GCLC Welcomes a New Program Year and Leadership Team

As Genesee County Literacy Coalition prepares for the 2026–2027 program year, we are pleased to introduce our new Executive Board and share an important update to our annual meeting schedule.

This transition also provides an opportunity to recognize former Chair Melinda Anderson. We extend our sincere appreciation for her years of leadership, guidance, and commitment to advancing literacy throughout Genesee County. Her service has helped strengthen the Coalition and prepare us for continued growth.

The GCLC Executive Board for the new program year includes:

• Chair: Danielle Lepine

• Co-Chair: LaDelvin Walker

• Co-Chair: Jessica Kitchner

• Treasurer: Darlene Carey

• Interim Secretary: Jessica Kitchner

  
  

The Executive Board looks forward to supporting our members and strengthening our collective impact throughout Genesee County.

Updated Program-Year Schedule

GCLC will now operate from September through June. Regular Coalition meetings will be held on the third Friday of each month during this period. There will no longer be a regular Coalition meeting in August.

Our first Coalition meeting of the new year will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026. Additional meeting information will be shared with members before the meeting.

Renew or Join GCLC

We invite previous members to renew their membership and encourage new organizations and community members to join us.

GCLC brings together literacy providers, educators, community organizations, volunteers, and supporters who share a commitment to improving literacy and expanding opportunities throughout Genesee County.

To renew your membership or join the Coalition, please complete the GCLC Membership Form:

GCLC Membership Application 26-27.pdf

Download PDF • 442KB

For questions or additional information, please contact us:

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 4446, Flint, MI 48504

Phone: (810) 243-3349

Email: gclc.adultlearners@gmail.com

We look forward to reconnecting with returning members, welcoming new partners, and working together during the year ahead!

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2026 Danielle Brown Scholarship Winner

Genesee County Literacy Coalition is proud to announce Vanessa Merlo Galeano as the recipient of the 2026 Danielle Brown Scholarship.

Vanessa's journey embodies the spirit of this scholarship through her commitment to education, leadership, and service to others. A former participant in family literacy programming, she has come full circle by volunteering with Flint & Genesee Literacy Network's family literacy and ESL programs, supporting families, assisting learners, and serving as a translator for adult English language learners. Her dedication continued long after her required service-learning hours were completed, demonstrating a genuine passion for helping her community.

A recent graduate of the Genesee Career Institute Public Safety Program, Vanessa earned Honor Roll recognition and CPR certification while balancing academic achievement, volunteer service, and leadership opportunities. This fall, she will attend Mott Community College with plans to study General Studies before transferring to the University of Michigan to pursue a degree in International Relations. Her long-term goal is to build a career focused on advocacy, leadership, and creating positive change within diverse communities.

Vanessa's perseverance and commitment to serving others make her an outstanding recipient of the 2026 Danielle Brown Scholarship. We congratulate her on this achievement and look forward to seeing the impact she will continue to make in our community and beyond.

We would also like to recognize our runner-up recipients, Tachari Phillips and Emma Tirban, both graduates of Flex High School, for their hard work, determination, and commitment to their educational goals. This fall, Tachari will attend Alabama State University to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice, while Emma will attend Grand Valley State University to study Journalism.

This year marked our largest pool of applicants to date, and we congratulate all of the students who were nominated. We are proud to celebrate their hard work, achievements, and commitment to their future goals.

Thank you to the educators, counselors, program staff, community partners, and supporters who helped share this opportunity and encourage students to apply. We are especially grateful to the donors who continue to invest in this scholarship fund, helping us honor Danielle Brown's legacy while creating opportunities for students across Genesee County.

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Promoting Literacy for Better Health Outcomes: Effective Foot Care for Seniors

Genesee County Literacy Coalition (GCLC) invites the community to attend Session VIII of our Health Literacy Workshop series: Effective Foot Care for Seniors. This free Lunch and Learn event will take place on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the Gloria Coles Flint Public Library (Flint Central Room B).

This informative session will focus on the importance of proper foot care and how healthy feet contribute to overall health and independence as we age. Participants will learn about common foot conditions affecting seniors, including overgrown toenails, calluses, bunions, and other issues that can impact mobility, comfort, and quality of life.

Special attention will be given to the connection between foot health and chronic conditions such as diabetes, highlighting how proper foot care can help prevent complications and support healthier outcomes. Participants will also learn practical tips for nail care, skin care, selecting appropriate footwear, and recognizing when professional medical care may be needed.

As part of GCLC's Promoting Literacy for Better Health Outcomes community series, this workshop empowers individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed health decisions and maintain their independence.

Event Details:

📅 Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2026

🕦 Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

📍 Location: Gloria Coles Flint Public Library

🍽️ Free lunch provided

📞 For questions, call: (810) 243-3349

Join us to learn practical foot care strategies that can improve mobility, support overall health, and help you stay active and independent!

GCLC Health Literacy VIII.pdf

Download PDF • 280KB

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