ABOUT US
REACH Literacy is a nonprofit organization that provides literacy instruction and experiences for adult and youth readers through flexible tutoring programs and the innovative reuse of donated books in our beautiful secondhand bookstore. Our experienced and passionate teachers and volunteers, deliver innovative instruction and serve as positive role models and mentors for adults and youth.
Our Everyday English programs are designed for adults who are learning English as a Second Language. They may already speak or understand basic English, but desire to increase their confidence speaking and communicating in English for personal or employment related reasons. Our flexible curriculum removes barriers and increases access to practice opportunities.
Our BEE a Reader programs pair volunteers to read with emerging and struggling readers via zoom. These consistent, positive interactions aim to help strengthen a young person's confidence in their reading abilities.
Each year we give away thousands of engaging, appropriate, and high-quality books to schools and nonprofits across the Sioux Empire. And, our REACH a Teacher Grants, help Elementary and Middle School teachers build their classroom libraries.
Funding for our work comes from sponsorships, donations, grants, reading memberships, and the sale of donated books at our fantastic REACH a Reader bookstore. We also host special annual events like our READ-A-THON, Summer Reading Program, and Harry Potter Birthday Party.
Please help support these important community programs by clicking on the donate button below.
OUR HISTORY
Our organization has come a long way since we were founded in 1986 as a prison ministry called The Sioux Falls Area Literacy Council. Since that time, the mission to teach adults to read, write, and improve life skills has evolved into what it is currently - to empower adults and children to thrive through literacy education.
Evolving the mission allows our organization to increase the reach and impact of our literacy partnerships and expand the scope of our literacy programming. In 2014, The Sioux Falls Area Literacy Council changed its name to REACH Literacy to reflect how we are now reaching an even broader community across the Sioux Empire.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Valerie Loudenback - President
Linda Jass - Vice President
Lezlee Herdina - Treasurer
Morgan Hauck - Secretary
John Heber
Darcy Litzen
Megan Baldridge
Rachel Clarke
Catherine Sommervold
Kuol Malou
Anita Manning
Jenny Lockhart
"Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope."