make a difference

Have you ever wondered how you can improve literacy in Memphis?

Did you ever think the answer would be drinking martinis?

Our next Literatini martini contest and silent auction will be held on June 11, 2022! We look forward to seeing you there, as do our sponsors:

Patricia - “I enjoy learning English because it helps me connect with other people and cultures and develop personally and professionally.

see you there!

I was looking for an institution that really understood my needs as a foreigner. Through Reethu I felt I had more personalized support and I feel happy and motivated to learn English.”

learn more at literacymidsouth.org