New nonprofit focuses on literacy

“We would like to personally thank Suzy Stockdale, and the Frances C. & William P. Smallwood Foundation for supporting Literacy Solutions of Nevada,” said Co-Founder Michelle Prather. “As we begin to build our client base this really gives us a place to start and helps our most vulnerable populations. This funding has helped us reach a much larger group of students that otherwise wouldn’t be able to participate in tutoring.”

The organization provides tutoring for children, who are in need reading interventions, and college scholarships to students who exhibit the indicators of dyslexia or have been diagnosed with dyslexia

Clients consist mainly of children from Douglas County families.

Research shows that 20 percent of all general education students are on the spectrum of dyslexia.

The organization is seeking to work with families to provide the one-on-one tutoring needed for those students.

Prather and co-founder Hollie Harvey applied to the Smallwood foundation seeking funding to provide scholarships for students who otherwise could not afford the tutoring.

Tutoring includes a program called Barton, which is an Orton Gillingham, multi-sensory approach. Another option is an online program aimed toward helping more mildly dyslexic students. Because of the grant, scholarships are available for both programs.

Literacy Solutions was also selected as a recipient of the Northern Nevada Giving Tree in January. In May 2020 Literacy Solutions awarded scholarships to graduating seniors to continue their education. Visit www.litsolutionsnv.org/ or email litsolutionsofnv@gmail.com for more information.