Support adults and families most at-risk in our community.
Face-to-face programs at Literacy Network are canceled until further notice.
Over the last several weeks, we’ve made more than 1,400 calls and followed up to provide resources to more than 260 families. Staff are connecting students with crucial community resources, such as food and economic support. We’re also helping learners study at home by mailing books and having individual conversations on the phone.
Of the learners who were working before the pandemic: Only 2% are working at home 56% were laid off or have reduced hours Only 26% are working normal hours 1% are working increased hours
Good news! Because we’ve been connecting directly with adult learners over several weeks and providing direct links to community resources, there has been a significant decrease in the number of people who need ongoing help with their basic needs. In the first week of closure, 21% of those contacted needed help with applying for income assistance. In the sixth week, only 3% needed help seeking income assistance. Literacy Network’s staff members have helped to close the resource gap for many students.
We help learners understand the pandemic Our team learned that several students didn’t understand the Safer at Home Order or Emergency Order barring Evictions from Governor Evers. We asked our partners at Wisconsin Literacy to produce plain language versions in Spanish and English. These are now shared on our website and used in our outreach to learners. We also requested a plain language version of the emergency housing order.
We are planning alternative ways to deliver instruction
82% of those attending classes before the pandemic are now enrolled in distance learning. Online education is not an option for most of our learners because they do not have access to computers and Internet service. Each student who chooses to continue studying will have regular personal phone contact from the staff they know and trust. Most students have been mailed study materials.
Students studied an average of 2.5 hours in week 5 (up from 2.0 in week 3), and 71% completed at least one assignment. Students report 544 total hours studied in week 5 of distance learning, up 5% from week 3.
We’re raising $50,000 for the Literacy Network Pandemic Fund to help adult learners continue studying and help meet basic needs. Please click on the link above to make a tax-deductible contribution.
We will share new information with you as it becomes available, and encourage you to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and our website for more information.
Your support is needed now more than ever. Thank you for your commitment to Literacy Network and our community.