Better Business Bureau Report for
Literacy Center West

Better Business Bureau Report issued March 2012
Better Business Bureau Report expires March 2014


This BBB Accredited charity meets all 20 Standards for Charity Accountability and is a Seal Holder. Find out more...


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Charity Contact Information

Name: Literacy Center West
Address: 3208 Warsaw Avenue
  Cincinnati, OH 45205
Phone: (513) 244-5062
Web Address: www.litcenterwest.org
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Better Business Bureau Comments

Year, State Incorporated: 1988, Ohio
Affiliates: None

Stated Purpose: To provide G.E.D. preparation and job-readiness training at no cost to participants. To develop character and civic responsibility within those who participate. To provide opportunities for economic advancement, career exploration, and self-actualization.

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Evaluation Conclusions

               

Literacy Center West meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.
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BBB Accreditation

               

A BBB Accredited Charity since 04/25/2007 .

BBB has determined that in addition to meeting BBB's 20 Standards for Charity Accountability, Literacy Center West adheres to the BBB Code of Business Practices, which includes a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any complaints. Charities that display the BBB Accredited Charity Seal pay a fee for review / monitoring and for support of BBB's services to the public.

BBB accreditation does not mean that the charity's programs or services have been evaluated or endorsed by BBB or that BBB has made a determination as to the charity's competency in performing services.

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Programs

               

Literacy Center West (LCW) offers GED preparation programs to both adults and out-of-school youth. The programs incorporate a mix of classroom instruction, small group interaction, and individual tutoring. Development of individualized curricula based on students’ strengths and weaknesses in each of the five GED-tested subject areas. According to the charity, in 2010, 10 students graduated with their GED and 26 students performed at a functioning level. The Next Level (TNL) Program is geared toward helping young men and women ages 17 to 21 explore career options, set career goals, and develop a plan to achieve those goals. This program assess participants to discover their interests, skills, and abilities. TNL also offers professional assistance with job placement, resume and cover letter development, job search skills, job applications, and the interview process. According to the charity, in 2010, 14 TNL participants obtained their GED and 86 participants found employment.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, Literacy Center West's program expenses were:

  
Program Expenses 370,908
Total Program Expenses: $370,908
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Governance

               

Chief Executive : Ms. Chellie McLellan, Executive Director
Compensation*:
 $61,800

Chair of the Board: Mr. John Earls
Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation: Chief Financial Officer, Prospect House

Board Size: 14

Paid Staff Size: 6

*Compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.
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Fund Raising

               

Method(s) Used:

direct mail, invitations to fundraising events, grant proposals, Internet
Fundraising costs were 2% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $111,569, are donations received as a result of fundraising activities.)
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Tax Status

               

This charity is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.
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Financial

               

The following information is based on Literacy Center West's audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.

Source of Funds  
Contracts 339,223
Contributions 88,803
Special Events Less Costs of Direct Benefits to Donors of $21,853 and $25,045, Respectively 22,766
Investment Income 642
Other Income 124
Total Income $451,558


chart



Uses of Funds as a % of Total Expenses

Programs: 92%  Fund Raising: 1%  Administrative: 7% 

Total income   $451,558
  Program expenses $370,908
  Fund raising expenses 2,537
  Administrative expenses 27,894
 
Total expenses   $401,339
Income in Excess of Expenses   50,219
Beginning net assets   296,742
Ending net assets   346,961
Total liabilities   9,924
Total assets   $356,885


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An organization may change its practices at any time without notice. A copy of this report has been shared with the organization prior to publication. It is not intended to recommend or deprecate, and is furnished solely to assist you in exercising your own judgment. If the report is about a charity and states the charity meets or does not meet the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability, it reflects the results of an evaluation of information and materials provided voluntarily by the charity. The name Better Business Bureau is a registered service mark of the Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc.

This report is not to be used for fund raising or promotional purposes.

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