A growing vision for literacy and missional presence in our neighborhoods.
Did you know children who are not reading proficiently by the end of third grade are four times more likely to leave high school without a diploma than proficient readers?
The Literacy Lighthouse is a community-based initiative that addresses the literacy gap by pairing reading experiences with consistent, caring relationships—helping children thrive academically and belong relationally.
It’s an emerging expression of God’s renewing work in Fair Oaks (Marietta), Georgia —cultivating reading literacy, financial literacy, and biblical literacy as integrated pathways toward dignity, participation, and shared flourishing.
Why the Literacy Lighthouse Exists
God’s work of renewal always takes shape in particular places.
In Smyrna and the Fair Oaks community, gaps in access to literacy—whether reading, financial, or biblical—can limit participation, confidence, and long-term stability for individuals and families. These gaps are not merely technical problems, but relational and formative ones.
The Literacy Lighthouse exists to respond to poverty through biblically informed action that holds together practical skill development and spiritual formation, trusting that flourishing emerges where learning, dignity, and belonging grow side by side.
What We Mean by Literacy
At The Literacy Lighthouse, literacy is more than skill acquisition—it is about access, agency, participation, and formation.
Reading Literacy
Supports children as they develop foundational reading skills that open pathways to learning, confidence, and voice.
Financial Literacy
Utilizing the Faith & Finance curriculum through The Chalmers Center equips adults with tools and understanding that strengthen stability, decision-making, and long-term agency.
Biblical Literacy
Forms individuals and communities through Scripture—shaping imagination, identity, and shared practices rooted in God’s Kingdom.
Together, these literacies reflect a holistic vision of flourishing that attends to mind, life, and soul.
A Vision for Missional Presence
As relationships deepen and partnerships mature, our long-term vision is to operate from a home within the community—a shared, neighborhood-rooted space for learning, formation, and life together.
This future presence is envisioned not as a program center, but as a missional home:
where literacy development happens in the context of relationship
where Scripture shapes shared rhythms and practices
where neighbors are welcomed into belonging and community
where formation and action remain inseparable
Our first Lighthouse location!
Pine Haven Homes in Fair Oaks, GA is our community partner and host community.
Summer Program
Saturdays, 10am – 12pm
Afterschool Program Volunteer Training
Monday, September 14, 6pm – 9pm
Afterschool Program
Starts September 28, 2026
3pm – 5pm
Interested in Volunteering?
We’re looking for people who long to build genuine relationships with their neighbors—and who are open to God doing deep, transformative work in their own hearts as they serve.
There are several ways to get involved with the Literacy Lighthouse.
Reading Tutors/Buddies
Community Leadership Projects
Games & Activity Leaders
Hospitality
There are also opportunities to help with:
Bible Study and Spiritual Formation for students and families
Financial Literacy Training
Now Registering
Afterschool Program Volunteers
Learn more here.
Rooted in RISE for Literacy
The Literacy Lighthouse is not a new idea, but a deepening of faithful work already underway.
Since 2021, our RISE for Literacy initiative has supported over 140 students through partnership with a local tutoring program at the Smyrna Community Center. Through this work, we have learned the importance of:
targeted reading skill development
consistency and trust over time
collaboration with families and community partners
formation of volunteers alongside students
