About Us at Northern Waters Literacy


What We Are

	Northern Waters Literacy's goal is to provide exceptional service to learners in our entire service area through excellent customer service and well trained volunteers. We serve a large geographic area within the state of Wisconsin including Polk and St. Croix Counties. Our organization was established in 1988 as the Polk County Area Literacy Council; a 501(c)3 community based organization. The organization was subsequently renamed Northern Waters Literacy in 2005 to reflect our expanded service area. Currently, two paid part time staff member provides support to the organization. Approximately, 30 volunteer tutors are affiliated with our organization. Financial Support comes from private, corporate and foundational donors. We would like to recognize the Otto Bremer Foundation for its major support in 2008. We would also like to recognize WITC, Polk Burnett Cooperative, Lutheran Ladies Aid, and various individuals for their contributions. Individual contributions can be made online on our support page.

	Who We Serve

	We serve the roughly 12% of adults and families with various backgrounds (women, the poor, ethnic people, learning disabled, inmates, youth) in our rural area who cannot read a simple book, find an intersection on a map, remember 2 facts from a newspaper article, understand a medical prescription or fill out an employment application. Illiterate adults are generally locked into entry-level jobs (if they can find work at all). Without literacy skills, they are condemned to a life of poverty that is often passed on to their children. For this reason, we have begun to serve youth as well.

	Where We Serve

	We are located in Northwestern Wisconsin along the Wisconsin/ Minnesota borders. Direct services are provided in Polk and St. Croix. Our newest branch in New Richmond, WI became active in May 2009 when Traci Miller became the volunteer coordinator. We are excited to have an active presence in this area and are currently seeking volunteers to assist us with our mission there . We also collaborate with Barron County Area Literacy Council, Burnett County Literacy Council, and the St. Croix Valley Literacy Council. Information about services in all areas can be accessed through our main office, by e-mail, or our toll-free phone number.