DETROIT — June 9, 2022 — Former Benton Harbor High School football standout and Detroit Lions running back Joique Bell is on a mission to tackle the literacy problem in Benton Harbor, Mich. During his 11th annual JBC (Joique Bell Charity) Weekend - June 23 to 26, Bell is launching a $250,000 fundraising initiative to bring literacy nonprofit Beyond Basics to his alma mater. Learn more about this effort in this launch video – https://youtu.be/Cq-uQEL_7mA.

The fun-filled weekend in Benton Harbor, Mich. includes a golf outing, bowling tournament, and football camp. Tickets are available at https://www.joiquebell.com/charity-weekend. 

“Illiteracy is a real problem facing Benton Harbor. 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,” Bell, former athlete, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, said. 

In the Benton Harbor school district, more than 90 percent of students are reading below their grade level. “Benton Harbor students are capable, and they deserve this opportunity to learn to read,” Beyond Basics CEO Pamela Good said. “Intensive reading intervention ensures students can meaningfully access the education being provided and participate in society.” 

Beyond Basics currently serves K-12 students in 20 locations in metropolitan Detroit. A diagnostic assessment informs an individualized literacy program delivered by trained staff tutors who work with students one-on-one, an hour a day, five days per week. On average, students achieve two grade levels of movement in reading.

Bell says Beyond Basics has the track record to significantly improve literary statistics in his hometown, where currently 513 out 540 students at Benton Harbor High School are reading below their grade level.

Bell says Beyond Basics has the track record to significantly improve literary statistics in his hometown, where currently 513 out 540 students at Benton Harbor High School are reading below their grade level.

“I don’t want any student to walk into a library and feel like they don’t belong,” Bell said. “Reading is fundamental. It broadens the imagination and allows students to dream big and reach their goals.”

About Joique Bell

A native of Benton Harbor, Mich., Joique Bell played in the National Football League from 2010 to 2016. He is a former Division II Player of the Year at Wayne State University. Now retired, he is an entrepreneur and philanthropist dedicated to giving back to the youth of his hometown and Detroit.

About Beyond Basics 

Founded in 1999, Beyond Basics is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to eradicate illiteracy, transforming the lives of students and creating stronger communities. Its one-on-one, phonics-based multisensory tutoring program helps students achieve grade-level movement in reading in an average of six weeks. In addition to structured literacy interventions, enrichment programs cultivate curiosity while building vocabulary and comprehension. These programs encourage a love of lifelong learning with fine arts activities that expand horizons.

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Media Contacts: 

Brian Ducoffe, Uncommon Heights Creative Agency, (480) 326-2239, Brian.ducoffe@uncommonheights.com

Janine Krasicky Sadaj, J9 Media Solutions (for Beyond Basics) (248) 514-4558 (cell), janine@j9media.com

Gabriella Burman, director of communications, Beyond Basics, (646) 932-2930 (cell), burman@beyondbasics.org

Beyond Basics celebrates the legacy of Wayne Webber $1 million gift from Wayne and Joan Webber Foundation supports literacy in Detroit  

DETROIT, February 16, 2022 – Beyond Basics today announces a $1 million gift from the Wayne and Joan Webber Foundation that will make a tremendous impact on literacy for Detroit area students in K-12 schools. With this gift, the Webber Foundation’s total investment in Beyond Basics is $6 million to support its literacy efforts since 2006. 

The funds allow the Beyond Basics tutoring program to continue to grow during ongoing pandemic school disruptions. Despite challenges, students are making grade-level movement in reading on average in six weeks. 

“We are so fortunate to have a partner help us scale during this moment of increased need. The generous gift helps us to serve more students in Southeast Michigan, including the hiring of many more tutors,” said Pamela Good, cofounder and CEO of Beyond Basics. “While other students have unfortunately fallen behind due to COVID-19 school disruptions, our students can get the resources they need and make gains in reading.” 

The partnership between Beyond Basics and the Webber Foundation allows students who require additional support in reading the critical opportunity to improve foundational literacy skills while also learning about the life of Wayne Webber, the former owner of highway construction company W.W. Webber Inc.  

As a member of the U.S. Armed Forces who participated in peacekeeping missions in Korea, Wayne was guided by duty. This sense of selfless service carried into his efforts as a caring employer and as a philanthropist whose generosity transformed the lives of Michigan residents both in metropolitan Detroit and in Benzie County, where he spent his life hunting, fishing and enjoying the beauty of Northwest Michigan. Wayne and Joan Webber were among Beyond Basics' earliest supporters, helping the nonprofit confidently develop its intensive tutoring program. Wayne and Joan understood the urgency of the issue of illiteracy and predicted the day that Beyond Basics’ work would be a “beacon of light” for the nation. 

In addition to his dedication to Beyond Basics’ literacy efforts, Wayne and his wife Joan supported many good works. The DIA’s Education Wing is named for the couple, and their support also extended to healthcare facilities including Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in Clinton Township, the Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, McLaren Macomb in Mount Clemens, and the Webber Cancer Center in Warren. Wayne and Joan were dedicated to helping those in need through their support of Gleaners, Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Forgotten Harvest and the Salvation Army. One of Wayne and Joan's favorite activities was the donation of new winter wear to the students of Benzie Area Schools. Since 2009 the foundation has provided new coats, boots, hats, gloves and socks to the students. Wayne and Joan were always present to help distribute the clothing and meet the children. 

“My aunt and uncle understood the critical role of literacy in a young person’s life,” said Cynthia Webber Helisek, president of the foundation. “Wayne always said Beyond Basics would be a beacon of light that would flicker across this nation, waking people to the crisis of illiteracy and the importance of dedicated one-on-one tutoring. The ability to read and comprehend the written word should be the foundation of education in every community.” 

Beyond Basics’ model is unique in literacy interventions, administering a diagnostic assessment and implementing an individualized reading plan five days per week, an hour per day, with trained tutors who develop caring relationships with students. Once literate, students can achieve their educational goals, and become adults who thrive personally and professionally. 

The $1 million gift establishing the Webber Foundation as a Beyond Basics Legacy Partner includes lessons about the life of Wayne Webber for the students served. In addition: 

• Foundation members to tour classes and attend completion ceremonies at the end of tutoring 
• Students at partner school/s will receive a medallion inscribed with Wayne’s motto, “Do Good.”  
• A plaque honoring the Wayne and Joan Webber Foundation as a Legacy Partner will be erected at Beyond Basics’ headquarters 

Pamela Good, cofounder and CEO of Beyond Basics, announced the Legacy Partner program during a press conference at the Durfee Innovation Society, home of the Beyond Basics Family Literacy Center. 

“Wayne and Joan played a pivotal role in the development of our multisensory tutoring program,” Good said. “They were among Beyond Basics’ earliest supporters, and they have continued to step forward to facilitate our growth whenever a need arises. We are indebted to their generosity, and so thankful to have received their encouragement throughout the years.” 

About the Wayne and Joan Webber Foundation 

The Webber Foundation seeks to provide access to quality healthcare, improve K-12 inner-city education, and nourishment, clothing and shelter for the less fortunate. 

About Beyond Basics 

Founded in 2002, Beyond Basics is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to eradicate illiteracy, transforming the lives of students and creating stronger communities. Our one-on-one, multisensory tutoring program helps students achieve grade-level movement in reading in an average of six weeks. In addition to our structured literacy interventions, we cultivate curiosity and encourage a love of lifelong learning with fine arts activities that expand horizons.  

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Media Contact: Janine Krasicky Sadaj, J9 Media Solutions, janine@j9media.com, 248-514-4558 (cell) 

Beyond Basics Leadership series: Former NFL players to motivate Detroit high school students

DETROIT, Oct. 1, 2021 – As part of the Beyond Basics Leadership Series, Detroit Lions alumni Andre Fluellen and Ray McElroy will speak at four Detroit Public Schools Community District High Schools on Tues., Oct. 5. This series gives high school students an opportunity to learn from and interact with inspirational community leaders, and expand their awareness of the world around them. The leaders have one thing in common – they’ve overcome challenges and worked hard to pursue their dreams and passions; they believe in giving back to the community.

The former NFL players are speaking in Detroit through the district’s partnership with literacy nonprofit Beyond Basics. Beyond Basics delivers intensive literacy interventions to district students who are farthest behind in reading.

“People’s life stories resonate with students. A few years ago Joique Bell had students on the edge of their seat listening to his words of advice and encouragement. Sharing that he came from a similar background to the students motivated them to work hard in their studies,” Beyond Basics CEO Pamela Good said. “We appreciate that they are giving their time to engage with and motivate young people. Whether the speaker’s personal story is similar or different from those in the audience, students can draw lessons from their experiences, and connect to their messages of hope and inspiration.”

Ray McElroy, who played for the Indianapolis Colts from 1995-1998, and the Chicago Bears in 2000, before finishing his career with the Detroit Lions in 2001, will speak at:

• East English Village, 5020 Cadieux, Detroit, MI 48224 at 9:15 a.m. (200 ninth graders in the school auditorium)
• Southeastern High School, 3030 Fairview St., Detroit, MI 48214 at 10:50 a.m. (more than 300 tenth and twelfth graders in the school auditorium)
• Osborn High School, 11600 7 Mile Rd., Detroit, MI 48205 at 2:25 p.m. (entire school assembly outdoors unless inclement weather)

Andre Fluellen, who played on and off for the Detroit Lions from 2008-2015, will speak at:

• Denby High School, 12800 Kelly Rd., Detroit, MI 48224 at 4 p.m. (in the weightlifting room to student athletes)

Founded in 2002, Beyond Basics is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to eradicate illiteracy, transforming the lives of students and creating stronger communities. Our one-on-one, multisensory tutoring program helps students achieve grade-level proficiency in reading in an average of six weeks. In addition to our structured literacy interventions, we cultivate curiosity and encourage a love of lifelong learning with fine arts activities that expand horizons.

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Media: Please RSVP to Janine Sadaj at 248-514-4558 (cell). Speakers and Pamela Good, cofounder and CEO, Beyond Basics, will be available for interviews.

GM Partners with Beyond Basics As Part of $50 Million Investment in Detroit

(September 14, 2021) – Today at the Durfee Innovation Society, General Motors CEO Mary Barra announced a $50 million investment in Detroit-based nonprofit organizations including Beyond Basics, which delivers intensive literacy interventions to struggling readers in Detroit area schools.

“We thank General Motors for partnering with Beyond Basics to tutor students at Mumford and Cody High Schools, and at our Family Literacy Center at the Durfee Innovation Society. Their commitment enables us to unlock the miracle and power or reading for struggling students. As such, General Motors is playing a critical role in helping students graduate high school as proficient readers, able to pursue workforce and college opportunities.

“General Motors has seen firsthand the results of our tutoring. Our work proves children are capable. Once they can read, they can become adults who thrive, and connect to all of life’s beautiful possibilities. In other words, Detroit rocks when Detroit reads. Our educational system works, our communities thrive, and our economy accelerates.

“Through its commitment to the communities in which we live and work, General Motors is focused on strategically solving Detroit’s most pressing societal issues, such as illiteracy, America’s silent epidemic. The company understands that children need our help, and that literacy paves the way for children’s future success. Literacy enables equity.

“We are grateful for today’s announcement and look forward to working together with General Motors to achieve literacy for everyone.”

Founded in 2002, Beyond Basics is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to eradicate illiteracy, transforming the lives of students and creating stronger communities. Our one-on-one, multisensory tutoring program helps students achieve grade-level proficiency in reading in an average of six weeks. In addition to our structured literacy interventions, we cultivate curiosity and encourage a love of lifelong learning with fine arts activities that expand horizons.

Media Contact: Janine Krasicky Sadaj, J9 Media Solutions, janine@j9media.com, 248-514-4558 (cell)

Beyond Basics Celebrates Successful Tutoring Year with June Events

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., June 4, 2021 –

Curbside Graduations Begin Week of June 7

Beginning the week of June 7, Beyond Basics will host walk-by graduations for Detroit Public Schools Community District students in 10^th and 11^th grades who have completed its intensive literacy tutoring program this school year. Student outcomes for the virtual one-on-one tutoring are on par with in-person instruction. In addition to providing tutoring, Beyond Basics furnished devices to students and tutors who needed them, as well as technology support, thanks to the support of its generous donors. Each student will receive a certificate of completion, a note from their tutor, a giveaway, and framed artwork they completed during the enrichment portion of the program.

• 10 – 11:30 a.m. Wed., June 9 at Mumford High School 17525 Wyoming Ave, Detroit, 48221
• 10 – 11:30 a.m. Thurs., June 10 at Osborn High School 11600 Seven Mile E, Detroit, 48205

Celebrating Students’ Success at “Coming Together for Children” Spring Event

What:    Beyond Basics’ “Coming Together for Children” Spring Event

Where: Detroit Athletic Club, 241 Madison Ave., Detroit, MI 48226

Date:     Wed., June 23, 2021

Time:     6 – 10 p.m. 

Beyond Basics is thrilled to celebrate successfully tutoring children through a pandemic school year at its annual event, “Coming Together for Children,” on Wed., June 23, 2021, at the Detroit Athletic Club. Despite a challenging year, Beyond Basics has worked with students, teachers, principals, and families to help struggling readers to achieve proficiency to access their education and pursue their dreams after pivoting to online one-on-one tutoring. The literacy nonprofit will also honor several individuals and partners at the event.

“We are grateful to celebrate the success of our students thanks to our nurturing tutors who helped students navigate a pandemic and the daily challenges found in vulnerable communities,” Pamela Good, Beyond Basics co-founder and CEO, said. “Especially this year, I look forward to gathering with our key stakeholders, volunteers, donors and team, all of whom work tirelessly to solve the literacy crisis that affects all of our students, as well as our communities.”

For more than a decade, Beyond Basics has worked alongside schools to implement a literacy solution that shows success in moving children forward in reading in an average of six weeks. Its multi-sensory, holistic program incorporates fine arts enrichment, mentoring, and a nurturing tutor-student relationship that benefits the child’s overall wellbeing.  

2021 Coming Together for Children Spring Event Honorees

Literacy Chair Stuart Dow 

Stuart Dow retired from a career in wealth management at Merrill Lynch and is involved in the Detroit Athletic Club’s many partnerships with area non-profits to make a difference in the lives of others. Due to his passion for literacy, he lent his support to several Detroit-area public schools. Through his involvement in Beyond Basics, he has seen firsthand the challenges of struggling readers and has generously contributed to help children become proficient readers. He understands that literacy is the key to achieving success in school and in life and will help all students to attain their goals.  

Volunteer of the Year Carolyn Lynn 

After retirement from a financial firm, Carolyn Lynn dedicated more time to volunteerism with a passion for supporting children. Her affection for the children of Beyond Basics is evident in the amount of time she has given, consistently volunteering four days a week organizing and delivering books and coats since March 2018 until the day the pandemic forced schools to close in March 2020.  Carolyn was selected as our Volunteer of the Year last year; after having to unfortunately cancel last year’s event due to the pandemic, Beyond Basics is recognizing her this year.  

Partner of the Year Sound Mind Sound Body Curtis Blackwell II 

Curtis Blackwell II has dedicated his life to football. He is Program Director of Sound Mind Sound Body, a college preparatory program that has sent over 500 young men to college with full scholarships. The program’s goal is to ensure student-athletes succeed not only on the field but also in the classroom. Last year, Sound Mind Sound Body partnered with Beyond Basics to improve the literacy skills of 50 football players over the summer, piloting our online platform during the pandemic. Outcomes proved it was on par with Beyond Basics’ in-person instruction, enabling the organization to virtually serve 250 Detroit Public Schools Community District high school students during the 2021-22 school year. Blackwell also serves on the board for the U.S. Army Great Lakes Battalion and Southeast Michigan Youth Football Association and is an advisory council member for Michigan DECA High School Association.  

“Whatever It Takes” Jim Bauters 

Jim Bauters is a licensed CPA and a partner at UHY Advisors, where he has developed innovative financial and business management strategies for clients. He provided ongoing financial advisement to Beyond Basics during the lockdown last spring. He was also a pivotal member of the UHY team that provided entrée into Finney High School in 2010, the first high school where Beyond Basics began serving 9-12^th graders, paving the way to widespread work in Detroit Public School Community District. He is an active member of several professional accounting groups, as well as in the One Hundred Club of Detroit and the Capuchin Soup Kitchen Ministry Council. 

For immediate release

Art Van Elslander’s legacy lives on at Denby High School

A.A. Van Elslander Foundation partners with Beyond Basics to tutor students

DETROIT, Oct. 20, 2021 – Beyond Basics today announces a $1.5 million gift from the A.A. Van Elslander Foundation that will make a tremendous impact on literacy for Detroit Public Schools Community District students at Denby High School. This donation will be leveraged to create the Beyond Basics Legacy Program at Denby High School honoring Art Van Elslander to ensure that the legacy of Art Van Elslander (Denby High School, Class of 1948) lives on.

The partnership between Beyond Basics and the A.A. Van Elslander Foundation allows students who require additional support in reading the critical opportunity to improve foundational literacy skills while also learning about the life of Art Van Elslander, a distinguished Denby High School alumnus. Mr. Van Elslander was a visionary entrepreneur who expanded a single store to build a furniture empire, and his generosity enhanced the quality of life of those who reside in and around Detroit.

“We are thrilled to support Beyond Basics’ life-changing work at our father’s alma mater, Denby High School,” said Beyond Basics board member David Van Elslander, who serves on the Board of Directors for the A.A. Van Elslander Foundation. “With the gift of literacy, anything is possible for these students.”

“It is always encouraging to see DPS alumni give back to the district and more importantly its students. We hope this investment inspires other alumni to invest in this generation even more, especially when it comes to literacy. Beyond Basics is aligned with our literacy intervention reform and through philanthropy, literacy lawsuit, and COVID Relief funding we have been able to scale support for students. We continue to be optimistic about the positive results we have seen to date," said Dr. Nikolai Vitti, DPSCD Superintendent. 

Beyond Basics’ model is unique in literacy interventions, administering a diagnostic assessment and implementing an individualized reading plan five days per week, an hour per day, with trained tutors who develop caring relationships with students. These students advance two grade levels on average each school year. Once literate, students can achieve their educational goals, and become adults who thrive personally and professionally.

The Beyond Basics Legacy Program includes:

• Beyond Basics tutoring room at Denby High School named in Art Van Elslander’s honor
• Graduates will be called “Art Van Elslander Medallion Scholars.” Every student who completes the program will receive an “Art Van Elslander Medallion Scholars” certificate and medallion inscribed with inspiration taken from Mr. Van Elslander’s life, that “It’s not the hand you get dealt, it's how you play it.”
• Leadership lessons will highlight Mr. Van Elslander’s history and legacy

Pamela Good, cofounder and CEO of Beyond Basics, announced the Legacy Program funding at Denby High School.

“We have always relied on private partnerships because the need to help students is so great. The A.A. Van Elslander Foundation has long supported Detroit-area organizations whose programs stabilize the lives of children,” said Good. “The foundation’s generous gift empowers Beyond Basics to transform the lives of students who are not yet reading at grade level and help us to immediately get to work to bring literacy to these students.”

Tanisha Manningham, Denby High School principal, welcomed this generous gift of literacy to support students, and a few of Denby’s Beyond Basics alumni spoke about how Beyond Basics’ literacy tutoring positively impacted their education. 

Learning Greek and Latin roots to read and spell unfamiliar words was a “favorite” part of the Beyond Basics program, said Denby High School 12^th grader Unique Johnson, who through tutoring last year advanced six grade levels in reading. She enjoys English class, essay writing, and reading to her siblings.

About the A.A. Van Elslander Foundation

Mr. Van Elslander’s philanthropic spirit continues today through the A.A. Van Elslander Foundation, which focuses on support for his home state of Michigan, in the areas of children, health and human services.

About Beyond Basics

Founded in 2002, Beyond Basics is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to eradicate illiteracy, transforming the lives of students and creating stronger communities. Our one-on-one, multisensory tutoring program helps students achieve grade-level proficiency in reading in an average of six weeks. In addition to our structured literacy interventions, we cultivate curiosity and encourage a love of lifelong learning with fine arts activities that expand horizons.

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Media Contact: Janine Krasicky Sadaj, J9 Media Solutions, janine@j9media.com, 248-514-4558 (cell)