Who We Are
English-as-a-Second Language/Basic Literacy Skills -- Classes serve students who are non-literate or semi-literate in their native language. Instruction builds basic pre-literacy skills like holding writing instruments, recognizing letters, shapes, numbers, and writing names and addresses. ESL -- Classes serve students who are literate in their native language (Spanish for most) and wish to become literate in English. Five levels of instruction help students build competency in all four areas of language development: speaking, reading, listening comprehension and writing. Re-established in the fall of 2012, the Computer Skills Training Program houses 10-networked computer workstations to deliver educational programs. While computers have become an everyday part of life, many adults lack the skills to perform the most basic computer operations. The CSTP program offers 6 to 8-week courses in the spring, summer and fall. Classes are taught in English and Spanish. Topics include basic typing, word processing, Internet navigation, e-mail, and the use of spreadsheets. Implemented in 1999, the Family Literacy Program provides English language instruction, computer skills for employment, parenting and technology skill development for adults. The children are taught pre-reading skills, language development, in both English and Spanish, and school readiness skills.
The Emergency Solutions Grants program, formerly the Emergency Shelter Grants Program, is a competitive grant that awards funds to private nonprofit organizations, cities, and counties in the State of Texas to provide the services necessary to help persons that are at-risk of homelessness or homeless quickly regain stability in permanent housing. The ESG program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) in the State of Texas.
The ESG funds for FY 2015 can be utilized for the following purposes:
- Engage homeless individuals and families living on the street;
- Improve the number and quality of emergency shelters for homeless individuals and families;
- Help operate these shelters;
- Provide essential services to shelter residents and street outreach for the homeless;
- Rapidly re-house homeless individuals and families; and
- Prevent families and individuals from becoming homeless.
- The rehabilitation or conversion of buildings for use as emergency shelter for the homeless;
Collaborative Partners:
Friendship of Women (Lead Agent): Emergency Shelter & Homeless Prevention
Brownsville Literacy Center: Street Outreach
Catholic Charities: Homeless Prevention
Ozanam Center: Emergency Shelter & Rapid Rehousing
What We Do
Brownsville Literacy Center exists to promote literacy in the Brownsville area by providing appropriate and accessible educational programs designed to meet the needs of underserved adults and families.
