Read to Succeed Buffalo Initiatives

Read to Succeed Buffalo does not provide programs or services, but rather acts as a neutral independent convener, or intermediary, of existing organizations to address literacy issues in a number of ways. Through Read to Succeed's coalition partners, our three-year plan calls for programs to support literacy, including parent/family engagement programs, financial literacy, health literacy and computer literacy, programs for out-of-school youth, and adult basic education, including services for English language learners.  

Our initial focus is in the following areas:

• Our Designated Literacy Zone
• Success Centers
• Kindergarten Preparedness Programs including Early Reading First and Project CARE
• Workforce Literacy initiatives
• Youth Engagement initiatives

Read to Succeed Buffalo is a national model for community literacy with its collaborative approach to transforming current systems that are simply not working. By listening to the needs of residents, providing services in trusted places such as libraries and community centers, and creating synergies through the collaboration of existing providers, Read to Succeed Buffalo is already seeing a positive impact in our community.

Our work, however, is just beginning. We are focused on achieving the goal of 100 percent literacy for every adult and child in the City of Buffalo. Read to Succeed believes that improving literacy in Buffalo starts with each of us. The issue goes beyond the school system. We each have a role - and a responsibility - to improve literacy in Buffalo. Our community needs and deserves 100 percent participation from all in order to break the cycle of intergenerational illiteracy and poverty.