Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute (PPGJLI) has been named Midway Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit of the Month, presented by Blaze Credit Union, in recognition of its transformative leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing literacy, equity, and community wellness.
Serving the Midway community and beyond, PPGJLI uses literary arts as a catalyst for change by strengthening literacy outcomes while fostering healing, leadership development, and meaningful intergenerational connection. At a time when communities nationwide are confronting a persistent reading crisis, PPGJLI responds with culturally grounded programming that affirms identity, celebrates joy, and empowers families to grow together.
Through signature initiatives such as Leaders Are Readers, PPGJLI brings elders, youth, and families into shared spaces where storytelling becomes a bridge across generations. These programs not only improve reading proficiency but also cultivate confidence, belonging, and a lifelong love of learning. By centering diverse voices and lived experiences, PPGJLI demonstrates that literacy is more than an academic benchmark. It is a pathway to justice and community transformation.
“This recognition is truly an affirmation of what we have always known — stories change lives,” said Dr. Artika Tyner, Executive Director of Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute. “When we invest in literacy, we are investing in community building. When we create spaces where children see themselves reflected in books, we strengthen their sense of identity and possibility. And when elders and youth gather to share stories, we build bridges that sustain entire communities. The reading crisis is not just about test scores; it is about opportunity, confidence, and connection. At PPGJLI, we believe every child deserves access to books that reflect their brilliance and every family deserves the tools to nurture a culture of reading at home. This recognition fuels our commitment to continue planting seeds of justice: one reader, one story, and one generation at a time.”
The Nonprofit of the Month designation highlights PPGJLI’s measurable impact and its ongoing dedication to creating sustainable, community-centered solutions to literacy disparities.
To learn more about Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute and its programs, visit www.ppgjli.org.
Media Contact
Company Name: Planting People Growing Justice® Leadership Institute
Contact Person: Jacklyn Milton
Phone: (651) 303-6566
City: Saint Paul
State: Minnesota
Country: United States
Website: www.ppgjli.org
