Jones’ story of illiteracy is shared among 20% of Americans, or 43 million people, according to a 2019 study from the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies. In Florida, estimates from the Institute of Education Sciences in 2017 indicate that illiteracy rates are between 24 to 26%.
Dream On Purpose, a non-profit empowerment organization for girls between the ages of 11 and 18, is celebrating seven years of helping Alachua County girls build their self-esteem. The organization hopes in the next few years to expand beyond Alachua County and open a center that can be a haven for girls.