DETROIT, March 10, 2023 – On Friday, March 3, literacy nonprofit Beyond Basics kicked off National Reading Month by hosting their Coming Together for Children Annual Eventat the Detroit Athletic Club. Hundreds of dedicated donors and supporters celebrated the promise and possibility that Beyond Basics has given to its students since its founding.

Beyond Basics shared that the pandemic sped up the process to develop an online program to help students access its program. “We have made strides to reach more children as literacy has become part of a national conversation due to learning loss, even though these problems began long ago,” said Pamela Good, cofounder and CEO of Beyond Basics. “Our story shows that the power of one can change everything. It’s been about each one of you stepping up to help empower the work of Beyond Basics from the very beginning.

“We are grateful to expand our work across Michigan to help more students become proficient readers, thanks to the generous support of our partners and supporters. Our work opens the door to a whole new world to our students,” said Good.

Beyond Basics also announced a partnership with the Joique Bell Foundation and other donors to bring its highest intensity literacy tutoring to Benton Harbor, Mich. Testing is complete and Beyond Basics tutors are on site working with students.

“Illiteracy is a real problem facing Benton Harbor,” said Joique Bell,  former athlete, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, earlier this year. “I’m excited to team up with Beyond Basics to bring intensive intervention to students in my hometown. This academic program has the power to drastically improve the lives of every student who struggles to read.”

Good also announced that Beyond Basics is now working in seven counties. These locations include public, non-public, private, and parochial schools.