National Family Literacy Month highlights the significant impact of literacy on family dynamics, education, and long-term opportunities. Literacy extends beyond reading skills to form a foundation for effective communication, economic stability, and overall wellbeing across generations. Families with strong literacy skills are better equipped to support their children’s educational progress, communicate on important topics, and access critical information for informed decision-making. This foundational skill set enables families to engage more fully in educational and economic opportunities, contributing to both individual growth and community development.
In Cuyahoga County, literacy remains a critical issue that impacts educational success and economic mobility. Nearly 42 percent of children entering kindergarten are not adequately prepared, putting them at a disadvantage from the start. This is a significant barrier, since children who are not ready for kindergarten often struggle to read proficiently by the end of third grade. Among adults, about 10 percent of residents in Cuyahoga County do not have a high school diploma, which limits job prospects and access to family-sustaining wages. The concentration of this group within Cleveland and nearby suburbs shows a widespread, community-level impact that affects family stability and generational wealth potential.
Programs supporting literacy can make a difference. In Cuyahoga County, several initiatives exist focusing on family learning and equipping parents and children with the tools they need to improve literacy together. National Family Literacy Month is a reminder of how important it is to close literacy gaps and build community programs that support literacy from childhood through adulthood. By addressing these needs, families can open up new opportunities, making literacy a key stepping-stone toward brighter futures.
Step Forward actively promotes family literacy through its range of support services, including job training, employment connection workshops, and the Head Start program. These initiatives empower families by offering essential skills for career readiness and long-term employment, addressing both literacy and practical job competencies. For adults, Step Forward’s Professional Development programs focus on skills such as resume building, interview preparation, and industry-specific knowledge, creating pathways to secure and sustain employment.
"Literacy is the cornerstone of employment success," Kerry Austin, Step Forward's Community Services Manager, said. "For adults, strong literacy skills are critical not only for finding a job but also for advancing in a career."
Step Forward's Professional Development programs focus on these foundational skills, empowering individuals to confidently pursue new job opportunities, enhance their economic stability, and ultimately support their families more effectively."
Simultaneously, Step Forward’s Head Start program integrates early literacy activities into its curriculum, supporting young children’s language development while engaging parents in literacy-building strategies they can use at home.
"At Head Start, we believe that early literacy is more than just a skill for children. It is a tool that can uplift the entire family," Angela Anderson, Step Forward's Program Services Manager, added. "When children develop a love for reading and learning early on, it opens up opportunities for parents to engage more in their child’s education, creating a ripple effect that strengthens family bonds and fosters a lifelong love of learning."
Taking small steps to incorporate literacy activities into daily routines can create meaningful change. Families can engage in literacy together by setting aside time for shared reading, visiting the library, or organizing a family book club where everyone can share their favorite stories. Parents can model lifelong learning by pursuing their own educational goals, which also inspires children to value literacy.
For younger children, activities like storytelling, singing songs with rhymes, and even cooking together with recipes can make reading fun and relatable. Meanwhile, older children and adults can benefit from writing letters, journaling, or tackling puzzles that build vocabulary and comprehension skills. By making literacy a shared priority, families can build a foundation for success, creating opportunities and lasting connections through the power of words.
National Family Literacy Month is an invitation for every family to embrace the joy of learning together—one page, one conversation, and one story at a time.