Whatcom Literacy Council
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
The most direct and assured path out of poverty is to get a better job and an increase in earnings by improving one’s literacy skills. The Whatcom Literacy Council’s free programs have a track record of serving people who have the lowest of literacy skills and who are able to get good jobs and increase their incomes directly because of their stronger literacy skills. These individuals have increased economic security, are less likely to be transient, and have reduced financial vulnerability as they strengthen their literacy skills. The Whatcom Literacy Council works with hundreds of low- and moderate-income learners who want to improve their English, or prepare for and pass the GED so they can be eligible for jobs or college. With over 75% of the jobs in our region requiring training beyond a high school diploma, these programs are the launch pad to further education, and successful employment.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Free adult literacy programs in Whatcom County
The Whatcom Literacy Council trains and support volunteers to do one-to-one tutoring, teach small classes, or help in classrooms at the local community colleges. We work with any adult who wishes to strengthen their literacy skills or improve their English. Programs are offered in locations easily accessible to the learners, at times that are convenient.
Where we work
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Our Sustainable Development Goals
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Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
The mission of the Whatcom Literacy Council is to empower adults to achieve their goals and improve their lives through literacy. Our vision is of Whatcom County being a place where every adult has attained the literacy skills they need to thrive. Our mission and vision provide a framework that keeps us focused on a learner-centered program, serving our students as effectively and efficiently as possible. We partner with other area adult basic education organizations (Bellingham Technical College, Whatcom Community College, Whatcom County Library System, Bellingham Public Library, Goodwill) where we compliment each others' programs and make efforts to minimize duplication of services. People served by our free programs are more self sufficient and employable, and the overall health of the community is affected in a permanent and positive way.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
The Whatcom Literacy Council has a threefold programming approach to addressing literacy gaps in the local population. By offering one-to-one tutoring, small classes, and individualized learning plans we serve our learners in the three formats of teaching that have the highest levels of participation, and are most effective. Our programs cater to the individual's needs in ways that other organizations cannot replicate, which is extremely important when working with illiterate adults. Our professional staff are highly educated, certified, and experienced in the field, and our program formats have been developed to have the greatest impact possible.
Our one-on-one tutoring program is highly effective because we take the time to train our volunteers to be effective and accountable, and we work hard to match tutor-learner pairs who are most compatible. The goals chosen by the learner have real life applications that, once reached, can be used immediately. Many pairs work together for more than a year.
The second approach involves small classes, which cover a range of topics, from GED prep to basic computer skills. We have worked hard to be responsive to our learners regarding both curriculum and the time and location of classes. These classes are offered in 8-week formats for maximum participation and achievement.
We also offer personalized support systems so that we stay in touch with our learners even when they are not being tutored or are taking a class. We provide mentors and identify resources that are available to individuals who want to keep learning on their own. We hope to build a foundation so the adults we serve can be lifelong learners even after they leave our programs.
This three-pronged approach to literacy issues has been very effective. We have a strong reputation for excellence, and as a result the demand for our services is high. We partner with businesses, school districts, churches, and libraries throughout the county so that our programs are accessible, and we schedule our services when our learners are available, like after work or on weekends. The outcomes of programs like ours are a healthier economy, greater income equality, and a break in the cycle of intergenerational illiteracy. Adults with improved literacy skills earn more money, raise healthy families, vote and give back to their communities in countless ways. Our community is a healthier one when a greater number of adults achieve the self sufficiency that better literacy skills support
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
Since 1983 the Whatcom Literacy Council mission has been to empower adults to achieve their goals and improve their lives through literacy, offering free programs in Whatcom County to adults who are motivated to improve their literacy skills. With the help of well-trained volunteers supported by professional staff learners gain the critical skills needed to increase self-sufficiency. Participation and success are tracked and reported upon. The Whatcom Literacy Council typically works with over 800 learners each year. 35% of the learners served are native English speakers. The remaining 65% are refugees and immigrants who are learning to read, write and speak English for the first time. 60% of the learners do not have their high school diploma.
Our volunteers receive some of the best training and support available in the area. Using ProLiteracy training guidelines, our volunteers receive several hours of online and in-class instruction, with ongoing support by our professional staff and access to resources that include a small library. Our investment in this volunteer workforce has resulted in an increased tenure of service, with many volunteers working with more than one learner, or tutoring as well as helping out in a small class. We have consistent reports of high levels of satisfaction with the volunteer experience because it provides a low-risk opportunity to “give back” to the community, and there is immense satisfaction seeing that one’s actions helping someone have a truly positive impact on their lives.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
Every year the Whatcom Literacy Council serves an average of 800 learners in Whatcom County with the help of approximately 100 volunteer tutors. At a minimum 80% of learners achieve at least one of the goals they have set for the year. Our format of training volunteers to teach their neighbors creates social capital, and brings people together from different social, economic, and cultural silos, nurturing empathy and strengthening the fabric of our community.
Throughout COVID we had to develop and offer only online services. We connected with every learner to customize their lesson plan, and did individualized trainings so tutors and teachers could master their new virtual platforms. We offered several online classes, which were available to people who previously could not participate because of transportation or childcare constraints. These new programs were so well received we will continue to offer them as we incorporate the older in-person formats, resulting in a more robust and complete array of literacy services. Our high quality services have a strong impact on the health of our community as neighbors help neighbors achieve their goals.
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
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Whatcom Literacy Council
Board of directorsas of 06/24/2022
Thom Barthelmess
Whatcom County Library System
Term: 2023 - 2022
David Halme
Retired teacher, BC teachers union
Thom Barthelmess
Whatcom County Library System
Tina Stacy
Sales Manager
Tobi Jean Martinez
Whatcom Community College
India Nishi
Retired Boeing Finance Officer
Troy Buechler
VP and District Manager, US Bank
Mason Gray
COO, Lean Solutions
Rocio Castillo-Foell
Health Education and Workforce Development Project Manager, North Sound ACH
Paqui Paredes Mendez
Dean, College of Humanities & Social Sciences, Western Washington University
Emily Elkins
Procurement Manager, Phillips66 Refinery
Liz Purdy
Senior Community Engagement Representative, Puget Sound Energy
Holly Pai
Immigration attorney, Harrison & Pai PLLC
Bill Gerritz
International School Superintendent & Graduate School faculty, retired
Board leadership practices
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? Yes
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
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Equity strategies
Last updated: 04/08/2021GuideStar partnered with Equity in the Center - an organization that works to shift mindsets, practices, and systems to increase racial equity - to create this section. Learn more
- We have long-term strategic plans and measurable goals for creating a culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization.
- We seek individuals from various race backgrounds for board and executive director/CEO positions within our organization.
- We have community representation at the board level, either on the board itself or through a community advisory board.
- We help senior leadership understand how to be inclusive leaders with learning approaches that emphasize reflection, iteration, and adaptability.
- We engage everyone, from the board to staff levels of the organization, in race equity work and ensure that individuals understand their roles in creating culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization.