READ LAKELAND, INC.
LAKELAND, FLORIDA

READ Lakeland, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to teaching basic reading and writing skills to adult non readers and to actively engaging in programs and activities to further adult literacy. For all adults with low literacy skills who are willing to put forth the effort to learn, we seek to provide the means to end the tragic cycle of illiteracy and its correlation with unemployment, poverty, and accompanying social ills. READ Lakeland has, on average, a waiting list of 12 adults seeking our services. Established in 1995 by volunteers as a community based organization to promote adult literacy, READ Lakeland has provided one-to-one and small group tutoring services to hundreds of adults in Lakeland and surrounding areas. We recruit, train, match, and support volunteers who want to tutor adults who want to learn to read, improve math skills, or speak English. Our tutoring services include basic adult literacy; reading, writing, and math support for adults preparing to enter a GED program or take a work certification exam; and English as a Second Language (ESL). All of our services are provided at no charge to our learners. While most of our tutoring is one-to-one, we have small group tutoring in writing skills and English conversation practice. We also provide tutoring as requested by community partners such as West Area Adult School and Talbot House. During its first ten years READ Lakeland was operated almost entirely by volunteers who not only tutored adult learners but also planned, implemented, and managed every aspect of the organization, including training, program services, community awareness, and fund raising activities. As numbers of learners and tutors grew, a board member wrote a grant that allowed READ Lakeland to hire a part-time tutor-learner coordinator. With the part-time employee, numbers increased, matches were better supported and thus more stable, tutoring materials were inventoried and updated, and record-keeping became more thorough and accurate. Unfortunately, when the funds ran out, contact with tutors and students became inconsistent and often lost, and records disappeared. By that time, the need and requests for services were too great for READ Lakeland to provide them by relying solely on volunteers. READ Lakeland is an active member of the Welcome to READ Lakeland READ Lakeland is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in our community. Our more than 100 volunteers have allowed us to offer FREE services to those who want to better their skills. Whether it’s reading, writing or math, our tutors are trained accordingly to provide one-on-one or small group instruction. We are here to help, at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. Proceeds benefit READ Lakeland – be sure to come out, vote for your favorite chili and Donate! Thank you for visiting READ Lakeland. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us, we’d love to assist in any way that we can and look forward to working with you.