With illiteracy rates as high as 47 percent among adults 16 and older in Detroit, 36 percent in Wayne County, and 15 percent in Macomb County -- it's still only a minor honor to boast that the rate of 10 percent in Oakland County is the lowest in the region.

(According to Detroit Free Press, 9/1/02, "Rochelle Riley: Now read this: A call for help stirs Detroit")

So now we're after that 10 percent!

Potential students and volunteers in Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties can call one place to get help or to help. The number, 866-310-READ (7323), is sponsored by Literacy Volunteers of America-Detroit, Oakland Literacy Council (see below), Macomb Literacy Partners, Detroit Pistons, Downriver Literacy Council, Siena Literacy Center and New Prospect Baptist Church.

Oakland Literacy Council 
The Council delivers individualized basic reading and English language instruction free to Oakland County adults so that they may become independent learners, attain their literacy goals, and develop self-confidence. (Become a volunteer tutor.)

Michigan Literacy Inc.
MLI is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of basic literacy through the network of literacy providers, and is committed to providing support services, technical assistance programs, and materials.

State of Michigan, Department of Education (Michigan Literacy Progress) 
Even Start is a family literacy early childhood initiative funded through federal Title I funds. Eligible families must have a child aged 0-7 years and a parent/guardian who is eligible for adult basic education or is functionally illiterate. The program must provide adult literacy education, early childhood education and parent/child education. A district/public school academy must collaborate with a non-district agency to provide the program.