We support families

Bright Futures Begin With Strong Readers – Free Tutoring for kids in need.

Family Learning Institute is a volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to providing free tutoring for low-income students in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, helping them achieve grade-level reading proficiency in grades 2-5.

Our Impact

Get Involved : Volunteer Today, Help Kids Excel Tomorrow!   Get Involved : Volunteer Today, Help Kids Excel Tomorrow!   Get Involved : Volunteer Today, Help Kids Excel Tomorrow!Get Involved : Volunteer Today, Help Kids Excel Tomorrow!   Get Involved : Volunteer Today, Help Kids Excel Tomorrow!   Get Involved : Volunteer Today, Help Kids Excel Tomorrow!

Our 2025 Sponsors

Become a volunteer and change the life of a child.

Become a Volunteer
Become a tutor

Support a student one hour a week with one-on-one tutoring during the school year at our Ann Arbor location on South Industrial Dr.

Outreach

Tutor one hour a week in our after-school programs at local schools in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti.

Summer Program

FLI offers summer programs in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, partnering with local organizations to prevent summer learning loss.

Virtual Tutor

FLI offers virtual tutoring through our Ypsilanti Program, providing flexible learning support for students.

Who we are

Board of Directors

Paul Dimond, Miller, Canfield, Paddock, and Stone, P.L.C.
Bill Godfrey, Three Oaks Communities
Jennifer Melchi, Jennifer Melchi Design Co
Jennifer Queen, President, A2AC
Wade Smith, Ann Arbor Housing Commission
Rick Sperling, Detroit Excellence in Youth Arts
Jean Waltman, The University of Michigan (Retired)
Rob Wilson, Sensors, Inc
Kathy Wyatt, Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office

Staff

Sharine Buddin, Executive Director
Mary Collins, Academic Director, Ann Arbor
Deborah Joseph, Academic Director, Dicken Elementary
Jennifer Melchi, Program Administrator, Graphic Designer
Caroline Nathans, Director, Ypsilanti
Donna Ramsey, Writing Teacher

volunteer Staff

Susan Johnson, Data Administrator
Larry Krueger, Technology Manager
Mary Maynard, Finance Assistant
Marcia Sage, Librarian
And more than 95 dedicated reading tutors working weekly to support our students!

We love our Community Support

Learn about literacy in Washtenaw County

The Literacy Coalition of Washtenaw County

The Literacy Coalition of Washtenaw County launched its Family Literacy Initiative Campaign!

Family Learning Institute was in attendance during a public event in 2024.

March is reading Month

  • Ann Arbor Chapter of the Links, Inc. is continuing its virtual reading series on YouTube.

    Mia Milton Reads Mahalia Jackson, an American gospel singer widely considered one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century.

    Sonya Jacobs reads Nina Simone, was an American singer, songwriter, musician, arranger, and civil rights activist, and Maya Angelou, an American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist.