What is South Coast Literacy Council?

South Coast Literacy Council (SCLC) is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  The mission of SCLC is to assist adult English learners to achieve basic literacy and to acquire language skills necessary for daily living, employment opportunities, and full participation in the community.  We accomplish this by providing free English classes in multiple locations throughout south Orange County.  As of 2020, we also began providing online classes. We meet in churches, community centers, and online on Zoom. Our physical locations are donated space.  All Board members and all tutors donate their time.  There are no paid positions in SCLC. 

 Why does SCLC do what it does?

We believe it is important for non-English speaking adults who live in our area to learn the English language and the culture of the country in which they now live, regardless of their financial resources.  As our students acquire English proficiency, they can become active and helpful participants in the community.  Importantly, they are also empowered to live their personal lives with greater confidence and success.  As ability and confidence increase, our students can participate fully in their own economic endeavors, their education, their health care, and their children’s futures.  In sum, the entire community benefits from our efforts. 

What is SCLC’s history?

SCLC was established in 1970 and has been assisting adults to acquire English skills since that time.  The first tutor training was held and the first learning center was established at St. Edwards Church in Capistrano Beach.  In 1978 we incorporated as an educational and charitable nonprofit educational corporation operating under the guidelines of Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3).  By 1985 we had 10 tutoring centers and about 50 active tutors.  Today, we have 18 tutoring sites from Newport Coast, to Rancho Santa Margarita, to San Clemente. We offer multiple online classes.  We have over 150 active volunteers.  And we continue to offer a much-needed, much-appreciated, successful community service. 

Where does SCLC get its money?

The only sources of funding for SCLC are donations, participation in the Ralphs Community Contribution program, occasional small grants, and membership dues.  Our members are, for the most part, the same people who volunteer to teach classes and who provide a great deal of their own teaching materials!  SCLC has no government support, no religious affiliation, no sponsorships, and no revenue-sharing affiliations with any agencies other than the community participation agreements and donated spaces mentioned above.  SCLC is organized under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and all contributions are 100 percent tax-deductible.  SCLC’s tax identification number is 953446927. 

What does SCLC do with its money?

Since we are all volunteers, and most of the space for our classes is donated, our only significant expense is educational material.  While there are some operating expenses such as insurance, postage, printing, publicity, and the like, the great majority of our money is spent on books, newspapers, and online materials shared directly with students.  Books, in particular, are expensive. 

We need help so that we can continue to help our students help themselves.  Our budget is very small, but our needs are great. 

What impact has SCLC had on south Orange County?

Despite our limited budget, during fiscal years 2022-2023, we had a huge impact on the English-learning population of south Orange County.  Of course, all of our success has been entirely dependent on our dedicated volunteers who, through their personal efforts:

·         Provided over 10,500 of volunteer work;

·         Offered classes six days a week during morning, midday, and evening hours,
in-person and online;

·         Served 760 adult English language learners per week; and

·         Supported 150 volunteers in 18 Learning Centers.

What do SCLC’s students say about it?

Here are some comments by SCLC students.  These comments appear without edits.

·         “I like to say that you are doing very big things for foreigners who struggle to survive here.  Thank you again for your time and devotion.”  Sukhyun S.

·         “Now I can hold my head up.  I can help my kids with their homework.  I’m so proud to be a part of this amazing group.”  Onrry G.

·         I’m so grateful to be part of the program.  I met people with huge hearts and I enhanced my English beside great teachers.”  Paula C.

·         “I love this place, and not just for learning English.  I think I have learned a lot of things from teachers and classmates.”  Helena H.