HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/17/2026 Item 6d, Bernardi
Bernadette Bernardi <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:City Council Meeting Item 6.d. DEI High Impact Grant Funding Recommendations
Dear Madam Mayor Stewart and Council Members,
Literacy for Life very much appreciates the HRC’s recommendation to grant our organization $14,925.00 through the DEI High Impact Grant
fund.
Literacy for Life has provided a vital literacy program to San Luis Obispo City and County since 1982. Our work meets the funding priorities
of the DEI High Impact Grant. Our learners become better equipped to attain a job or be promoted. They come to understand the intricate
processes of democracy and make knowledgeable choices by exercising their right to vote in a well-informed manner.
We encourage our learners to share their stories and culture within our learning centers and throughout the community. The first half of our
required tutor orientation/training focuses entirely on learning to identify cultural differences and misconceptions and provides tools to
interact knowledgeably and compassionately with individuals from other cultures.
We consistently address equity gaps. We provide one-on-one instruction in English language communication skills. Those skills are
paramount to survive and thrive as a community member in San Luis Obispo. Our learners become comfortable speaking for their children
and understanding the benefits and challenges of their children’s circle of friends, other parents, and teachers. Not being literate in the
language of one’s chosen community is a monumental equity gap.
Thank you for approving the HRC’s recommendation to fund Literacy for Life $14,925.00 from the DEI High Impact Grant Funds for April 1,
2026, to March 31, 2027.
Respectfully,
Bernadette Bernardi
1
Bernadette Bernardi (she/her/hers)
CEO Literacy for Life
805-459-5369
www.literacyforlifeslo.org
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