Fox Valley Literacy 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.”
Data presented shows:
- 58% struggle to find trustworthy information online.
- 49% struggle to understand rights, responsibilities, and official procedures.
- 48% struggle managing finances.
- 47% struggle to understand health care information.
- 44% struggle helping children with schoolwork or communications.
