Literacy Volunteers of South Sarasota County

09/11/2026

September 11 — We Remember

Today we honor those whose lives were lost on September 11, 2001, and the service members, first responders, and public servants who have defended our nation and protected our freedoms.

Their courage reminds us that strength provides protection.

In a different but vital way, strong literacy also protects. The ability to read, write, and understand English helps individuals find work, manage money, follow medical instructions, support their children’s education, and make informed decisions for their families.

A strong military helps protect our country. Schools, libraries, and organizations like Literacy Volunteers are part of that same fabric of protection. Literacy helps people safeguard their futures and strengthen their families.

On this solemn 25th anniversary, Literacy Volunteers of South Sarasota County remembers the fallen, honors all who serve, and renews our commitment to helping people build safer, stronger, and more hopeful lives through literacy.

We remember. We honor. We serve.

09/05/2026

160,000 REASONS TO CARE

This story began with a number: approximately 160,000 adults across Sarasota and Manatee counties who may struggle with limited literacy. But it does not have to end there.

The Literacy Council of Sarasota, Literacy Volunteers of South Sarasota County, Manatee Literacy Council and Project Light of Manatee are united through the Suncoast Adult Literacy Alliance. Together, they help adults gain the skills and confidence to:

• Find better employment
• Communicate with doctors and teachers
• Support their children’s education
• Participate more fully in their communities
• Pursue citizenship and independence
• Earn their piece of the American dream

You can help write the next chapter. Become a tutor. Support a literacy organization financially. Refer an adult learner. Share this message so someone who needs help discovers that help is available.

One learner becomes stronger.
One family gains hope.
One community moves forward.

FOUR ORGANIZATIONS. TWO COUNTIES. ONE LITERATE SUNCOAST. To learn more:

literacychangeslives.org
sarasotaliteracy.org
manatee-literacy.org
projectlightofmanatee.org

09/04/2026

TWO ORGANIZATIONS—ONE MANATEE COUNTY

In Manatee County, two established organizations are helping adults create stronger futures through literacy and English education. Manatee Literacy Council matches adult learners with volunteer tutors for confidential, personalized reading, writing and English instruction. It has served the community since 1978.

Project Light of Manatee provides English-language education that helps adults communicate more confidently at work, at home and throughout the community.

These two organizations join the Literacy Council of Sarasota and Literacy Volunteers of South Sarasota County as members of the Suncoast Adult Literacy Alliance—SALA. Established in 2020, SALA helps these four organizations collaborate, share resources and elevate awareness of adult literacy throughout our two-county region.

Four organizations. Two counties. One shared belief: every adult deserves the opportunity to learn.

Tomorrow: How all of us can help complete this story.

09/03/2026

Throughout Sarasota County, two nonprofit organizations help adults strengthen their reading, writing and English communication skills.

The Literacy Council of Sarasota serves learners in northern Sarasota County through personalized tutoring, English instruction, GED preparation and career-focused programs.

Literacy Volunteers of South Sarasota County serves Venice, North Port and surrounding southern communities. Its volunteers and instructors help adults improve their English reading, writing, speaking and comprehension skills.

Both organizations meet learners where they are, respect the goals they bring and help them move forward one lesson—and one courageous step—at a time. Because learning English is about much more than learning words. It is about gaining confidence, independence and opportunity.

Tomorrow: Meet the two organizations bringing that same hope to Manatee County.

09/02/2026

BEHIND EVERY NUMBER IS A PERSON! So, imagine. Imagine being unable to confidently:

• Complete a job application
• Understand a prescription label
• Read a message from your child’s school
• Fill out a medical or insurance form
• Communicate well with your boss
• Prepare for a citizenship interview

For many adults learning English, these everyday responsibilities can become intimidating barriers.

Limited literacy is not limited intelligence. It is not a lack of ambition. Many adult learners are hardworking people who came here hoping to build safer, more secure lives for their families.

They want what generations of Americans have wanted: the opportunity to work, contribute and earn their piece of the American dream.

09/01/2026

A Number Too Big to Ignore: 160,000 Adults. That is the estimated number of adults in Sarasota and Manatee counties who can't read above a third-grade level.

Behind this enormous number are people of intelligence, determination, and dreams. Limited reading or English-language skills can place everyday opportunities—jobs, healthcare, helping children with homework, even simple daily tasks—just beyond their reach. They are our neighbors, coworkers, customers, parents, and friends.

Fortunately, four local literacy organizations in Manatee and Sarasota counties are working to change this story. Together, we are committed to building a more literate Suncoast—right here in the community we call home.

08/29/2026

Friends,

Tuesday is the first day of National Literacy Month. It’s a good moment to remember that the ability to read and communicate in English is the foundation for almost everything else—work, family, citizenship, and belonging.

That’s the quiet, powerful work our 200 volunteer tutors do every week at Literacy Volunteers of South Sarasota County.....teaching motivated adults who 'want to get ahead', English. We hope you’ll follow along in the coming weeks as we share stories, needs, and ways you can help.

08/27/2026

07/24/2026

Welcome to the LVSSC Family, Paul Zulauf!

Literacy Volunteers of South Sarasota County is delighted to welcome Paul Zulauf as our newest Board member and Treasurer!

A Certified Public Accountant, Paul brings extensive financial expertise and leadership experience to this important role. During his career, he served as Chief Financial Officer for two large privately held businesses. After graduating from Eastern Michigan University, Paul began his career in public accounting, where he audited nonprofit organizations. That early experience gave him a lasting appreciation for the essential role nonprofits play in their communities—insight he now brings directly to LVSSC.

Paul and his wife, Pam, moved to Florida four years ago and quickly became dedicated supporters of our mission. Together, they have found great fulfillment in helping our learners, volunteers, and staff succeed, guided by their shared belief that education and opportunity can transform lives.

We couldn’t welcome Paul without also celebrating Pam Zulauf, a valued member of the LVSSC family since November 2023. Pam became involved while searching for a community of like-minded people who shared her passion for giving back—and she found it here. As a volunteer instructor and tutor trainer, Pam loves watching her students grow, gain confidence, and achieve their goals. Whether she is teaching in person, working with students online, or preparing our next group of tutors, Pam’s impact continues to multiply.

Together, Paul and Pam represent so much of what LVSSC stands for: connection, education, service, and community. Please join us in welcoming Paul to our Board—and in thanking both Paul and Pam for everything they continue to contribute to our mission!

07/21/2026

Please join us in celebrating and thanking Sandy McIntyre, as she concludes her many years of dedicated service on our Board of Directors this July. Sandy’s journey with LVSSC began in November 2000 when she completed tutor training and welcomed her very first ESL student. That decision marked the beginning of more than two decades of quietly transforming lives through the power of literacy.

In 2006, Sandy brought her passion and commitment to the Board of Directors, where she served with distinction for nearly two decades. Her leadership roles included Treasurer (11 years), President (5 years), Secretary (2 years), and Vice President (1 year). Through seasons of growth and challenge, Sandy’s steady guidance and generous spirit helped strengthen and sustain our organization.

Beyond the Boardroom, Sandy remained deeply connected to our students. She tutored an ESL learner for seven years and, during the COVID-19 pandemic, worked online with an American adult with dyslexia using the Barton Reading & Spelling System to help improve his reading skills. One of her proudest accomplishments came in 2020 when she and Nancy Pike successfully secured a substantial grant made possible by Congress’s CARES Act. The funding covered several months of payroll, rent, and utilities—providing critical stability during one of LVSSC’s most difficult periods.

When asked what has meant the most to her, Sandy says it has always been hearing the powerful stories of our adult learners at our Annual Luncheons—watching literacy open doors to greater confidence, opportunity, and brighter futures.

Although Sandy is stepping down from the Board, she is not stepping away from LVSSC. She will continue as a valued volunteer and remains an important part of our literacy family. Sandy, thank you for your outstanding leadership, countless hours of dedicated service, and your unwavering belief in the life-changing power of literacy. Your commitment has left a lasting and meaningful impact on LVSSC and everyone it serves.

This is not goodbye—it’s simply the beginning of your next chapter with us. We remain deeply grateful for the strong legacy you’ve built and for the many lives you’ve touched through your work.