Madison Reporter

Literacy and education play crucial roles in community development, directly influencing a community's health and economic mobility. In Madison, Wisconsin, organizations such as the Literacy Network and the Omega School have been instrumental in promoting education for nearly fifty years.

The Literacy Network, established in 1974, and the Omega School, founded in 1972, have contributed significantly to the Madison community. They have provided various programs, including English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and GED preparation courses. These initiatives have enabled individuals to build better futures through enhanced educational opportunities. The city has supported these organizations with Community Development Block Grant funds from the federal government and its annual operating budget.

Before merging in 2025, following the retirement of Omega School's Executive Director Oscar Mireles, both the Literacy Network and the Omega School had partnered closely with Madison's Community Development Division. This longstanding relationship emphasized shared prosperity and economic success, regardless of an individual's background.

The merging of the two organizations has unified their resources and expertise, facilitating the expansion of services to the Madison area. This union aims to create additional pathways for students, enhancing the transition between different educational programs.

The support provided by Community Development Block Grant funds, along with other city funding initiatives, underscores the positive impacts of education-focused programs in Madison. According to the City of Madison, "the programs are just two examples of the good work being done in our community that is supported by a combination of CDBG funds and other funding sources, including the Community Development Division's Youth, Young Adult and Adult Employment RFP and its Crisis Intervention and Prevention RFP."

During National Community Development Week, Madison is highlighting the significance of federally and city-supported nonprofits and service providers. Throughout the week, the Community Development Division plans to share stories illustrating the impact of such programs over the past fifty years and their ongoing benefits to the community.