Literacy Now - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

Literacy Now is a Houston-based non-profit organization established in 2006, originally known as Making It Better. Its core mission is to empower children and families through literacy, with the overarching vision that every child should read at grade level. The organization plays a critical role in addressing literacy challenges within the Houston area, focusing on improving child literacy rates, which are essential predictors of future academic and life success, including high school graduation and post-secondary readiness. By providing high-quality literacy programs and robust support systems to at-risk children and their families, Literacy Now aims to foster proficient readers and cultivate a stronger, more literate community.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

Literacy Now's primary objective is to significantly improve literacy rates among at-risk children in the Houston metropolitan area. This is achieved through direct intervention programs and active parental engagement.

Ensure Grade-Level Reading: The fundamental goal is to cultivate proficient readers, particularly by the end of third grade, as a critical milestone for future academic success.
Empower Families: To equip parents and caregivers with the tools and knowledge to support their children's literacy development at home.
Combat Learning Loss: Implement initiatives to prevent academic regression, especially during summer breaks.
Provide Holistic Support: Offer social and emotional support alongside academic intervention through mentoring programs.

Specialization Areas

Literacy Now specializes in targeted literacy interventions and early childhood reading readiness.

Individualized Reading Intervention: Delivering small-group instruction tailored to struggling readers from Kindergarten through 12th grade, primarily in Title I schools.
Early Childhood Literacy: Providing reading readiness programming for children aged 2 months to 4 years, emphasizing parent engagement.
Parent Education and Engagement: Developing and delivering interactive workshops and resources to involve parents in their child's literacy journey.
Volunteer-Driven Mentorship: Facilitating programs that offer social-emotional support and academic encouragement to students.

Target Markets

The organization primarily serves economically disadvantaged children and families in the Houston area.

Geographic Focus: Various Independent School Districts (ISDs) in Houston, including Aldine, Alief, Sheldon, Houston, and public Charter Schools.
Demographic Focus: Primarily Tier III students in Title I elementary campuses, children aged 2 months to 4 years in community sites, and incarcerated young men at the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department's Leadership Academy.
Positioning Strategy: Positioned as a direct service provider deeply integrated within school campuses and community settings, collaborating with teachers and engaging parents to bridge literacy gaps.

2. Financial Overview

Funding History

As a non-profit, Literacy Now relies on diverse funding sources, including individual, corporate, church contributions, and grants. All programs are offered free of charge to participants.

Transformational Grant (November 2025): Received a grant of $100,000 from Impact100 Houston specifically to support its Reading Intervention program.
Financial Assets (Year ended July 31, 2021): Changes in net assets were $301,977, with total financial assets available for general expenditure reaching $842,794.
Financial Assets (Year ended July 31, 2022): Total financial assets were $429,268.
Program Fees: Recognizes program fees, primarily from contract services for literacy programs with HISD and community organizations, as services are provided.
COVID-19 Pandemic Support:
Secured a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan of $160,450 in April 2020, which was forgiven and recognized as government grant revenue by July 31, 2021.
Received a second PPP loan of $188,743 in February 2021.
Fundraising Initiatives: Actively engages in events such as the "Magnums Gala," "Golden Ticket Raffle," and "Big Reds & Bourbons." Also operates a "Page Turner" monthly giving campaign, which saw 30% growth in three months in 2025.

3. Product Pipeline

Key Products/Services

Reading Intervention Program
Description: A 25-week flagship program delivering individualized, small-group instruction with a 4:1 student-to-interventionist ratio.
Development Stage: Fully operational and continuously evaluated.
Target Market/Condition: Struggling readers from Kindergarten through 12th grade, primarily Tier III students in Title I schools within various Houston ISDs and charter schools, also partners with Harris County Public Library at the Juvenile Probation Department's Leadership Academy.
Expected Timeline: Delivered over 25 weeks during the school year.
Key Features and Benefits: Builds foundational reading skills, aims for grade-level reading by third grade, and utilizes research-based curricula like SIPPS and "Page's Promise."

Reading Express
Description: A mobile classroom providing reading readiness programming.
Development Stage: Fully operational.
Target Market/Condition: Children aged 2 months to 4 years and their parents/caregivers in various community sites.
Key Features and Benefits: Delivers early literacy activities, engages parents directly in their child's development, and brings services to the community.

Parent Partnership
Description: Interactive programming designed to engage and educate parents.
Development Stage: Fully operational and integrated across programs.
Target Market/Condition: Parents and caregivers of children participating in Literacy Now programs.
Key Features and Benefits: Provides books and literacy activity supplies, offers workshops (through Reading Intervention), distributes books (through Group Storytimes and The Reading Express), and gives out backpacks with reading buddies, school supplies, and activity books to combat summer learning loss.

Lunch Bunch
Description: A volunteer-driven mentoring program.
Development Stage: Fully operational.
Target Market/Condition: 3rd to 5th graders, with priority given to children previously enrolled in the Reading Intervention program.
Key Features and Benefits: Offers social and emotional support, fostering a positive environment for academic and personal growth.

4. Technology & Innovation

Technology Stack

Literacy Now leverages research-based curricula and proprietary content development to deliver effective literacy education.

Core Platforms and Technologies: Primarily utilizes the SIPPS (Systematic Instruction in Phonological Awareness, Phonics & Sight Words) curriculum for its Reading Intervention program.
Proprietary Developments: Developed its own curriculum called "Page's Promise". This curriculum was created by its instructional team to address a gap in existing materials for younger students struggling with letter identification and sounds, grounded in the Science of Teaching Reading.
Scientific Methodologies: The effectiveness of the Reading Intervention program is evaluated using a two-group quasi-experimental design. Studies have shown that kindergarten and first-grade students in the program demonstrate significant differences in pre- and post-test scores on Istation for average reading proficiency. Compared to their grade-level peers, first-graders, English language learners, Black, or economically disadvantaged students in the program exhibited higher percentage point increases in reading performance on the STAAR grade 3 reading assessment.
Technical Capabilities: Ongoing evaluation and assessment data are crucial for creating individualized lessons and strategically grouping students to accelerate progress. The organization is committed to rigorous, ongoing evaluation to prove its impact and make necessary adjustments.

5. Leadership & Management

Executive Team

Jacquelyn Minimah-Wilson, M.Ed. - Chief Executive Officer
Professional Background: Holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Oklahoma and a master's degree in Education Leadership from the University of Texas in Arlington. Possesses 17 years of experience in education from early childhood to secondary levels before joining Literacy Now in 2017.
Notable Achievements: Actively involved with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and National Charity League, Inc.
Key Contributions to the Company: As CEO since August 2024, she leads the organization's strategic direction and ensures student support for academic and life thriving.

Jacque Daughtry - Executive Director
Professional Background: Co-founder of Literacy Now (originally Making It Better) in 2006. Brings 25 years of experience in accounting and business management in the for-profit sector. Holds a bachelor's degree in Business with an emphasis in Personnel Management from the University of Houston.
Notable Achievements: Product of Houston ISD, served as PTO president for her children's schools for six terms before dedicating herself to non-profit work.
Key Contributions to the Company: Instrumental in the founding and sustained growth of the organization, driven by a passion for serving children and community.

Ken Kelly - Development Director
Professional Background: Attended Texas A&M University and brings 27 years of experience.
Key Contributions to the Company: Responsible for securing financial resources and fostering donor relationships to support the organization's mission.

Rebecca Minnock - Programs Director
Professional Background: Received her bachelor's degree in French with Qualified Teacher Status from Coventry University in England in 2005. Taught middle and high school French in England and Ireland for seven years. Spent two years as a long-term substitute teacher in a west Houston area preschool and worked part-time in an independent bookstore before joining Literacy Now in 2021.
Key Contributions to the Company: Oversees the development and delivery of all literacy programs, ensuring their efficacy and alignment with the organization's goals.

Recent Leadership Changes

Jacquelyn Minimah-Wilson, M.Ed., assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer in August 2024, marking a significant leadership transition. Jacque Daughtry continues in her founding role as Executive Director.

6. Talent and Growth Indicators

Hiring Trends and Workforce

Literacy Now demonstrates a strong growth trajectory and active engagement in talent acquisition and volunteerism. The organization has received external recognition for its workplace culture.

Current Hiring Patterns and Open Positions: Actively recruits for Reading Interventionists (working with small groups), Area Program Managers (overseeing multiple school sites and program delivery), and EC Outreach Specialists (facilitating learning sessions for young children and parents).
Company Growth Trajectory Indicators: Expanded from serving one school with 91 students at its founding to supporting more than 2,200 children and their parents during the 2024-2025 school year. Since inception, it has empowered over 28,000 children and their parents.
Employee Sentiment and Culture Insights: Recognized as 2nd Place in the 2024 Houston Business Journal's Best Places to Work.
Company Size and Expansion Metrics: Significant growth in reach and impact across Houston-area Title I elementary campuses and economically disadvantaged community sites. The organization relies heavily on a dedicated volunteer base. Over 665 volunteers contributed 1,845 hours in the past year, valued at $64,188.
Community Engagement: Fosters engagement through groups like the Literacy Now Young Professionals (LNYP) and the Literacy Now Guild, which support programs, fundraising, and awareness.

7. Social Media Presence and Engagement

Digital Footprint

Literacy Now maintains an active and informative digital presence across various social media platforms to engage with its community, raise awareness, and communicate its impact.

Social Media Activity Across Platforms: Active on Facebook, Twitter/X, and YouTube.
[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/LiteracyNowHouston)
[Twitter/X](https://twitter.com/LiteracyNowHOU)
[YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@literacynowhouston)
Brand Messaging and Positioning: Focuses on the urgency of the literacy crisis in Houston and the transformative power of its programs for children and families. Content highlights success stories, program activities, and volunteer impact.
Community Engagement Strategies: A key annual event, "Houston Reads Day" (held on February 28th), mobilizes hundreds of volunteers to read to thousands of Pre-K to 5th-grade students across Houston schools. This event raises awareness about local literacy challenges and supports the Reading Intervention program.
Notable Campaigns or Content: The 2025 "Houston Reads Day" involved over 400 volunteers reading to more than 17,000 students across 39 schools. The YouTube channel features promotional videos and content showcasing the organization's impact and events.

8. Recognition and Awards

Industry Recognition

Workplace Excellence: Awarded 2nd Place in the 2024 Houston Business Journal's Best Places to Work, indicating a positive and supportive organizational culture.
Grants and Funding: Recognition through significant grants, such as the $100,000 transformational grant from Impact100 Houston in November 2025, underscores its credibility and impact within the philanthropic community.

9. Strategic Partnerships

Literacy Now has cultivated strong strategic partnerships to extend its reach and enhance its program delivery, collaborating with educational institutions and complementary non-profits.

School Districts: Partners with major Independent School Districts including Houston Independent School District (HISD), Aldine ISD, Alief ISD, and Sheldon ISD, as well as several public charter schools. These partnerships facilitate direct program delivery on school campuses.
Libraries and Juvenile Justice: Collaborates with the Harris County Public Library, including working with incarcerated young men at the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department's Leadership Academy.
* Literacy-Focused Non-Profits: Partners and receives support from organizations such