[NFBMD] Let's support LIFT!!!

[Nikki Jackson]

Hi all,,

LIFT (Learning Is for Tomorrow) does some great work for the people
here in Baltimore. It is the only
literacy program that I am aware of that serves such a diverse group
of people. LIFT has served some of  my  current and former students
and I have seen the direct impact this organization has had for folks.
   If you are able, please consider contributing or amplifying this
campaign within your networks! Please see below for more information.


Learning Is For Tomorrow (LIFT) is a community-based nonprofit adult
literacy organization located in Baltimore City, Maryland. LIFT has
been providing  services to Baltimore City residents since 1988.  LIFT
provides adult literacy instruction, technology training, and life
skills instruction to adults who have not received a high school
diploma or who have limited literacy abilities.  LIFT serves over 300
adult learners per year.

The majority of LIFT students face many barriers to learning. These
challenges include learning disabilities, physical challenges,
persistent mental illness, and intellectual disabilities.  These are
in addition to the many barriers caused by poverty.  LIFT also offers
specialized classes for learners who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing and
those who are Blind/Low-Vision.  Many learners are referred to us from
other literacy providers, service agencies, and community colleges.
Losing an organization such as LIFT will have an immediate and
damaging impact on the lives of citizens that are already the most
vulnerable.
Those students who require the type of unique instructional services
LIFT offers will no longer be served, and other literacy providers and
partner agencies will have no place to refer these individuals.

This is a tremendous blow to a city where the literacy need already
greatly outweighs the available services:
--98,000 Baltimore city residents require literacy services; however,
current providers only have the capacity to serve approximately 4,000
residents per year.
--In LIFT’s zip code alone,  over 4,000 residents are currently in
need of adult education services.
--More than 40% of LIFT's neighbors (25 and older) without a high
school diploma live in poverty.

YOUR CONTRIBUTION ALLOWS US TO RESTORE OUR DIVERSE CLASS OPTIONS AND
ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF MORE ADULT LEARNERS.

https://www.gofundme.com/LIFTBaltimore


-- 
Nikki Jackson
Phone: 404-825-8711
Email: dnjackson22 at gmail.com
"No person is your friend who demands your silence, or denies your
right to grow."
-Alice Walker