Mission & History
Mission Statement
We guide and support at-risk children to develop fundamental educational skills. Above all else, we move these children beyond the basics and prepare them for productive and meaningful lives.
How Beyond Basics Became a Literacy Nonprofit
1999
Pamela Good delivers winter coats to students at Herman Rogers Academy in Detroit. Later, she teams up with Dr. Joanne Wagerson to address learning inequities between the city and its suburbs.
1999
2001
Pilot programs begin in Detroit elementary schools. They include art projects, book clubs, field trips, and student writing. Enthusiasm builds!
2002
Incorporates as a nonprofit, formalizes its early programs and establishes first in-school publishing center.
Begins full time in Detroit’s Jamieson Elementary School thanks to the Farbman family’s generosity. The Webber Foundation becomes a major supporter.
2002
2006
While operating in Detroit and Pontiac, Beyond Basics observes a profound literacy gap among participating students.
Mercedes Benz Financial Services provides funding for reading and writing in Thirkell Elementary School, Detroit.
2008
National reading expert Steve Tattum collaborates on a literacy program while students show grade level movement after six weeks of literacy tutoring.
2008
2009
Gains recognition for expertise in literacy education in underserved communities. Attorney Ira Jaffe joins the board.
2011
Gordon Follmer brings Beyond Basics to Detroit’s Finney High School and duplicates results among older students.
Family Literacy pilot offers adult GED services and reading tutoring; expands literacy tutoring to students in grades three through 12.
2011
2014
The Wayne and Joan Webber Foundation announce a
$2 million gift to Beyond Basics to help end illiteracy in Detroit’s public schools.
2015
Develops Reading Readiness, Read to Rise, and the Scholars programs with pilots slated for 2016 school year.
2015
2016
Drs. D. Carl Freeman and Hilary Horn Ratner at Wayne State University validate Beyond Basics’ groundbreaking work.
Brings its programs to Myers Elementary School, Taylor.
2017
“A Day in the Life” documentary by Keith Famie tells the poignant story of Elijah Craft, a Beyond Basics student.
2017
2018
The Durfee Family Literacy Center, sponsored by GM and located at the Durfee Innovation Society in Detroit, opens to serve neighborhood residents of any age.
2019
Launches the Be the Solution campaign to raise $33 million and tutor 11,000 Detroit high school students in three years.
2019
2020
GM donates $1 million to Be the Solution.
Begins serving student virtually; duplicates in-person results.
2021
The A.A. Van Elslander Foundation donates $1.5 million to create the Beyond Basics Legacy Program at Denby High School honoring Art Van Elslander.
2021
2022
Joique Bell starts initiative to bring Beyond Basics to Benton Harbor.
18000 West Nine Mile Road
Suite 450
Southfield, MI 48075
Contact Us
248-250-9304
Fax: 248-996-9577