Page 13 - FGLN SC Onboarding Binder 2021

INTRODUCTION
The Flint & Genesee Literacy Network is a bold initiative focused on significantly and permanently raising literacy levels throughout Genesee County. A wide-range of community stakeholders are leading this community collaboration, but it is “owned” and built by our community at large.
People often think of literacy solely in terms of reading and writing, but there are many aspects of literacy that are broader than just the basic skills. These include health literacy, workforce literacy, financial literacy, and computer literacy. Literacy is vitally important to each and every one of us and to our community’s future in the 21st Century economy.
Our common vision is: 100% literacy through 100% community engagement. We will create a well-coordinated, integrated system for literacy service delivery. We will increase literacy levels through a well-managed network of organizations dedicated to the vision of 100% literacy and a belief that literacy is a basic human right for those of all ages and backgrounds.
The City of Flint & Genesee County as a region is ready to develop new innovative ways to realize its potential as a literate, vibrant, prosperous 21st Century community. We have a plentiful supply of affordable housing, a vibrant mix of cultural and ethnic diversity, world class arts and culture institutions, and a wide variety of recreational opportunities. However, our community is challenged by a silent crisis:
 Did you know that nearly 10% of our residents struggle with low literacy and many more lack the 21st century job skills to succeed in today’s workplace, a fact that severely limits the potential for future growth and prosperity?1
 Did you know that Genesee County ranked No. 75 of 83 counties with 47.4 percent of young children (ages 0-5) eligible for food assistance, compared with 37 percent statewide?2
 Did you know that 29% of 4th graders in Genesee County are below the State of Michigan’s standard in Reading?3
 Did you know that 30% of high school freshman in the Genesee County do not graduate with their class?4
 Did you know that 11% of adults in Genesee County do not have a high school diploma?5
 Did you know that 6 of the 10 most common occupations in Michigan have a median wage that will not bring a family of four out of poverty?6
NEED
1 US Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Educational Statistics, 2 Michigan League for Public Policy 2013 Michigan Kids Count Report
3 Michigan Department of Education: 2013 4th grade reading MEAP Proficiency
4 KidsCount
5 US Census
Flint & Genesee Literacy Network 3