Literacy is the cornerstone of individual growth and community development. In Menlo Park and beyond, Literacy Partners are playing a crucial role in bridging the literacy gap, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Supporting a community of learners, from young children to seniors, literacy partners are dedicated to fostering a love of reading, enhancing educational outcomes, and opening doors to brighter futures through knowledge.
While the desire to improve the world is widespread, literacy partners take concrete steps to make a tangible difference, especially within communities like Menlo Park. This area, despite its affluence and concentration of highly educated individuals, includes residents who require fundamental literacy and English language skills to navigate a competitive job market and improve their quality of life. Literacy Partners – Menlo Park acts as a vital bridge, connecting those who want to contribute with effective organizations already working on the ground. They provide essential funding and facilitate collaboration to maximize the impact of literacy programs. After years of dedicated service, their focus remains steadfast: to bolster local services that empower children to learn effectively, enable students to excel, assist adults in career advancement, and enrich the lives of senior citizens.
Reprinted with permission from the December 16, 2022 issue of The Almanac, this article highlights the impactful work of Literacy Partners in the community.
Holiday Fund: Literacy Partners Drives Local Literacy Initiatives in Menlo Park and Beyond
Partner organizations supported by literacy partners address literacy needs across all age groups, offering valuable volunteer opportunities and community engagement. Image courtesy of All Five and Ravenswood Classroom Partners.
By Mike Goodkind / Contributor
Uploaded: Tue, Dec 20, 2022, 8:11 am 0 Time to read: about 3 minutes
Literacy Partners – Menlo Park (LPMP) marked a significant milestone in July 2022, completing its first full year under an expanded mission. During this period, they channeled approximately $85,000 to local partner organizations, addressing diverse literacy needs from early childhood to senior programs. John Schniedwind, LPMP’s treasurer and a retired American Century vice president, articulates their role clearly: “We see our job as creating opportunities for community members who want to contribute but seek guidance on where their resources can most effectively support literacy programs, serving everyone from preschoolers to seniors.” This proactive approach helps channel community goodwill into impactful action through established literacy partners.
Angie Holman, executive director of Ravenswood Classroom Partners, highlighted the transformative impact of an LPMP grant. In late November, she explained how the funding enabled her organization to develop “a new high-dosage literacy model to provide deeper one-on-one support.” These enhanced tutoring strategies are specifically designed to bolster local school districts’ efforts to mitigate learning setbacks caused by Covid-related classroom disruptions. This targeted support demonstrates how literacy partners adapt and innovate to meet evolving community needs.
LPMP’s commitment to community literacy has been recognized through its inclusion as a beneficiary of The Almanac’s Holiday Fund. This initiative ensures that 100% of donations are directly distributed among ten selected nonprofit organizations, with funds divided equally. Contributions to the Holiday Fund can be made via the provided link, offering an accessible avenue for community members to support literacy partners and their vital work.
Heriberto Madrigal, a San Mateo County professional librarian and Belle Haven native, joined the LPMP board in November, impressed by the synergistic relationships fostered by the organization. He observed how LPMP’s programs and partnerships “cross-fertilize each other,” leading to “working relationships that are likely to promote insights that can supercharge programs LPMP supports.” This collaborative ecosystem strengthens the entire network of literacy partners, amplifying their collective impact.
One compelling example of this synergy is the East Palo Alto Kids’ (EPAK) Micro Grants program, another LPMP recipient. This program provides small grants to teachers for essential classroom supplies often taken for granted in wealthier schools. EPAK shared a story of Brianna Richards, a Belle Haven School teacher, who utilized a micro grant to create a classroom soccer-themed learning scenario to engage her 4th-grade students in math. This micro-grant program also extends support to All Five, an early education program in Belle Haven, further illustrating the interconnectedness of literacy partners. Karen Pace of All Five emphasizes the program’s high quality, attracting both full-paying families and those receiving tuition assistance through state funding or sliding scale rates. Importantly, all students benefit from the same high-quality education, regardless of their family’s income, highlighting the equity-focused approach of these literacy partners.
Founded in 2020, LPMP builds upon the legacy of Literacy Partners – Project Read, established in 1984 to support the Menlo Park Public Library. This foundational relationship remains strong, with LPMP donating $31,000 in September to purchase loanable laptops and enhance library amenities, including furniture for public areas. These improvements cater to the community’s evolving needs, particularly the return of patrons after the pandemic. Initially, the new furniture served seniors from Belle Haven when their regular meeting place was under construction. Madrigal points out the empowering potential of this library environment for low-literacy individuals. The combination of books and social interaction can encourage those who might not initially see the library as a resource to engage with literature, fostering “another important connection” to literacy. By supporting libraries, literacy partners broaden access and create welcoming spaces for learning.
StreetCode Academy, another LPMP recipient, benefits from support for its LevelUp initiative, providing laptops, internet access, and tech education to students in East Menlo Park and East Palo Alto. This focus on digital literacy recognizes the essential role of technology in modern learning and workforce readiness. JobTrain, a Menlo Park-based regional career training program and also a literacy partner, receives support to teach fundamental digital skills to adult community members. Looking ahead, LPMP aims to develop and support programs that assist small business owners, such as landscapers and housecleaners, in managing essential paperwork like bids and billing. This forward-thinking approach addresses practical literacy needs within the local economy.
The dedicated individuals guiding LPMP include President Mike Goodkind, Treasurer John Schniedwind, board member Heriberto Madrigal, and longtime educator Margaret Simmons. Pro bono legal counsel is provided by Jason Schendel of Sheppard Mullin, and Madhavi Desai contributes as volunteer webmaster. These dedicated individuals exemplify the collaborative spirit driving literacy partners.
LPMP actively seeks qualified and enthusiastic board members to contribute to fundraising and community grant vetting, often involving direct engagement with partner organizations. Donations and inquiries are always encouraged through the LPMP website. Mike Goodkind, LPMP’s President, can be contacted directly at [email protected]. Joining literacy partners, whether through donation or volunteerism, is an investment in a stronger, more literate community.
