About Community Literacy Centers
adult learning
Learn
With free in person or virtual classes that include Adult Basic Education (ABE), English as a Second Language (ESL), High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) prep, and U.S. citizenship courses, every learner is able to learn more and reach their personal and professional goals
Grow
The support and community at CLC help adults ages 18 and up to build confidence, improve reading, writing, and speaking skills, and learn English. It empowers families and grows opportunities.
Succeed
With every small victory, our graduates open doors to their brighter future
Our History
Community Literacy Centers, Inc. (CLC) is a private, nonprofit organization established in 1987 by judges, educators, attorneys, and citizens in Oklahoma County who acknowledged the benefits of a more literate society. In 1997, CLC established and implemented the LEAP (Learning, Enriching, Achieving, Preparing) program, which is now the foundation for all CLC services. Through LEAP, CLC forms partnerships with many Oklahoma County agencies to provide learning services to their clients and adults (18 years or older) in the surrounding community. CLC is rooted in principles of education, empowerment and inclusivity.
The mission of CLC is to encourage and support adult literacy in our community.
Our teachers, students, and community supporters are the heart and soul of our programs. We have always offered these classes and programs for free, which is only possible when we have our community behind us. It’s completely unrealistic to expect people already facing challenges to pay for classes in their current situation.
Receiving state and local community support and offering free programs with successful outcomes for our students has made CLC the longest-standing Oklahoma City adult learning center.
Where adults learn skills for a better life
Since 1987, Community Literacy Centers has proudly served Oklahoma County adults ages 18 and up who are ready to dream bigger – improve reading, language and computer skills, earn their high school diploma or even American citizenship, and succeed. Our free in-person and virtual classes welcome everyone who is willing to learn into a friendly, supportive environment.
CLC is a great place to learn and to help you set some goals. It’s a wonderful class that will teach you how to read. It can show you new things that you will need to know in the world.
Lesa
I was in the eighth grade in a special education class. One day, the teacher asked me to read out loud in the class. I tried, but it was too hard. Then she said out loud in class, “You should go back to the first grade.” I walked out of class crying and I never went back to school. Now I’m at CLC. I can read much better and out loud. Sometimes I think about going back to that teacher and showing her that I can be up in front of the class and read out loud. I am twenty-seven and I feel good about myself.
Rita
I would describe CLC as my second home. The staff makes you feel welcomed. It is a place to get to where you want to go in life.
Anonymous
If I could tell someone else about learning to read, I would tell them that learning to read is a beautiful experience as well as very important. Now that I have learned how to read, my mind goes places my body has never been. If you have children, you can share this beautiful gift with them, now how precious is that? Reading has opened doors for me that were once closed. It can also do the same for you if you are willing to learn.
Janice
One day my daughter asked me to help her with her homework. I felt so bad that I couldn’t help with it. I went to bed that night and cried myself to sleep. I felt so bad I could not even help my own kid with her homework. I realized that day I needed to do something to help myself learn how to read, then a friend of mine told me that D.H.S. will help me out with that if I want it. It was the best decision I have ever made. Reading has opened up a lot of new adventures to me. I feel better about myself and have no regrets. Reading is power.
Lisa
The Ripple Effect of CLC
When people have the opportunity to learn, entire communities can change for the better. Adult literacy is truly the foundation for success, and the ground upon which Community Literacy Centers was built. But more than the classes we provide, are the results that we see from our graduates. Adults from every walk of life come to CLC, some who do not have any family members who can read. We have students who do not know many others that have earned their high school diplomas. We have immigrants who work hard in this state and want the benefits of being a United States Citizen.
When you have adult students coming to invest in themselves, it doesn’t just change the direction of their own lives; it can change the people around them. Suddenly you have people learning to read who are excited to share this with their family members. You see adults finishing their High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) and getting their diploma and telling their coworkers it is possible for them to do the same. Adult learners come through our classroom doors and talk about how they never felt like they could dream big for their own lives because of their lack of schooling, or that they have missed out because of it.
Every good thing that our students have because of CLC classes is a direct result of their hard work and the hard work of the CLC team. These results could not happen without students and Community Literacy Centers staff and volunteers working together.
Our Staff
Sharron Jackson-Glover
President & CEO
Cheryl Macdonald
Operations Manager
Monica Cruz Weaver
Education Program Coordinator
Melissa Meyers
Grants Coordinator
Beth Landon
Reading Partners Coordinator
Our Teachers
Students learn from our professional and caring instructors.
Bruce Caplinger
Cecilia Hernandez-Cromwell
Beth Landon, LEAP Program Support Specialist/Reading Partners Coordinator
Hannah Bellmer
Sherry Bouchereau
John Brown
Amy Fudge
Carley Keesee
Timi Matlack
Barbara Reid
Nita Wood
Angelica Villalobos Escabedo
LEAP Support Specialist
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Our Reading Partners
These volunteers work with current and past students to help them grow their skills and learning.
Hannah Bellmer
John Brown
Bruce Caplinger
Carissa Egan (volunteer)
Joanne Harkin
Deveryle James
Dennis Jowaisas
Beth Landon, Reading Partners Coordinator
Timi Matlack
Beth Mikkola (volunteer)
Exsa Smith
Tamala Young
Members of Our Board
Meet the people who help guide our mission forward
Erin D. Batey
President
Erin D. Batey
President
With over 28 years of industry experience, Erin joined Quail Creek Bank in 2009 to develop treasury management services for the bank’s corporate clientele. She was promoted to Senior Vice President in 2012 and transitioned into this new role as the Chief Communication & Innovation Officer in the Fall of 2017 overseeing all treasury services, product development, and digital communications. Erin’s previous banking experience includes management roles in both lending and depository areas of banking.
Erin is a graduate of Oklahoma State University holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting & Economics, as well as a Master’s degree in Banking from the University of Colorado.
Erin has served in numerous leadership roles, both civic and charitable, including but not limited to Central Oklahoma United Way, American Cancer Society, Downtown OKC Kiwanis Club, and LifeChurch.
Michael Leake
Past President
Michael Leake
Past President
Michael T. Leake, Jr., JD, is an Oklahoma City native who graduated from The University of Oklahoma and went on to Oklahoma City University School of Law where he earned his Juris Doctor in 2016.
While in school, he served as the law advancement ambassador at OCU’s School of Law as well as a legal intern at Wiggins, Sewell, & Ogletree. The law firm liked Michael so much that after he graduated law school and passed the Bar, they offered him an associate lawyer position. He stayed at Wiggins, Sewell, & Ogletree until he was appointed as the Oklahoma State Board of Osteopathic Examiners new Executive Director in April of 2020. Michael also serves on his neighborhood homeowners association and as President of the Community Literacy Centers Board of Directors.
Michael is the loving husband to his wife Sheridan and proud father of George and their two golden doodles, Teddy & Hannah. He loves his fellow Americans, OU football, cars, and shooting guns.
Alice Brookshire
VP, Chief Accounting Officer – American Fidelity
Alice Brookshire
VP, Chief Accounting Officer – American Fidelity
Amaziah “Dom” Dominic
Director of Client Relations, Dillingham Benefits
AMAZIAH “DOM” DOMINIC
Amaziah “Dom” Dominic spent 40 years as a servant leader for the country and community. His professional experience includes Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt) in the USAF, President, Providence Homeowners, Grandmaster in Tae Kwon Do, Director, Client Relations at Dillingham Benefits, Carlton Landing HOA Officer, Carlton Landing TIF Committee Officer, Carlton Landing Board of Adjustment, and the positions below.
Director of Client Relations with Dillingham Benefits, focusing on building, retaining client partnerships, and ensuring services benefit the clients.
Adjunct Professor at Langston University provided academic leadership and created an effective learning environment in service to the community.
CMSgt served as Chief Enlisted Manager for 1,600-Airmen, advising group commanders on worldwide deployment and a $1.2 billion budget.
President, Providence HOA, managed a budget of $60,000 annually for two years. Oversaw the paving of the roads, added additional security in the gated community, and signed contracts with companies to manage the pools and the cutting of the grass in the common areas.
President of Dominic’s Karate Academy provided a sense of community to students studying Tae Kwon Do—enhancing student confidence through training and competition.
Carlton Landing Board of Adjustment works on any zoning ordinance in the town of Carlton Landing, Oklahoma.
Carlton Landing TIF Committee Officer, responsible for working with the Engineer on working on proposals and scope of work within the building infrastructure in Carlton Landing.
Carlton Landing HOA Officer carefully reviews and understands the HOA’s governing documents, bylaws, and articles of incorporation and enforces provisions of the declaration.
Rosie Dominic
Director of Human Resources, Century Martial Arts
Rosie Dominic
Director of Human Resources, Century Martial Arts
Rosie Dominic is a highly accomplished Human Resources Director with a wealth of experience in the martial arts industry. As the Human Resources Director for Century Martial Arts, the world leader in martial art products and the largest manufacturer and distributor of individual contact sports equipment, Rosie plays a pivotal role in driving the organization’s success.
With over 25 years of experience in HR and accounting, Rosie has worked in various industries, including lending, services, and manufacturing. Her expertise spans a wide range of HR competencies, including total rewards management, compliance, employee engagement, labor relations, training, career development, leadership and employee counseling, mentoring, and recruiting. Rosie’s strengths lie in providing strategic advice to executive leadership and operational managers, as well as fostering an ethical and high-performing culture within organizations.
Rosie holds a Bachelor of Administration in Accounting from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University. She is also certified as a SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP, demonstrating her commitment to staying current with industry best practices.
Beyond her professional achievements, Rosie is actively involved in personal activities that contribute to the community. She serves as an Adjunct Professor at Langston University, where she shares her knowledge and expertise with aspiring HR professionals. Rosie is also a member of Impact Oklahoma, a philanthropic community of women providing grants to deserving Oklahoma initiatives. She is a proud member of the Forbes Human Resources Council and serves as a committee member for the YMCA Purple Sash Fundraiser. Additionally, Rosie is a dedicated board member for the Carlton Landing Volunteer Fire Department.
Rosie’s passion for diversity and inclusion is evident in her published work. Her article, “Intentional Alliances: Achieving Real Diversity, One Relationship at A Time,” was featured in Forbes on July 14, 2021. In this thought-provoking piece, Rosie explores the importance of building genuine relationships to foster diversity and create a more inclusive workplace.
With her extensive experience, commitment to ethical leadership, and dedication to community involvement, Rosie Dominic is a valuable asset to Century Martial Arts and a respected figure in the field of Human Resources.
Renina Forshee
Owner, Friendly Circle CDC LLC
Renina Forshee
Owner, Friendly Circle CDC LLC
Renina D. Forshee owns and operates Friendly Circle Child Development Center in Edmond, OK and We are the Village Learning Center in Oklahoma City, OK. She has been in business since 2007 and provides care for 200 children between both childcare programs.
Renina, is a proud graduate of Frederick A. Douglass High School, Oklahoma City Community College, and University of Central Oklahoma.
Ms. Forshee currently serves as the 3rd Vice President on the National Oklahoma City Douglass High School Alumni Association. She is an advisory board member of Metro Tech Early Childhood Education program as well.
Renina enjoys spending time with her 3 daughters, traveling, listening to live music, and being active in her community. In her spare time, she is sure to be doing a DIY project or learning something new. She never meets a stranger, and she believes in the importance of relationships and networking with others.
Jeffrey Jalbert
Vice President, Bank First
Tammy Millington
Banking Officer, Executive Assistant, and Board Secretary, First Fidelity Bank.
Tammy Millington serves as Banking Officer, Executive Assistant, and Board Secretary for First Fidelity Bank. Tammy has been with First Fidelity Bank for over 30 years, serving in various roles, including Administrative Assistant, Retail Assistant, CIF Representative, Branch Manager, Assistant Branch Manager, Personal Banker, and Teller.
Tammy is an Oklahoma native who graduated from Noble High School. She has attended some college classes and career development courses over the years.
Tammy has a passion for helping others and goes above and beyond to assist where needed. Tammy is very organized and detail oriented. She has very strong interpersonal, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
Tammy has been active with several charitable activities at First Fidelity Bank and previously served on the board for the Kiwanis Club of Moore. Tammy recently completed 4 years of service as Vice-President of the First Fidelity Bank Family Foundation.
Tammy lives in Choctaw with her husband, Jeff. They have two children, Conner Millington and Katelyn Millington.
Jacob Rosecrants
Oklahoma State Representative, District 46
Jacob Rosecrants
Oklahoma State Representative, District 46
Jacob was born in Oklahoma City, and has lived in Norman for the better part of 30 years. Shortly after graduation from Norman High School, he decided that being a teacher was his goal. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2008, as a History major with a minor in Classical Cultures. He became a teacher in 2012 and has been teaching at the high school and middle school levels in Oklahoma City Public Schools ever since. This experience gave Jacob a unique perspective into many of the issues and trauma facing children today and drove him to take action. It is his passion to do all he can to help children through positive advocacy and common sense bipartisan legislation.
Jacob has been a loud activist for public education for years, with his main concerns being the lack of funding given to schools, low pay for teachers, and the harmful high-stakes tests that are unnecessarily forced upon students, especially in lower income schools. As an Oklahoma State Representative, he recently authored and passed the Oklahoma Play to Learn Act (HB 1569), which empowers early childhood educators to teach with play in their classrooms. To help students achieve better academic, mental health, and physical health outcomes, Jacob is currently working on a bill to require at least 40 minutes of recess for pre-K through 8th grade students in public schools.
Before becoming a Representative in 2017, Jacob taught 7th grade Geography at Roosevelt Middle School in Southwest Oklahoma City. He has a passion for public education, has the patience to listen to constituents, and has the strength and ability to help our communities to progress into the future.
He is the father of two children, Spencer and Jonah, and four dogs, all of whom he raises alongside his long-time partner, Robin. Both children attend Norman Public Schools.
At Community Literacy Centers, We Are Excited About The Future
Every day our free adult learning programs gives learners the confidence to try new things, learn better literacy skills, overcome challenges, and inspire change in their own communities. With every class taken, High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) diploma earned, and steps taken towards U.S. citizenship, it creates a ripple effect of hope and opportunity that’s growing stronger across Oklahoma.
As we look forward, our commitment remains the same – to create a community where every adult has the chance to learn, grow, and succeed. We are proud of our history and even more excited about the future we are building together. When you support CLC, whether by joining our classes, volunteering, or donating, you help us create lasting and positive change. The future is full of promise, and we can’t wait to see how Community Literacy Centers continues to change the lives of Oklahomans.
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Donor Privacy Policy
We respect the privacy of our donors. We retain donor information in a secure database where it is used to verify transactions, print receipts, thank supporters for their contributions, keep supporters informed and solicit future donations. We do not keep credit card information in this database. We provide information to our board members and staff on a confidential, need-to-know basis. We do not share or trade our donors’ names or personal information with others, and we do not sell that information. We release donor information to other agencies if they are receiving funds specifically designated by the donor, unless the donor has directed us otherwise. We do not send mailings to our donors on behalf of others.