The Family Literacy Academy, located at the Family Service Center, is one of eight(8) programs in the state of Florida to receive a $5,000 grant to support financial literacy in the adult education programs.  Polly Rowan, Branch Manager of Wells Fargo in Arcadia spent time in one of the classrooms in which the program will be implemented.  “On behalf of Wells Fargo, we are glad to be able to support financial education in DeSoto County”, Ms. Rowan said. “Financial education is vital to everyone.”

Through the generous support of Well Fargo, The Florida Literacy Coalition (FLC) manages the Florida Financial Literacy Initiative. This statewide program provides target educational services to adult education/literacy, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and family literacy programs and students. This initiative supports the integration of literacy and math instruction and financial education.

Financial education promotes stability for individuals and their families.  The more people know about credit, banking services, taxes and basic money management, the more likely they are to increase savings, buy homes, save for education and improve their financial well-being.   Not surprisingly, people with a low level of education often also have low numeracy and financial literacy skills.   Basic financial skills education can be critical to helping such individuals manage their money and protect themselves from predatory practices.

The Florida Financial Literacy initiative 2015 grant release was announced at the recent Florida Literacy Conference in Orlando, Florida.  Marilyn M. Drayton, Florida Community Development Manager for Wells Fargo presented FLC with a check for $55,000 to support this effort

Family Literacy in DeSoto County began with a Barbara Bush Family Literacy grant that was submitted through DCEF in 2001 . The program was located at Nocatee Elementary School but after 3 years moved to its current location at the Family Service Center.

During the previous school year, the program served 20 families which included a parent/caregiver and a child. The academy offers families hope for a better life. The adult students are committed to working hard to learn English, reading and writing skills, parenting tips and they take courses to help them pass the GED. With their young children in tow, parents have a place to learn, and start down the path of achieving the American dream.

One of the parents summed up the program by saying, “I want my children to be able to go school and read and write…I want them to have a good job…without this program and the help that I am given so that I can help my child, this would not happen.”

If you would like to see a remarkable program in action, call the Family Service Center at 993-1333 to schedule an appointment.  You may also make donations to continue the work of this program by GIVING to the foundation.