I’ve had the privilege to work with, represent and promote Beyond Basics Literacy Organization, since 2013 in many capacities; as a graduate of the proven and structured Certified Tutor program, as a Fund Raising Event Advocate and Volunteer among corporate business Sponsors, as a Business Development/Marketing Partner, as a Children’s Book Publishing Coach and Summer Books Programs Distributor, as a Donator, and as an organizer of Funds and Books donations. Beyond Basics is a truly grounded team of hard-working leaders with a clear and valuable mission of Changing the Destiny of Children’s lives, and positively impacting Communities through Literacy and Education. I’m honored to be part of such a passionate team that works tirelessly to raise Reading Grade Levels, of over 7,500 struggling students, by years, within a compressed four to fourteen-week proven curriculum. Beyond Basics exposes children, on an international level, to graduated learning through Masters of Arts and Book Publishing programs as well. Beyond Basics believes in working closely with multiple school staff and Administrations to promote one/one consistent Mentorship to help raise each individual’s self-esteem, confidence, and to empower participants to create their own unique visions to reach their fullest potentials and positively impact their communities. Beyond Basics teams up with leading edge Partners, like the Detroit Youth Boxing Gym and collaboratively created the Books Before Boxing mission. It was especially an exciting Honor to serve as a Host for the Grand Opening of Beyond Basic’s Family Literacy Center at the historical Durfee Innovation Society (DIS) in 2018, which was named one of the first ENVision Center’s in America by Dr. Ben Carson, US Secretary of Housing & Urban Development. Families in search of resources and coaching to obtain GED’s, college preparatory testing and healthy life activities, can find them with Beyond Basics at Durfee. This location is also a collaboration with General Motors, many other generous Sponsors, and other local Non-Profits. Beyond Basics is an extraordinary organization focusing on the heart of change! Together we Move the Motor City!
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 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.
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.
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Beyond Basics has grown from a small organization to a group impacting over 1000 at risk kids coming from families living in poverty and getting over 95% of them to read at grade level or above. This is amazing because it takes kids when the system has failed them in teaching them how to read and write. This skill is the one skill that acts as the predominant deciding factor whether kids will be able to take a good job and help build a community in detroit and elsewhere or be a burden on the system because they perpetuate a cycle of poverty, crime and a large burden on society. There are few things as important as breaking that cycle and giving an opportunity for kids to have a future that doesn't involve a 65% chance of better of jail time, teen pregnancy and poverty.