Beyond Basics

My name is Ms. C.,
My son was a struggling third grader at Maron Law Academy when he attended the Beyond Basics literacy program. He is now in fourth grade. Not only have his grades improved substantially, but his self confidence and attitude toward learning and participating in school has also improved. I am a proud parent and I am so grateful for the opportunity to enroll him in the Beyond Basics program. It works!

Beyond Basics has done excellent work within DPSCD and we appreciate it! The tutoring techniques they are using has allowed for significant improvement in students' reading capabilities and comprehension. The acquired skills have correlated to the improvement of classroom scores. What they are doing for and in the community is truly impactful.

This organization is so great! Bridging the literacy gap at a grassroots level is the best way to provide young people of all backgrounds and abilities the chance to live a fulfilling life! The tutors who work in this organization are phenomenal and it’s amazing to see Beyond Basics continually impact different school districts throughout the state of Michigan!

I have watched this nonprofit grow through the years, and the effect it has on the lives of children is truly amazing. Beyond Basics changes the lives of students and does wonders for our community.

At Priest Elementary Middle School, we have been fortunate to have the Beyond Basics program in our building for the past two years. This dynamic program has been a transformative addition to our school community, significantly enriching the literacy skills of our students.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Beyond Basics is how seamlessly it fits into our school schedule while providing meaningful academic support. The program not only focuses on advancing students' literacy levels but also builds strong social connections by actively participating in school activities such as award ceremonies and assemblies. These efforts motivate our students and foster a collaborative partnership between Beyond Basics and our school.
The individuals within the program demonstrate genuine love and admiration for our students, creating bonds that extend beyond their time in the program. This connection leaves a lasting impact, inspiring our students to continue striving for success even after they’ve been promoted out of the program.
The Priest staff deeply values the skill level, academic expertise, and professionalism that Beyond Basics consistently brings to our school. This program has truly been a beacon of support and growth for our students, and we are immensely grateful for their partnership.
Jeremaine Kyles
Principal
Priest Elementary Middle School

The Beyond Basics program has been transformative for our students at Cody High School. Through their dedicated one-on-one support, the team has built strong, positive relationships with our students, fostering an environment of trust and encouragement. Their personalized approach has been especially impactful for students who have struggled with literacy, helping them make tremendous progress and gain the confidence needed to succeed academically and beyond. We are deeply grateful for the Beyond Basics team and the life-changing difference they are making in the lives of our students.


Jason L. Solomon Sr.
Principal Cody High School
18445 Cathedral St.
Detroit, MI. 48228
313.866.9200

I've seen kids beam with pride at what they accomplished. Beyond Basics played a vital role in enabling our kids to enjoy books and get them reading. I'm so happy with what Beyond Basic has accomplished

Beyond Basics has provided excellent service to the children in my community by transforming their lives through literacy and enrichment activities. They have been advocating for the development of our children and stayed true to their roots where they started by continuing to conduct wonderful coat drives. Thank you Beyond Basics!

I was told about Beyond Basics after being with a competitor for about the same time receiving a poor response my grandson remained at the same level of reading he was rated at 4th grade level after considering Beyond Basics we gave them a try not expecting much. I took my grandson to the first lesson expecting to hear my grandson complaining about being bored but instead he finished the first class enthusiastic and looking forward to the next class and by the end of the classes he went from a 4th grade level to a 8.5 grade level his instructor was outstanding the program is outstanding and the administrative staff is outstanding as well. If your child is having problems academically this is the best thing you can do for them… reach out to them… you won’t be sorry.

I’m in education and I’ve seen firsthand how the Beyond Basics literacy program gets kids reading in a short period of time. I would recommend any student, struggling learning differences, including dyslexia, autism, ADHD, etc. To consider this program. It is transformational for kids when you get them reading.

My son was a student there. It was life changing for him. He increased 4 grade levels of reading in just one summer. I can’t express my gratitude enough. This was invaluable. Additionally we tried 2 tutor locations prior to and had little to no noticeable improvement. Beyond basics approach is different, simply better.

My son improved 5 grade levels in 10 weeks. He had the lowest self esteem and will now read in front of a group of hundreds with his chin up and confidence. He absolutely hated reading and now enjoys it as a favorite hobby! Beyond basics is beyond incredible ������������ Forever grateful and thankful

Hello. I am here to say that Beyond Basics is amazing! They helped my Son so tremendously. Ms. Johnson was instrumental in his growth over the last year and all the love from each and everyone at Beyond is appreciated. Love. Prayers and understanding. I pray they continue to grow and thrive and recommend them often.

Ms Gonzales

Andrew has been a part of Beyond Basics tutoring and loves it! He has come a long way in his reading and his self-esteem has gone way up. He's even reading in front of his class now! He's doing really great! And he loves his tutor too! She's a great teacher and explains the lessons so Andrew can understand them. Thank you for everything you have done for me and my family Beyond Basics!

Beyond the Basics program is truly a gift from God. We learned of this program at a vulnerable time in our lives. My daughter passed away and my grandson was soon to graduate school, but was still reading at a kindergarten level. We needed help! We could not seem to find help from anywhere. We learned of this wonderful program and they have been working with my grandson for 4 years! In that time my grandson has made tremendous progress. He now reads at a 5th grade level. I don’t have the words to thank the wonderful people who work for this program and has poured so much love and patience into my grandson. Mrs. Sheeba and Mrs Pam are truly amazing people. Not only them, but everyone who has played a part in pouring into the lives of the youth who desperately need literacy help. Thank you and I pray that God will make a way to keep this program funded, thriving and growing!

Beyond Basics has been in my high school for the past few years. There program provides 1:1 and small group reading support and is a dream come true for our students. They work with a wide range of students and always keep a positive attitude and strong growth mindset. They are a valuable part of our school, and the data backs it up! The work they do with students helps students not only read better, but become more empowered learners, citizens, and even leaders in our school and the community.
I really hope they can continue increasing their presence in our school system!

Hi, I am a proud aunt of a seven year old who is doing awesome in your program. Thank you for taking the time to embrace him and assist him with his reading and spelling. I am so proud of him that he listens to you and also comes and share some good stories for from you guys, so thank you from the bottom of my heart, a proud auntie of a king

#grateful

I stumbled onto Beyond Basics from another Mom. I am soooo happy and grateful that I did. My Son has truly benefited from the experience not just in increasing his reading ability but also by his interactions with suggest great women and men with Beyond Basics. Everyone has been helpful, supportive and kind.

I have been fortunate to get to know a few of the staff and find myself Blessed to know them.
There is no doubt that Beyond Basics is an asset to the community it serves.

Ms. Gonzales

"Literacy [actually] is for everyone" when your connected with Beyond Basics. I have had the absolute pleasure to work alongside the team at Beyond Basics. They are an amazing group of people who are devoted to helping every American learn to read at grade level or beyond. Recently, Beyond Basics brought their story and approach to literacy to Washington, DC to share with key decisionmakers and stakeholders with a focus on education. It was an inspiring day and the beginning of a broader discussion about the need for programs like the one created by Beyond Basics to be available for all students across America.

Beyond Basics is much more than an education nonprofit. They are taking on the challenge of illiteracy that has prevented the country from reaching its full potential. Without the ability to read, a child has the doors of opportunity closed. Beyond Basics is opening those closed doors by teaching children the most basic and important skill they can have; that is, the ability to read. Our country has many treasures to offer but without the ability to read they cannot hope to move forward. Through a comprehensive program, Beyond Basics is moving test scores up multiple grade levels even within school districts that are struggling. Changing the story of these districts from failure to success within a relatively short period time. America desperately needs the program that Beyond Basics has to offer; the answer to most of the issues that plagued society can be overcome by giving children, young people and adults the ability to read. Allowing them to build their own future of success instead of a life full of struggle and frustration. God bless Beyond Basics and the people who are transforming our country. Thank you.

Beyond Basics is an outstanding organization with an outstanding reputation that they deliver on. I have watched as young students who couldn't read a few months ago are now in chapter books. I have watched ss the students knowledge grows so does their self-worth and the trust that if they work hard they really can do the impossible.

Hello! I know Beyond Basics has a great mission. Literacy is truly for all and I stand with that mission.

This past summer I was lucky enough to volunteer at Beyond Basics, where I saw first hand, a group of people whose commitment to changing lives through literacy was contagious.

Their dedication and drive inspires not only other volunteers, but also the students they work with. Many organizations claim to make a difference, but Beyond Basics is actually doing it! After my experience, I am going to keep promoting Beyond Basics proudly.

Closing the literacy gap is critical and Beyond Basics is a front runner - we should all donate and support them in their important work!

I am a proud supporter of Beyond Basics - and have taken an active role in promoting the amazing work that they do to improve literacy! I am a member of the young professional group, leaders for literacy committee, which has allowed me to become even more involved in this incredible cause! They are making a real impact in the Detroit community to improve children's literacy rates. Their proven methods have resulted in decades of success - and they continue this trajectory as they expand into other school districts in the Michigan area. This organization is grassroots, committed to their cause, and takes great pride in the work they do. I will be a lifelong Beyond Basics supporter!

As a donor and proud supporter of Beyond Basics, the work they are doing in the Detroit community is amazing! The American literacy rates are critically low and Beyond Basics is doing great work to combat this. Their intervention and methods really work.

About a year ago I learned about Beyond Basics for the first time. Since, my life has been totally changed!

The work they do promoting efforts to eliminate illiteracy in schools is inspiring.

Everyone on staff is extremely passionate and works well together to get things done.
Having a fulltime job but wanting to get involved, I have been able to work to create Leaders for Literacy within the organization. This is a group of young professionals brought together to be aware of the issues surrounding illiteracy in our community. We work with Beyond Basics staff to plan these events and share content that shows the work being done by the organization and the impact.

I choose to donate to Beyond Basics because they are one of the few literacy organizations that offer a proven solution. Students receive one on one daily tutoring. This intensive program unlocks the miracle and power of reading.

I had the pleasure of helping Beyond Basics with their coat drive. It is amazing that this organization provides so many coats to those in need. Beyond Basics is definitely a great organization that goes above and beyond to help students.

I was introduced to Beyond Basics over 15 years ago through my previous role leading Corporate Social Responsibility efforts at a global corporation. The company I worked for funded Beyond Basics literacy and enrichment activities at a Detroit public elementary school for more than a decade. As a donor and volunteer, it was absolutely wonderful to experience the joy that Beyond Basics programming brings to students everyday. Now, years later, the Beyond Basics program offers a proven solution to bringing students up to grade-level in reading. The daily, high-intensity tutoring- delivered with that same joy that existed in Beyond Basics from its inception - is helping to pave the path to new possibilities for thousands of students. I believe so strongly in this mission to end illiteracy and the method that Beyond Basics delivers that I left my corporate role to join the organization full-time. I am so proud to be a member of the Beyond Basics family.

I am a supporter of Beyond Basics! Their mission of getting kids reading at grade level is very touching. The literacy work that Beyond Basic does to help improve communities by giving people greater opportunities to contribute to society, is something we need more of. I have firsthand seen the dedication of the staff and have had the opportunity to speak with some of their volunteers. This group is tremendous and has helped so many kids improve their literacy skills that will lead to them being more successful in their futures!

Over the last few years, I have been fortunate enough to watch Beyond Basics develop as an organization through the trials of a global pandemic. Despite unforeseen circumstances shifting the manner in which their curriculum had to be delivered, the organization truly went above and beyond to fit the needs of its diverse demographic of students. Regardless of the circumstances each student faced, the organization worked diligently to ensure that their tutoring opportunity was accessible to them through both virtual and in-person means. Despite these hurdles, students were able to depend upon Beyond Basics tutors and classroom environments as a constant within their lives.

Beyond Basics has a great mission and is led by people who are only interested in creating real, tangible change. They focus on proven solutions to end illiteracy and are looking to expand beyond metro Detroit. They are truly an innovative and forward-thinking organization!

This literacy-focused nonprofit is doing great work. They really connect with students and tutor them in reading, and the kids build on what they know and grow in literacy. Growing in this area gives kids the foundation they need to pursue their goals.

I have been associated with Beyond Basics for several months and am thrilled with the initiatives that this company puts forth into the community. The proven methods for reading intervention are very impressive and the foundational emphasis on relationships and mentoring students is unparalleled. The staff is extremely dedicated and fully committed to the mission of eradicating the literacy gap for students of all ages. Their willingness to consistently exceed expectations is a refreshing change and is a testament to the dedication of the Beyond Basics staff to serving students who fall below grade level expectations in reading. Additionally, students are introduced to enrichment opportunities that are deeply meaningful and informative, from artistic endeavors to poetry and literature experiences. I cannot endorse this program more strongly - it is a unique and valuable organization that is providing critical services to vulnerable students.

Truly a wonderful organization! It's such an honor to witness their growth and such a pleasure knowing that a truly dedicated team is working tirelessly to promote literacy in the Detroit area.

This organization is amazing! I follow their stories and progress via newsletter and social accounts. This is such an important cause...they transform the lives of students through their tutoring program. LITERACY IS FOR EVERYONE! Please keep up the great work!

I encountered Beyond Basics while making a career shift. After years in a corporate environment, wanted to do work that would benefit my community. Coming into the Beyond Basics family has given me the opportunity to do work that is in rhythm with my heart. I now come to work every day knowing that what I do will help one more child read, will help one more person become capable, will help one more student understand the world around them. Our children are amazing humans with an unlimited capacity to grow and learn. Beyond Basics helps them tap into that capacity, revealing their true capability.

Volunteered at an event. So rewarding and fun to share my love of books with eager young folks. Everyone was extremely nice and welcoming. Looking forward to more work with this group and our shared mission to increase literacy everywhere we can.

This nonprofit is truly making difference in the community, teaching children literacy skills is essential in order for these children to get through life. Literacy is a key factor in providing equality to all people.

An org that is mission-driven, guided by core values, and laser focused on supporting K-12 students who need additional help to strengthen reading skills, vocabulary, comprehension; watching them take ownership of their futures alongside dedicated tutors who care about their growth; it’s amazing to go to work every day and know you’re making a difference for students - once they can read, they can do anything!

A great nonprofit working to get children in Detroit reading.

Wonderful organization doing great things for children!

Beyond Basics continues to help students even when schools are shut down. They put together a great virtual literacy program and are able to connect with students when they aren't in the classroom. It is wonderful to see that their students can keep working toward their literacy plans. Such a dedicated organization!

Beyond Basics is a wonderful program that provides literacy opportunities and help for so many people of all ages. Really devoted staff and caring tutors! An amazing organization!

Beyond Basics does an amazing coat drive every year for the children in Detroit. They get hundreds and hundreds of coats donated, and it is so great to volunteer for that initiative.
I love seeing the pictures of the children when they receive their new coats.

Beyond Basics is so great for the students in Detroit. They literacy program is top notch!

The work Beyond Basics does is amazing, without the ability to read everyday life becomes almost impossible. Beyond Basics is working to close the literacy gap and get kids reading through proven ono-on-one intensive tutoring. Seeing the difference Beyond Basics makes in a child's life is truly amazing.

The staff and volunteers at Beyond Basics are beyond passionate! They truly believe that the literacy gap is the root of all social injustice. They bridge the gap by providing intense one on one tutoring two students in vulnerable communities.

This is such an amazing organization and the work that they do is life changing! I have seen it first hand how a life was changed through learning to read. Keep up the great work!

Blessed is the work of this 501C3 called Beyond Basics!!
It starts at the top with the passionate, compassionate and energetic President and Co-founder Pamela Good.
Beyond Basics is such an extraordinary gift to children who struggle to read.
Beyond Basics is this child-centered , literacy focused, one-on-one interaction between student and their tutor using one hour a day a customized curriculum in getting a student to read in 6-10 weeks.
It is so awesome to see these children become so free in their lives, move forward, and find the life they so desperately want and deserve..
I have been so privledged and grateful to have learned about this wonderful academic organization, to be able to share with so many individuals who may not know that illiteracy is the most "solvable disability". Thank you to Pam and her vision to help those in need!

Beyond Basics does an amazing job getting students in the metro Detroit area literate. It is such a big job to take on and their commitment to it is impressive.

I had the opportunity to volunteer with this Organization and the work they are doing within the community is amazing!

Beyond Basics is truly an answer to prayer. Our teenage son was extremely behind in his reading and having issues with reading comprehension. He hated school, felt dumb and was incredibly stressed as he talked about wanting to quit school.

Beyond Basics worked with him for four hours a week, in one hour increments. They were able to increase his reading level by 4.5 years in ONLY 5.5 months. Yes - he improved by 4.5 years in 5.5 months!

Our son now feels confident and much better about himself. Beyond Basics has given him hope and a future and he is now actively setting goals and objectives that he would not have been able to achieve if he were still reading at his previous reading level.

We are very grateful and impressed with the great teaching that Beyond Basics offers. This is an amazing, incredible organization.

Beyond Basics is an extraordinary organization that cares for their students. Not only do they get children in vulnerable communities literate, they also provide coats and books to them.

Beyond Basics does great things for children and the community as a whole!

Love the great things this organization does to help kids!

For the first time, a year ago, we volunteered at Beyond Basics without much information because we had to somewhere and this year we are coming back because we want to! After learning more about their mission and incredible track record, we are privileged to assist in a small way in their effort. We hope Beyond Basics continues to reach out to as many children as possible, locally and globally, to achieve a profound effect through literacy.

Our department, as part of our organization's Making A Difference Day 2018 first visited Beyond Basics in Southfield and were impressed such that we are going to participate in the 2019 volunteer day next month at this non-profit. Last year we enjoyed working with the arts program and learned all that Beyond Basics does with its reading tutor program with Detroit schools. As reading proficiency is a life long skill once learned, preparing young students with one on one tutoring is key to partnering with school opportunities. Beyond Basics is performing this as a key part of its non-profit programs.

Our organization has been volunteering with Beyond Basics since 2010. Great staff, wonderful program, and a great relationship with Detroit schools!

This organization gets results, and truly makes an impact in the lives of Children! Watching the transformation in the students literacy level is amazing!

When I volunteered I did not expect to be impacted in such a large way. It was really eye opening to see the impact this program is making on kids of all ages. What they are doing for the community is not just “tutoring” them on how to read but setting them up with a life skill that will have a positive impact on not only their personal life currently, but also the generation that will follow after.

Beyond Basics is a great organization that helps local students become better readers. I have been volunteering at the Southfield office since 2017 and look forward to supporting them for years to come.

Sharing the gift and potential that reading literacy offers people is the heart of BEYOND BASICS. ❤️ Their positive efforts are a powerful change-maker for GOOD!
I am an enthusiastic volunteer, donor and passionate supporter of BEYOND BASICS!

Beyond Basics has a proven reputation for delivering quality learning and literacy skills to students in the greater Detroit area. Additionally, the annual Coat Drive augments the program and ensures students are provided care which extends beyond the classroom.

Beyond Basics is a great organization! Their mission to help struggling students to become literate is amazing. They go into the schools, and work with students one on one to get them to their grade level in reading. In a community that has such low literacy rates, this organization is trying to solve an issue that is so important. I love volunteering to help those students!

I am volunteer with Beyond Basic,I started March 2018.Beyond Basic provides many services & changes for student lives.I admire the relationship as a great team to work with for the passionated ,committed & dedication to improve students lives.To witness such a great organization; Beyond Basic stand by their Mission and Core Valves.,,
Thank You for letting me be apart.

Beyond Basics is an organization worthy of ongoing support and endorsement. As an advocate for literacy, and as a stepping stone to personal and social success, the Beyond Basics program has a proven track record of changing lives. Committed to the success of each individual, the program tailors its approach and cadence to students who otherwise might fall behind due to a multitude of reasons and helps them overcome and succeed by meeting their most basic of needs - belief in them, their potential, and a commitment to "show up" for them no matter how difficult a circumstance.

I've followed Beyond Basics for some time now and one thing that sticks out to me is their ability to connect. I admire the relationships they cultivate with school staff, corporate partners, and of course, their students. It's a man excellent model and should be replicated around the world.

I got a chance to watch the PBS special on Beyond Basics last year I believe, and I was immensely impressed. Not only does their curriculum work, but their tutors are passionate and seem to serve as mentors for the youth they serve. I am honored to spread the work about impact they're making daily.

I met a young man who was in the program. He was in 12th grade & throughout his entire HS experience, he had trouble reading. He joined the program & got the time type of attention he needed to become a better reader. He & his reading tutor built a strong relationship & that relationship carried over into his learning. Today he is out of HS but he no longer reads at a 3rd grade anymore. Beyond Basics went Beyond for that young brother.

I recently spent the morning touring a couple of schools that Beyond Basics works with. I was very impressed with their program and the work that they are doing. It seems such a simple thing to learn to read and yet so many children in poor or underserved communities are missing out. Literacy is a truly impactful gift. And I love that they don't stop with teaching a child or young adult to read but they also engage them in other ways and show them that they are valued! Keep up the great work!!

Beyond Basics is a great organization that is dedicated to helping children reach their potential in literacy. This organization uses tutoring programs in the schools they can go into to help reach as many children as they can. They do book drives, activities, and mystery readers to get more children involved. Often times Beyond Basics can raise the reading levels of a student by one or more grade levels. Which is tremendous improvement. They help these children get ready for the world and life outside of school through their literacy efforts. Beyond Basics has already changed the lives of so many children through tutoring programs and enrichment programs.

I have worked closely with this organization. I admire how much they enjoy what they do every single day. They genuinely care for the children and try to touch as many kids in every school they can go into. This organization is going to help make the children literate and able to get through life with a better outcome than they would without the tutoring efforts. Many children are behind their grade level in reading but Beyond Basics raises them by one grade level sometimes even more. Its incredible how they can help raise these students reading level so quickly. What they are doing for the children of Detroit is spectacular.

I recently, came across Beyond Basics and did research on them and their mission. I like how they are trying to teach and support the children in Detroit to make for a better future for them. They use their tutoring programs to get these students literate. They bring them up to grade level and sometimes even higher. It is amazing to see how passionate they are towards helping these students. I couldn't be happier to say I help support this organization.

My experience with Beyond Basics is that they are a passionate organization determined to change the lives of children through their reading tutoring programs. When you meet the President of the organization, Pamela Good, you can just sense and hear how passionate and driven she is to the cause and being able to help these children learn to read and gain the confidence to pursue their goals and dreams in life.

I volunteered with the Beyond Basics staff. My experience with this organization is that they are truly passionate about helping children in anyway they can. They don't just tutor the children in literacy, they also give them a one on one relationship with their tutor. This not only gives the children a tutor but also a friend. Beyond Basics does some amazing things for children.

Beyond Basics is an amazing non profit. They go above and beyond in their tutoring efforts to help students through their reading literacy programs. It is so amazing to be around this organization and witness how much they truly want to help the children of Detroit get literate. This is a huge problem for our society and this nonprofit is dedicated to finding ways to tutor and help these children.

This charity offers many underprivileged children that do not have a condusive educational environment within the public school sysytem. The staff at Beyond Basics all work extremely hard to give the children a new outlook on education and an opportunity and motivation to strive for success.

Beyond Basics is a wonderful nonprofit organization with a wonderful team,that are truly dedicated to changing students lives,by helping them reach their goal to read on their proper reading level. I had the opportunity to volunteer for this organization,and I was very pleased with how much each Team Member put their hearts into their job. GO BEYOND BASICS!!!!!

Beyond Basics' reading program is impactful and is a value-add to each child it serves. For years its proven methods have helped students make significant progress in reading and writing proficiency. The organization's commitment to literacy overall is awe-inspiring and made possible by its donors, volunteers, partners, and school community. This organization is a gem to the city of Detroit and the surrounding area.

I have seen the results of students who participated in the Beyond Basics tutoring program.
Not only have their reading proficiency improved,they also moved several grade levels in their reading abilities.Their self confidence skyrockets, and the mentoring relationship through the one-on -one tutoring builds the student's desire to want to succeed and do their best.
This program is phenomenal, Students are able to become readers in 6- 14 weeks.
This program is awesome!

Beyond Basics is a wonderful organization that is committed to meeting the needs of the whole child. Through their literacy programming the organization not only raises students' educational proficiency, but also increases their self value and desire to succeed. The students experience quality one-on-one interactions with staff and volunteers which leads to a high impact on student achievement and the overall success of the program.

What beyond basics has done for me is incredible. It is a truly humbling experience to work along side such great mentors to help achieve such a wonderful goal.

It is amazing to see the change in the children that Beyond Basics works with. Beyond Basics gives children a brighter future and opens up their world to so many possibilties!

Beyond Basics is a wonderful organization! The programs are helpful and inspiring for the kids in the communities and schools Beyond Basics serves. I think it is a great organization that helps kids read in 6 to 10 weeks! Literacy is important to be successful. Beyond Basics puts words into actions by changing the future of the kids they help!

Great organization to become involved with. Giving children opportunities by tutoring those struggling to read. It is very rewarding to help Beyond Basics do what they do best, teach children to read.

I have recently become aware of Beyond Basics and am so impressed with the mission of the organization. They truly do what they say they'll do - get kids reading at grade level in as little as six weeks! As an avid reader myself, I can't imagine a world without books being an open door. Wonderful organization!

Beyond Basics has been a great partner. We are delighted with the staff!

Everyone in this organization works hard to bring literacy to Detroit and Pontiac students. It was a pleasure being part of a team when it was easy and convenient for me! I would encourage others to volunteer and donate!

This is my second school year volunteering weekly with the children at the Woodside Pontiac Dream Center. It has been a most positive experience for me, exceeding my expectations. The dedication to the children by the Beyond Basics people and the staff of the Woodside Dream Center is consistent and tangible. These respectful kids are receptive to instruction, direction and any food there is to eat! There seem to be more and more children each week receiving not only help with reading and writing but being fed, loved and given guidance in living life through on the spot counseling and team sports like basketball. The parents or guardians almost always are picking up happy energized young people at the end of the session. These are just my observations one evening a week! I believe the Dream Center is open 7 days a week. Lord willing, I hope to be a part of this work for a long, long time. - Deb McCormick

I volunteer at a DPS school that Beyond Basics services. I cannot say enough about their programs nor the people who work for them.
They use an excellent reading program to tutor the children. The one on one tutor/student relationship is a huge factor in their success.
I could go on and on. tutoring may be the major piece of their work but their additional programs build up literacy as well. Five plus stars!

I served as a weekly reading and writing volunteer at Barbara Jordan Elementary School in Detroit. It was my job to help students with their writing projects — and through a focused effort, we made that happen.

The Beyond Basics directors were friendly, courteous, helpful, and gave all of us volunteers solid direction to best assist the children.

In the past, I've volunteered with other organizations that felt self-serving — yet Beyond Basics is quite the opposite. True altruism. No self-congratulory pats on the back or expensive dinners. Just hard work and grit.

Volunteers work directly with the students, and are encouraged to use their individual strengths to connect with their students. It is not a rigid, stodgy program and drew lots of professionals to lend a hand. I have recommended this program to every colleague of mine looking to lend a hand.

I volunteered 2 years at Thirkell elementary and it was truly a wonderful and fulfilling experience working with the BB staff and students. This program had truly inspired kids at Thirkell to read and It was amazing to see the same kids increase their vocabulary and show immense interest in reading. Beyond Basics...Keep up the good work!!!

I volunteered earlier this year for Beyond Basics Reading Buddies. The program was great and met very friendly staff. They do a good job helping kids find things they like in school and get them motivated.

I volunteered for Beyond Basics last year and truly enjoyed my experience at Burton Elementary. Reading and creating stories with children is such a reward. Jessie runs things for the program at the school and always brings such positive energy. She has done a great job making these programs come alive for the children and for us volunteers. Looking forward to this year. Thank you Beyond Basics.

Volunteering for Beyond Basics is an easy and rewarding way to make a difference in the lives of kids who could benefit from a little extra help. The hours are flexible, so I can volunteer around my work and school schedule.

I volunteered with Beyond Basics last year at an elementary/middle school in Detroit as the role of "Reading Buddies". What an amazing organization Beyond Basics is. You can tell that these volunteers have a real passion for what they do and really do make a massive impact on all of those who they come in contact with. Seeing how much the kids improve by sitting with volunteers, reading, and having fun with their daily tasks is amazing. This organization should not go unrecognized. I strongly recommend anyone and everyone to be apart of this team.

I am just beginning to volunteer at Beyond Basics but love the chance to make a difference with one time or infrequent activities. So many programs have one day a year or you need to commit to a set schedule. My life is sporadic and this programs appreciates what I can do each time. I know I will volunteer more often as I so respect this program.

I have valued my time not only working in the office with staff but also in the schools with children. So few volunteer opportunities offer so many options, including the chance to work one-on-one with a student. The results of the Beyond Basics reading model are compelling. I am thrilled to be involved on so many levels, but there is nothing like the delight in a child’s eyes when he or she realizes he or she can truly and confidently read.

I volunteered at the publishing center at Burton Elementary, and the Give Kids a Hand event. It's always really fun to volunteer for this organization.

I'm volunteering at Thirkell Hill Elementary for the first time. I feel it a great opportunity to contribute for the community. I would definitely volunteer again next year. It is a great program provided by Beyond Basics.

I really enjoyed my experience with Beyond Basics, interacting and building something with the kids. The experience was probably as enriching for me as it was for the kids.

We were part of an art project, working with 2nd graders on how they perceived their greatness. My first young man, felt his greatness when he played basketball, sometimes playing with his 2 year old brother. My second young man said he felt great when he biked with his Dad, and he wanted to help others as a police officer when he grew up.

It was a great day, to work with kids in visioning their greatness in their current life and in their future adult life. Placing that feeling of greatness into artwork, to be placed in our office at a later date as an art exhibit. The children were eager to have outsiders be a part of their day, and it was awesome to see what happens in the Detroit Public Schools, compared to our own hometown schools, and what makes these teachers click in educating our DPS scholars. I look forward to viewing how my 2 young scholars finish out their artwork in color. Thanks for a great day!

This is my first time and felt very happy.programs organized by BEYOND BASICS very help full to the kids and changing their lives.I really appreciate the work they are doing and they have excellent and professional staff.

Beyond Basics is a dynamic program that everyone should support! I really appreciate the work they are doing and I can see that it is really making a difference. I'm really enjoying my volunteer day getting to work directly with the students. The program facilitators are awesome and I can see that they really care about helping the students. I would like to come back soon to support.

We had a great time working with 2nd Graders this morning. The children were very engaged in the story and the after project. It was inspiring to see them contributing and relating to their own GREATNESS. Very rewarding to be a part of this event.

This is my first time and I am so happy to be a part of this.
We are working with great kids and changing their lives. Great program!

Beyond Basics not only gives students the tools to read, it gives them hope and allows them to dream beyond the classroom, beyond their neighborhood, beyond their wildest dreams. This program inspires, encourages, uplifts and promotes literacy in schools and nothing but great things can happen when a child learns to love to read. Love the program and I love what it stand for.

I greatly enjoyed my first volunteer experience with Beyond Basics. It was well organized. More importantly, it was rewarding for me and hopefully the kids I worked with. I enjoyed the personal interaction.

I've been involved with Beyond Basics for a couple of years now and it is still the one that I feel has a direct impact on our community! I've volunteered at various places before and feel rewarded in doing so but Beyond Basics to me is a notch above those other services because the interactions are real and will resonate for a lifetime!

Over the years, I have been a reading buddy and a publishing center volunteer. The Beyond Basics program helps the children in so many ways. Not only does it improve reading skills, but it improves confidence in the children by interacting with them individually and giving them the opportunity to express themselves.

I had the opportunity to work with Beyond Basics in two different settings. The first took place at Wayne State University. My university worked with student ambassadors involved in Beyond Basics from Southeastern HS. We discussed high school, standardized testing, and college with the students. It was a relaxed setting. The next day I worked with Beyond Basics at Central Collegiate Academy. We were paired with students from Central in writing a story and publishing a book. It was an eye-opening experience. We also candidly discussed college and their futures. I truly felt joy while participating in this service and I think the students also had a great time.

We had wonderful activities with students from Beyond Basics. They are smart, kind and lovely kids! It's great to know such program is helping children to succeed beyond their basic levels. They are also helping them to understand the importance of education and teach them to care other people who are below the basic level of literacy. We just need more people to help!

The work we were able to do was simple and provide kids with next t o new clean coats and reading material to add to their personal library. Easy work that can change a life.

Beyond Basics is a wonderful organization with the long-term interests of the future of our country in mind. Education is the key to unlocking our potential and I believe Beyond Basics is the beginning to opening that door of potential. Their work is not just important it is a necessity. Its members are passionate, devoted and knowledgable about educational issues and how to solve them. A great organization.

Volunteering with Beyond Basics was a wonderful experience . Everyone was driven and focused on motivating the students and it is an amazing organization to be apart of.

Outstanding, grass roots driven organization that takes literacy seriously.

Volunteering with Beyond Basics is always time well spent. The staff is energetic, creative and totally dedicated to improving the lives of children. A great deal of thought and planning is invested in making each event and experience meaningful and productive. My participation has been primarily focused on the fund raising events. It has been a unique view of how important and time consuming fund raising is to assuring the continued success of the volunteers in the classrooms.

I had a great experience volunteering at Beyond Basics. Everyone was so friendly and very passionate about the work! It's always great to work with motivating and inspiring individuals who want to make big changes - especially in Detroit. Thanks for having me!

Beyond Basics recognizes that not all freedoms should be taken for granted. Not everyone has access to smart education, literacy programs and health and wellness programs. Beyond Basics fills in the gaps for the underserved. This is an invaluable resource to MANY.

I was introduced to Beyond Basics through my department at Chrysler. We are encouraged to participate in charity opportunities and when I heard about Beyond Basics I thought it would be very rewarding to help children learn to read. I worked at the library all through high school and college and knew how much the children loved the reading programs. What makes Beyond Basics special is their technique of Pressure Release that works amazingly well and encourages rather than discourages the children. All volunteers are first trained on this technique, which only takes a couple hours, before they start working with the kids. I have been doing this for a year now and have been amazed at how quickly this technique works to bring children up to their grade level in reading.

I also have to encourage everyone to reach out and feel how personally rewarding it is to know that after you have worked with a child just a couple of times they greet you everyweek with a big smile and hug. Even those kids that are tagged as trouble makers in the classroom, you get them one on one and they are truely appreciatvie of your time and help. I have not had one bad experience in the past year but rather a total since of fulfillment as a person working with Beyond Basics.

Beyond Basics is a great program that all schools should participate in. The staff is great! They are very supportive of the students that participate in the program. The students are excited with the activities that are provided, especially the writing center. They love their published books with their own story inside along with their name. That one activity is a memorable experience and a great keepsake! Thank You Beyond Basics for supporting students!

This company truly cares about the academic success of children. My students absolutely love the program, services, and volunteers. The publishing center is one of my favorite activities. The center provide students the opportunity to publish their own stories, and take ownership for their writings. In the past my students would take turns reading their stories. We often used their stories to further develop their writing and comprehension skills. In addition, some of my students have made significant gains with their fluency and writing skills. To conclude, increasing student development is vital in education. As educators we strive to meet the needs of all students, and with the support of Beyond Basics I feel we continue to move children forward.

I started teaching in a school with Beyond Basics housed there last year. They worked with the students amazingly. It didn't matter if they were general education students or special education students, they progressed. The students would run up to me, so proud, and show me books they wrote or paintings they created. I could not believe that the child had this in them. Not only did Beyond Basics teach them, they brought up the confidence each student needed. They took pictures of the children and what each created and hung them on the walls over the whole school. The students would carry books around and read them in the classroom. I would ask them where they got the books from. They would always respond, "Beyond Basics" looking so proud. Beyond Basics should be in every school. I would walk in their rooms and I saw something where I felt so happy inside. They would be sitting one-on-one with the student assisting them learning how to read. The children found Beyond Basics as a place where they felt safe and nurtured in their room. Beyond Basics in the school is more than we can appreciate.

I had the opportunity to visit Beyond Basic's headquarters and speak about potential volunteering opportunities, as well as collaborating the corporation I work for with Beyond Basics. Their passion for education was enough to win me over and I've been an advocate for Beyond Basics ever since.

I've seen so much growth and outreach in the five years I've known Beyond Basics and its employees. The students and their families truly have life-changing experiences thanks to Beyond Basics. I've heard countless testimonies of adults being able to learn how to read their bible, high school students transitioning from high school at-risk to their college's Dean's List, and so much more. I'm constantly inspired by the people who work at Beyond Basics, who put the kids first and are always trying to expand their program's outreach.

I had an opportunity to visit two schools that are part of Beyond Basics program, Burton and Thurkle. The delight in the children's eyes when the volunteers are working with them was enough to sell me on the benefit this program offers to children in the lowest performing schools in Detroit. Teachers in the schools are so thankful to have Beyond Basics in their schools and the students are eager to learn and attend the teaching programs. Students are proud of their accomplishments! Beyond Basics has given them skills to be successful in all areas of their lives.

I volunteered at Beyond Basics because a friend worked for them and said they needed someone to help them with their Art With The Masters program. After the first day of volunteering I wanted to do more! So in addition to helping with art I decided to be a Reading Buddy. Helping a student improve their reading ability was a life-altering experience! I still remember the first child I worked with and will always remember how amazing it felt when she lit up after realizing she was able to read words she was not able to read at the beginning of our session. In 30 minutes, she improved. That said a lot to me. After volunteering for about a school year, I decided to come on and become a Reading Tutor. I have seen drastic improvements in students reading abilities and their teachers have commented on how much better they are doing in class. They come in hesitant to read and by end of our time together, the students are more confident in themselves and are even interested in reading to others. Beyond Basics' approach to education is effective! Beyond Basics engages students and gives them numerous opportunities to hone skills they will need to advance in life and make a difference in their families and communities. Our main focus is literacy, but what makes the Beyond Basics method different is that it does not only encourage academic achievement, it fosters self-discovery, creative self-expression, curiosity, self-respect and responsibility. Whatever Beyond Basics is doing, the students are always BEGGING to be a part of it because they always walk away learning something new. I recommend Beyond Basics to anyone who is looking to make a direct impact on the future of the city of Detroit.

I was very happy to help out the children at Thirkell ElementarySchool in Detroit, the kids are happy to see us and eager to learn when we get there.

Beyond Basics is the best charitable organization tha I have ever been involved with. The organization really does make a difference to undreprivedged, inner city children. Many of Detroit's inner city kids have no chance to improve their lives until the learn how to read. Beyond Basics helps kids improve their reading skills so that they can become productive members of society. I am proud to be involved with such a progressive and productive charity.

Beyond Basics is truly an inspirational nonprofit organization. This program is definitely making a difference in so many lives, by providing educational opportunities for students in our Detroit Public Schools. I'm very happy to be a volunteer for Beyond Basics.

I have worked for this organization for two years, and it is one of the best organizations around. Seeing the student's faces light up when they receive their published stories is priceless, and I love it. The reading programs are excellent, and really make a difference. The program also helps build the child's confidence levels as well, and many teachers have remarked about the amazing difference in their students prior to working with Beyond Basics, and after.

I was inspired to help children in Detroit Public Schools learn how to read and comprehend what they are reading about and I am so amazed by how much it can help this great city of Detroit. I began volunteering at Thirkell Elementary School and it has been a wonderful experience helping 3rd graders learn to read, reading to Kindergarten and 1st grade kids and feeling assured that these kids will have a greater opportunity in life to continue reading and then, help their children and grand children. Beyond Basics is the best volunteer program I found that truly helps kids learn the tools that will inspire them to continue to learn, have fun reading books about near and far away places and laugh with me as we explore new worlds and bond together as a community. I am grateful to Beyond Basics and Chrysler for giving me the opportunity to help grow this awesome nonprofit. Please consider Beyond Basics for your personal contribution to truly helping our Detroit kids grow and prosper in the 21st century.

I just recently started volunteering with Beyond Basics. I am absolutely thrilled to see how much of a difference this program really makes in the lives of kids who desperately need extra help and attention when it comes to reading. I love knowing that I am spending my time volunteering with a program that is dedicated to improving the educational experience of children who may not have had the opportunity to do so otherwise. I definitely recommend this program for anyone interested in volunteering and looking to make a difference!

Beyond Basics flat out works. Once a student is identified as falling behind in reading, writing, or word comprehension, they are paired with a certified tutor one on one. Working is a special classroom within the respective school (four Detroit Public Schools) for one hour day, the student learns to read and write at grade level or higher within 6 weeks. Once a child learns how to read, the world is their oyster. Without the ability to read, children act up and typically become bullies. The downward spiral isn't far off, and the students tend to drop out, where things often get worse. Beyond Basics does many other wonderful things, including offering students free art programs and field trips to museums.

I have spent the past two years as a tutor with Beyond Basics. Over the course of those two years, I have had the opportunity to work with approximately 50 students in the Read to Rise Program. In no time at all I fell in love with my job, and the organization. My mind is filled with countless faces and names of students whose lives were impacted by Beyond Basics. After seeing firsthand the remarkable progress in each student's literacy levels, it became clear to me that this organization was one I wanted to commit to long term. After graduating in April of 2012, I decided to dive in full time and currently serve as the Reading Director. The sheer volume of students we are reaching and helping as an organization is increasing exponentially each year. I can honestly say that in my three years with Beyond Basics, I have never left at the end of the day feeling like that day's work didn't matter. I would encourage anybody interested in getting involved with a Non-Profit, or enriching the lives of children, to consider Beyond Basics as the avenue through which to do so.

Beyond Basics far exceeds the expectations of what most tutoring programs provide for children in vulnerable neighborhoods in Detroit. Not only do they provide one-on-one, intensive daily literacy tutoring, they provide students with wonderful opportunities to achieve a well-rounded learning experience, all during school hours. In addition to the reading program, Beyond Basics provides enrichment programs such as Art with the Masters, Expanding Horizons, and Publishing Center. The joy that children have when participating in these programs is contagious, spilling over into their families and neighborhoods. I have personally seen that change that this organization can make in students' lives, and it is more than remarkable. This nonprofit is one that goes above and beyond the call of duty to serve children's educational needs, and one that I would highly recommend to anyone.

Beyond Basics addresses a critical need and responsibility: providing at risk children the proper framework to learn to read and write at grade level. This single ability is the greatest predictor of success. Without the ability to read, the life of the individual is severely limited. This organization has quietly helped thousands of students through the diligence of volunteers, donors and foundations. The Beyond Basics program really should be in place in ALL low performing schools in Detroit.

Beyond Basics does for children what few or no other program does. It identifies children who do not read at their grade level and it works with these students to eliminate this gap. This, in turn, allows kids who go through Beyond Basics' programs to follow along at their grade level. This makes a huge difference in their ability to follow along and do well in school and in their future academic success. There is no better way to invest in the lives' of children. I highly recommend this organization.

This is a wonderful organization that reaches many children in the city of Detroit, teaching them how to read. It is run by a wonderful woman Pam Good who hires skilled tutors that go into these under served communities. Children and Adults all benefit!

It is an Honor to be apart of supporting Pam Good and her incredible team at Beyond Basics. This program has proven results of getting students to read at their grade level within 6 weeks. In addition, the Publishing Center bounds books from the students original stories. How powerful to have students see their own stories in a book form. It is inspiring when you observe these students in Beyond Basics classrooms learning to read on-on-one with a tutor.These children are our future, learning to read is essential for their future.

Earlier this school year Mrs. Pamela Good came into my office and expressed a desire to bring her organization Beyond Basics here to Finney High School. She shared information about her program and that customarily they tutor and mentor students on the elementary level. My first thought was that Beyond Basics may not work with high school students. But fortunately I decided to give it a chance. Well only four months later, the Beyond Basics Team has become an immeasurable member of our school family. Dozens of students have received one-to-one Reading help. We have launched a school newspaper and our students have heard from two corporate VPs, a Division 1 Athletic Director, an Astronaut and the Mayor of the City of Detroit. Most importantly the unique support that the Beyond Basics Team brings to our school is totally funded by community without any financial burden on the school or school district.

I recently retired and approached Beyond Basics as a volunteer based upon the tremendous value this organization provided the community. It has been my pleasure to be associated with the level of dedication and professionalism Beyond Basics provides.

It is an honor to be associated with Beyond Basics. The impact that their programs have on the lives of at-risk children in the Detroit inner city is astounding! They deliver what they promise; that is, to change the destinies of the children with whom they come in contact. Teaching children to read, then following that up with volunteer mentors who reinforce reading and writing skills truly opens doors to them that were shut prior to that learning experience. Opportunities to expand the worlds of kids who otherwise would never leave their neighborhoods and classroom atmospheres that provide unmatched encouragement and esteem-building activities round out a program that is unmatched in the Detroit area. Beyond Basics: an unqualified homerun for Detroit’s kids, and ultimately, for the future of Detroit!

Beyond Basics is extremely effective in helping children who read below grade level get the extra help they need to move up to grade level in a short time. Their use of employed staff along with volunteers helps every fund raised dollar go farther. I have seen many programs that talk about what they can do. Beyond Basics just does it. Amazing program with amazing results.

They also bring writing opportunities to the children, by helping kids to write books. BB then has them typed, and put into a book format for the child to illustrate and take home. This program makes learning fun! I love watching the smiles on kids faces as they realize they can read.

Too often inner city children in Detroit only hear what they can't do. Beyond Basics helps to show them what they can do.

I have worked with the organization, Beyond Basics for over 5 years. The reading and writing programs that they provide in Detroit's Public Schools really work to make a difference in the lives of so many underserved children. I have visitied the schools that they serve. The children love the art program and light up when they talk about the projects that they work on. This is a great program that deserves to shine.

It's inspiring to see Beyond Basics helping so many kids. God bless Beyond Basics!!!

Beyond Basics is an incredible organization that I have volunteered with for the past 7 years along with hundreds of high school student volunteers through an organization called buildOn www.buildon.org The work that Beyond Basics is doing is so important to our community. They arr a great partner for our organization to engage students in meaningful service to promote literacy.

Beyond Basics is a wonderful organization that is helping our community by changing the lives of children. Pamela Good is an angel on earth!

Beyond Basis is an amazing organization that is truly dedicated to teaching kids how to read. They are a life-changing non-profit that cares about each and every child they help. Beyond Basics is incredibly inspiring and continues to make positive differences in many kid's lives.

Beyond Basics is a wonderful organization that is lead by truly caring people that want to make a positive difference in the world. They have indeed done this with all of the children they have helped and I have faith that they will continue to do so for many years to come!

I have volunteered for Beyond Basics and it is by far one of the most rewarding organizations I've ever been associated with. It brings unbelievable opportunities to the children of Detroit whose school's it helps. It tutors the children in reading to bring them up to grade level in six weeks! It brings a writing program that publishes their own stories! It also has an art with the masters program that teaches the kids about various artists as they get to experiment with different forms of art. Because of all it does to make them better academically, it gives the kids truckloads of self confidence by helping them realize that they matter, they can succeed and that they are wonderful people!!

I volunteer at Beyond Basics as a reading buddy and I have also had the opportunity to help edit the stories that the children write so that their stories can be published. It is magical to see a child soar on the wings of imagination right in front of your eyes and that is what Beyond basics is doing for the children of Detroit. For a little while they forget their troubles and are immersed in a world of joy and beauty that jumps out of books, stories and the artwork that they create with the help of the beyond Basics program. I love volunteering at Beyond Basics and absolutely love seeing the spark of creativity being ignited in the children through the gift of reading!

Beyond Basics is an outstanding organization that is greatly impacting under-served youth in the City of Detroit! I have volunteered and worked alongside Beyond Basics on several occasions, and the experience truly is uplifting and a sight to see. Reading and writing comprehension is a must for our young people and Beyond Basics is making sure our children have these skills!

This organization is exceptional in every way. Children in the inner city of Detroit are being helped to read at their appropriate level. I am proud to be a part of Beyond Basics.

Sincerely,

Gordon C. Rains

For one year, my friends and I volunteered with Beyond Basics in Jamieson Elementary School in Detroit. It was a delight to work with these children. They came into the Beyond Basics classroom excited to work. And their enthusiasm and determination carried them through as they worked one-on-one with another adult.

I very much enjoyed working with the children. Whether helping them learn how to read, working on grammar and punctuation as we prepared their own creative story to be published into a book; or answering the myriad of questions that young people always have, it was a pure delight to watch them grow and blossom.

As a Reading Buddy and Publishing Center volunteer at Beyond Basics, I have been very impressed to see the children grow as readers and writers and see their self esteem blossom as a result of this growth. Without the ability to read they are disadvantaged in life to a degree that is not fully quantifiable and Beyond Basics is providing them a tool for success and the ability to reach their dreams. One elementary child wrote that she dreamed of becoming a Doctor and it reassured me as a volunteer that the small contribution of our time to help them read was going to make a BIG difference in their lives.

Beyond Basics is an outstanding organization who has put talk into action. I volunteer in a number of ways from events to in the classrooms, however, I have found that the classroom is always the most fun. I volunteer with the Art with the Masters program. I love doing this because it is allowing the children to use their imagination, which I don't think they are encouraged to do too much. One of my favorite things to see is when a shy boy or girl opens up to us and it reflects in their creativity in their art projects. Beyond Basics does so much more than simply bring art and reading to the children, it brings them home, and a safe haven where they can be free to be as open and creative as they want. I truly believe in what Beyond Basics is doing, and hope that they continue to work with the children, and continue to grow.