Fox Valley Literacy today unveiled the region’s first‑ever State of Literacy Report, presenting new data on how adults across northeast Wisconsin navigate everyday literacy demands. The findings were shared at the Appleton Public Library during the organization’s first public event.
The report, based on surveys and interviews with 804 community members, outlines the real‑world challenges adults face when completing essential tasks, from healthcare paperwork to digital and financial comprehension. The project was supported by a grant from the David L. and Rita E. Nelson Family Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region.
“We needed to know how literacy is used in everyday life as well as its biggest roadblocks,” said Brian Leone Tracy, Executive Director of Fox Valley Literacy. “The State of Literacy Project provided sobering data from all facets of literacy reinforcing the need for our work and the importance of expanding our services to more directly touch other aspects of the community.”
Some Notable Highlights On Everyday Barriers
Data presented shows literacy challenges cut across age, background, and language experience:
- 58% struggle to find trustworthy information online, including 54% of native and 66% of non‑native English speakers. (41% overall struggle using technology).
- Nearly half (49%) struggle to understand rights, responsibilities, and official procedures.
- 48% struggle managing finances.
- 47% struggle to understand healthcare information.
- 44% struggle helping children with schoolwork or communications
A Shared Foundation for Community Action
Leone Tracy emphasized that the report is designed to align organizations around a common understanding of literacy needs. “Fox Valley Literacy and community partners will be on the same page in better understanding how adults in our region navigate these challenges and will help us prioritize literacy solutions as their key to independence, confidence, and connection.”
The full State of Literacy Report is now available to community partners, educators, service providers, and residents seeking to better understand the region’s literacy landscape
To read the full State of Literacy Report, visit: www.foxvalleylit.org/state-of-literacy
