The children NAC serves are dealing with more uncertainty than most of us have experienced in our entire lives. Many have never had a stable home and some have had more surgeries than birthdays. Their families are living in poverty and can barely put food on the table, let alone afford to buy their children books to read at home. The Tutoring & Literacy Program provides early literacy and academic support to NAC families and children to ensure they have the tools at home and in school to succeed.

Fostering a love of reading has always been a priority at NAC. Books have the power to change lives and make a positive, lasting, and measurable impact on children. However, many of NAC’s children do not own a single book. Each year, we give away thousands of new books so that our families can prioritize literacy without having to extend their limited budgets. Books for all ages are placed throughout our offices for children and parents to read aloud and take home. Books are also mailed or delivered directly to homes when a family cannot come to NAC’s offices. Once a year, we hold our Literacy for All Book Fair where children can choose their favorite books to take home. We are always mindful of inclusivity in literature, ordering books with characters who reflect our clients; their race, culture, ability, and language.

We offer an array of programming and interventions for children from birth up through college. Our literacy workshops, one-on-one tutoring, parent groups, reading circles, and educational resources and services are designed to meet the individual needs of each family and child, accommodating all developmental needs. Through these programs, NAC children have the opportunity to receive the individualized attention, support, and encouragement needed to overcome a myriad of challenges and obstacles faced in their young lives and to grow into confident, achieving and contributing adults.

Tutoring Program
We offer one-on-one, individualized tutoring sessions created to meet the needs of children with or without special education services. A team of staff, interns, and volunteer tutors work to provide weekly tutoring for children, ranging from 1st grade to college. We work to create engaging tutoring lessons that are meaningful for each individual student’s needs, reinforcing academic skills and filling in academic deficit. Tutoring is a chance to work one-on-one with a student, establishing a trusting relationship.

Side by Side Program
This is an innovative program that provides parents the tools to support their child’s literacy development. The parent and their child participate in workshops and individual in-home sessions that are designed to encourage parents to use play for learning, develop skills to support reading comprehension, and set structure and routine in the home around homework. These workshops are essential in building strong relationships with our families while imparting invaluable, lifelong skills to parents and children alike.

City’s First Readers
NAC is a proud member of the City’s First Readers initiative, targeting literacy development for 0-5 year olds. We know the power of early literacy and the trajectory it sets for our most vulnerable children. Through book distribution, special workshops, and one-on-one coaching, we encourage parents. is an essential way to tell parents reading to their child matters.

Literacy & Reading Workshops
Parent, child, and family centered workshops are offered for varying age groups. Workshops are meant to be a fun way to introduce literacy and learning to NAC children and include Reading Circles, Guest Authors events, Coding Literacy, Story Development Workshops, and Parent Workshops.

Literacy for All Book Fair
Over 2,000 books are donated to NAC each year, which we give away at our annual Literacy for All Book Fair. NAC kids choose their favorite books to take home while participating in fun literacy activities with their families.

Tutoring & Literacy services are available to families who are already enrolled in another NAC program. We cannot accept outside referrals.

Families enrolled in the Education Department have access to an array of support services and resources. Learn about the other programs and supports available to all families receiving services at NAC

• Books and school supplies
• Children and Family Treatment and Support Services (CFTSS)
• Mental Health Clinic
• Medical Clinic
• Autism Center
• Youth Development & Mentoring Programs
• Recreational Services
• Food Bank
• Safe Haven LGBTQI+ Support