Our Literacy Zone

Read to Succeed Buffalo has designated the northeast section of Buffalo (primarily zip code 14215) as our first literacy zone. This area was selected because it had the greatest levels of poverty and also because it had strong community assets on which to build. The literacy zone is a place where new collaborative models of literacy service delivery are incubated and effectiveness is measured. Once proven effective, RTSB replicates the model either in other areas of the literacy zone or in other parts of the city.

Read to Succeed Success Centers

Only 7% to 10% of people who need literacy services actually sign up for services. Of those, approximately half drop out in the first three weeks. Issues such as transportation, child care and relevance to need are cited as the major reasons.

Read to Succeed Buffalo created a model where literacy services are brought right into a community. Called "Success Centers," these are trusted places on bus lines in densely populated residential areas where learner-centered, learner-directed literacy services are delivered. Surveys of community residents tell us the services most needed or wanted by the community. Literacy programs for children are provided while their parents take computer classes or register for other literacy services.

The East Delavan branch of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library (BECPL) has been designated as RTSB's first Success Center. Called "Read to Succeed at the Library" and supported by a $133,000 grant from the Josephine Goodyear Foundation, we have transformed the library branch from one that only provided basic, traditional library services to an active center in the community. Read to Succeed Success Center

At the Success Center, residents can:
- Take computer classes
- Learn more about financial literacy
- Take GED classes
- Participate in book clubs for adults and teens
- Enjoy story time and other activities with their children and enjoy a comfortable, safe, family oriented place.

We continue to survey library users and community members and add services through our coalition members (such as GED instruction) that are important to local residents. The model has been so successful that, in collaboration with the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library System, we are planning to replicate it at another city branch library.

Read to Succeed Buffalo has added a second Success Center in the literacy zone at the Ed Saunders Community Center. Work is also beginning at two faith-based organizations to transform them into literacy Success Centers.