“Literacy is a vital skill that enhances dignity, improves health outcomes, empowers people to access their rights, and bolsters educational and employment opportunities"
UNESCO 2015
Summary
The REAL Program is a non-profit organization started in 2013 dedicated to solving the United States literacy crisis. Based in Lynn, Massachusetts, REAL’s holistic programs with integrated initiatives have improved literacy and life outcomes for children and their families over the past 11 years.
The future of The REAL Program is currently at a critical juncture. REAL’s home of 7 years has been put up for sale. Without securing this location as our permanent home, the existence of The REAL Program and our ability to continue our dedicated literacy support is now at great risk.
The sale of this property threatens our ability to continue operations, as increased rent and/or the need to relocate could disrupt the ability to deliver our services to those in need.
Through the generosity of a few of our institutional donors, we have been able to raise $85,000 towards a down payment. But we urgently need to raise another $35,000 to be eligible to secure our current facility and ensure we can continue to provide essential literacy and educational programs to the Lynn community and beyond.
Program Impact
The REAL Program has been essential in aiding both children and adults in the Lynn community with literacy enhancing initiatives. In order to ensure these life-changing supports can continue uninterrupted, it is crucial that REAL’s resources are not diverted by a relocation.
Children who are not reading proficiently by third grade are four times more likely to drop out of school. According to a 2024 ThinkImpact report , ‘one out of every five Americans Americans are functionally illiterate’; imagine being ‘...unable to read basic sentences, fill out a job application form, or understand the instructions on their prescription labels…’ and how that can affect a life. This is why the work we do is so crucial.
In Lynn, a city of over 100,000 people where 56 languages are spoken, only 18% of students from public schools graduate from college. Despite the critical importance of early education, only 50% of children in Lynn attend preschool before kindergarten. With just one public library and most schools lacking dedicated libraries due to space constraints, most children have limited access to books. The urgency of addressing these educational gaps has been further heightened by the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, making it more critical than ever to support early literacy and education.
Our theory of Change
The REAL Program offers a comprehensive solution to the literacy crisis, building a proof of concept in Lynn, MA through integrated programs for children and adults
- Before Home Tutoring Program: We provide tutoring and enrichment for 40 elementary school students, leveraging retired teachers and professionals as volunteers, and offering service-learning opportunities for high school and college students.
- REALSTREAM Summer Program: This program blends STEM with literacy and the arts for six weeks, ensuring that literacy remains central and enhances critical thinking and creativity.
- English Classes for Adults: We offer English classes taught by qualified instructors both online and in-person. These classes improve communication skills and foster greater parental involvement in their children's education.
- REAL Little Free Libraries ® Campaign: Our aim is to place over 250 REAL Little Free Libraries across the city, transforming Lynn into the City of Readers. By providing access to a wide variety of books and promoting regular family reading time, we strengthen children's nascent decoding and comprehension skills.
- REAL Preschool: Planned to serve children ages 3-5 using Reggio Emilia principles, this preschool will offer a cooperative learning environment and teacher training opportunities. The REAL Preschool and Before Home programs lay a strong foundation in early childhood education, incorporating best practices and educational standards.
Long Term Impact
The REAL Program's initiatives promise significant long-term positive outcomes for literacy in Lynn and beyond. Starting with the Lynn community, REAL has grown opportunities for all program participants. This approach not only enhances individual prospects but also strengthens the entire community.
Conclusion
As the World Literacy Foundation highlights, "When we help someone to acquire literacy skills, we are empowering them to access better opportunities in life to break the poverty cycle."
REAL's efforts have helped bridge the home-to-school gap, strengthen family bonds, and cultivate essential homework habits. Ultimately, The REAL Program not only boosts academic success but also fosters a culture of lifelong learning and community empowerment.
By contributing to our $35,000 goal, you will ensure that we can continue providing vital educational resources and opportunities to children and families.
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