Literacy levels are inextricably linked to nearly every community metric including income, education, crime, health, economic vitality, civic engagement, generational poverty, and more. Yet, 2 in 5 schoolchildren do not read on grade level and 1 in 3 adults in greater Houston are functionally illiterate. That is why our work the past 10 years has been important and why our continued effort to make Houston a city filled with readers is imperative.
How we are making an impact
Enriching Learners
Through our investments in interventions and out-of-school literacy programs, striving readers receive the extra support and tools they need to become proficient readers by the end of the third grade.
“I love the way these books are made! I think everybody will get to read them and love them.”
— Navaeh, Monahan Elementary School First Grader & My Home Library Recipient
Empowering Families
By expanding access to family literacy programs and resources, parents are empowered with the knowledge and tools to become confident and competent facilitators of their child’s early literacy development.
“Read and Rise has really helped our son grow because we’re not only helping him learn, but we’re also learning how to teach him with today’s methods.”
— Jose & Yolanda Lira, Farias Early Childhood Center Parents
Engaging Volunteers
Members of our Ladies for Literacy Guild and Young Professionals Group, along with volunteers from corporations and community organizations, serve as catalysts for advancing our mission and expanding our reach across the city.
Informing the Community
By raising awareness of our city’s pervasive literacy problem and creating a more unified, comprehensive plan of action, together, we are finding solutions to change lives and ensure our city thrives.
“Over the past 10 years, the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy has played an instrumental role in working with the City of Houston to elevate literacy as a priority in our city.”
— Sylvester Turner, Former City of Houston Mayor
Your Donation Makes a Difference
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we have invested more than $16 million in literacy programs benefiting thousands of underserved children and adults across Houston. When you support the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, you are providing a lifechanging gift and assuring for a more vibrant Houston.
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