Poor literacy rates of children are linked to the poor literacy rate of the child's parent or child's caregiver. See press release: Adult literacy skills key factor in literacy rates of children. A fall 2010 report indicated that very few entities or individuals support adult literacy financially or by providing tutoring despite the fact that THE most important criteria for a child's academic success is NOT the economic background of the family, NOT the neighborhood the child lives in, BUT the literacy skills of the mother! This is why our primary focus is on the adults. We are the only organization in our county willing to help adults with limited literacy skills with the help of volunteer tutors.
 
Read certificate of recognition from Rep. Debbie Mayfield:   files/Rep__Mayfield_proclamation.pdf
 
Meet celebrity chef/author Curtis Aikens!  Curtis Aikens has been with the Food Network since its inception and has appeared on such shows as Oprah, Good Morning America, etc.  Mr. Aikens did not learn how to read until his mid 20's (he found an organization similar to ours).  Currently he is obtaining a master's degree.  Mr. Aikens will be our keynote speaker at our popular Love of Literacy luncheon on Friday, April 5 from 11:30 to 1:30 at Riomar Clubhouse (cost is $50).  He will also appear at our Reading Between the Wines dinner that day from 6 to 9 pm at the Riomar Beach Clubhouse (cost is $150).  Please call us at 778-2223 if you would like to be a sponsor for this incredible event (starting at $500) or attend one of these two special events.
 
 

Literacy Services of Indian River County, Inc. is a non-profit corporation designed to improve the literacy skills of residents in our county. Through YOU we provide the tutoring on a free, confidential, and one-to-one basis to individuals age 16 and over or in group settings at the request of local employers or individuals. We are supported solely by individuals,businesses, foundations and the United Way. We receive no government funding.

Our mission statement is:

  • To focus attention on literacy.
  • To provide instruction to individuals with limited literacy skills.
  • To empower students to achieve their goals so that they may become contributing members of the community.

It is estimated that 1 in 5 adults in Indian River County cannot:

  • Read well enough to fill out a job application;
  • Read to their children or help their child with schoolwork; or
  • Read a newspaper 

Through a network of community volunteers, we serve:

  • Adults and high school students with poor literacy skills (over 20% are senior citizens).
  • English as a Second Language (ESOL) students who need help improving English skills.
  • Families: To encourage literacy within the family.