$19,825 raised by 82 donors
40% complete
$50,000 Goal
A community is only as strong as the individuals who live within it. At the Richardson Adult Literacy Center, we strengthen the communication skills of individuals who do not speak English as their primary language and empower them to be strong and confident contributors within their communities.
BRIEF HISTORY
RALC is the longest-running community-based organization providing free ESL services in Northern Dallas County. RALC was founded in 1990 by members of Altrusa and the Junior League of Richardson in collaboration with the Richardson Public Library and several Richardson residents. Together they recognized the changing demographics and increasing ethnic diversity in our community, resulting in more residents seeking ESL opportunities.
WHY WE ARE HERE
Imagine not being able to talk to or understand your child's teacher, a doctor or medical provider, or neighbors; the frustration and limitation of not being able to articulate your qualifications for a job or even to complete the application. This is the case for thousands of adult immigrants and refugees in our community. The Richardson Adult Literacy Center helps these adults by providing leveled English classes, from beginner through advanced, taught by trained volunteer teachers at various locations in the region. Last year, more than 1,000 adults enrolled in RALC classes, 98% reported they made progress towards a personal goal because of learning English.
WHO WE SERVE
The Richardson Adult Literacy Center (RALC) addresses the critical need for English language proficiency among adults in Richardson and the surrounding North Texas communities. Thousands of adults in our community either do not speak English well or do not speak it at all, which significantly hampers their ability to secure employment, apply for citizenship, support their children's education, and engage fully in community life. Our population primarily includes adults who are immigrants or non-native English speakers, representing a diverse array of socio-economic statuses, races, ethnicities, and ages. We serve individuals of all genders and sexual orientations, and we make a concerted effort to accommodate those with varying physical abilities. Our students come from numerous linguistic backgrounds, and we strive to provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment for everyone.
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT US
In the Fall of 2024, in addition to offering a wide range of English Literacy classes, Conversation Classes, Advanced Writing and Book Club, and a FREE Citizenship course to help prepare individuals for taking the Citizenship Test, RALC will launch an expanded Career Bridge Program and Student Advisory Council. These ambitious programs will include the content knowledge, skills, experience, and connections that are necessary to succeed in the workforce.
We are seeing an increase in demand for our programs and RALC needs your support to continue to meet the needs of our community and to expand our services. RALC can only provide these programs and resources through the generosity of donors like you. You can make a difference in these adults' lives and our community by making a financial donation, volunteering, or attending or sponsoring our fundraising events.
The Richardson Adult Literacy Center (RALC) transforms lives and communities by providing exceptional and easily accessible English as a Second Language (ESL) and workforce readiness programs to ESL adult learners in Richardson and surrounding North Texas communities.
RALC's 2024 NTGD Campaign focuses on 4 initiatives:
1. Career Bridge - materials, location, coordination, training, and technology $35,000
2. Student Advisory Council - materials, events, and coordination $4,000
3. Community Center Program Expansion - Assessment, materials, coordination, and training $6,000
4. Tutoring Program Expansion - Training, coordination, materials, and technology $5,000
Our primary needs are financial donations to support the strengthening of the Career Bridge Program. The Career Bridge Program is a dynamic, two-way structure that fosters mutually beneficial relationships between RALC students, local employers, and community leaders. Adult learners progress through job search training, career path guidance, resume building, interview preparation, digital skills training, public speaking, LinkedIn Profile creation, mock interviews, leadership training, and technology workshops tailored to ESL learners. This holistic approach prepares students not only to improve their language skills but also to make immediate progress in their careers. The program also invites active engagement between influential community leaders and our RALC students, creating a constant and continuous exchange of knowledge and perspectives. This invaluable interaction serves as the key for enduring support and sustainable growth.
Organization name
Richardson Adult Literacy Center
other names
RALC
Causes
Community Improvement
Operating Budget
$250,000 - $499,999
Counties Served
Collin, Dallas, Denton, Rockwall
BIPOC Serving
Black or African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latinx, Native American
Address
PO BOX 835936