Who We Are
Our Mission
Beyond Basics is a 501(c)(3) literacy nonprofit dedicated to one-on-one reading intervention and holistic literacy enrichment programs for students and families in Metropolitan Detroit. Our proven methods have unlocked the miracle and power of reading and opened a whole new world and future to those who need it most. We developed this model by partnering with principals and schools in Detroit since 2002, to work with children who were farthest behind to get them reading at grade level. Our holistic literacy programming also engages mentors, art and writing to help students in vulnerable communities learn to read. This intervention has transformed thousands of lives.
Thanks to a generous investment from General Motors, the inaugural Beyond Basics Family Literacy Center opened its doors in October 2018 at the Durfee Innovation Society in the heart of the community. The center helps teach Detroit families to read, as well as providing GED and SAT prep, essay writing support and workforce development services.
Core Values
Five principles guide and govern our actions at all times.
- Respect: We regard others and ourselves with dignity, kindness, and respect.
- Positive Energy: We approach our work with a positive attitude and energy. We are progressive thinkers. We look for the good.
- Mission-focused: We are passionately committed to improving the lives of others.
- Goal-Oriented: We strive for excellence. We use proven systems and methods, yet we are always looking for innovative and efficient ways to achieve more.
- Team Player: One of us is not as smart as all of us. We collaborate as part of a great team. We can rely on each other to honor our word.
Beyond Basics currently has:
- 1,500 plus volunteers
- 107 staff members supporting our office
- 94 Program staff supporting our daily school programs
- Published over 70,000 books written by our students since our incorporation
It is through the students’ own vocalized interests and our yearning to help, we plan continued growth so that we can help even more children burdened by extreme poverty.
18000 West Nine Mile Road
Suite 450
Southfield, MI 48075
Contact Us
248-250-9304
Fax: 248-996-9577