Literacy in Transit! (LIT!) is a grassroots, family-founded youth literacy initiative designed to nurture a love of reading, support early social-emotional development, and promote equitable access to learning resources for children in Camden County, NJ, and surrounding areas. Founded in June 2023 by Dr. Sharon GE Washington-Gilliam and her family, the program was born out of a personal response to bullying, isolation, and limited educational enrichment opportunities faced by their two youngest children in elementary school.

What started as a family effort to create safe, enriching spaces for their daughters has grown into a community-centered model that actively addresses structural barriers to literacy, social development, and youth well-being. These challenges are especially pronounced in Camden County, where homelessness, low high school graduation rates, and limited access to mental health and literacy resources disproportionately affect BIPOC and marginalized youth.

Camden County reports:

• 4th-highest homelessness rate in NJ
• 2nd-highest number of children in care of CP&P (5,459)
• Highest rate of mental health distress (17.4% with 14+ “not good” mental health days/month)
• High depression rates (19.5%), disproportionately affecting Black residents (24%)

These conditions create an environment where many children are disconnected from consistent, culturally responsive, and developmentally appropriate literacy support.

Mission & Primary Aims

LIT! aims to close literacy gaps, support social-emotional development, and provide joyful, consistent learning opportunities through:

• Healthy Friendship & Kindness: Creating safe, welcoming environments for children to connect, collaborate, and develop age-appropriate social skills.
• Literacy Development: Encouraging a lifelong love for reading through hands-on engagement, book donations, and activities that build confidence.
• Physical Activity & Joyful Learning: Supporting mental health and attention through physical movement, outdoor play, and experiential learning.

Key Program Components

• LIT! Hangouts – Monthly gatherings that combine reading time, book donations, cooperative play, and creative activities in parks and libraries.
• LIT! Reading Corners – Weekly small-group reading sessions with free play, one-on-one reading support, and curated book takeaways.
• Book Donations – Every child receives books tailored to their age, interests, and reading level to build personal libraries and promote home learning.
• Community Partnerships – Collaborations with libraries, nonprofits, and educational providers to expand reach and reduce barriers to literacy access.

2023 Highlights

• Program launch in June 2023
• 6 monthly hangouts held in parks and libraries
• 15 consistent youth members
• 150 books donated in first 6 months

2024 Highlights

• 129 children engaged in program activities
• 447 books donated to support home literacy
• 12 hangouts hosted in 7 libraries and 5 parks

Eligibility	Children K-4
Age Groups	Children
Community Services	Arts & Recreation Recreation / Social / Sports Basic Needs / Assistance Accepts Donations of Goods Community Community Education Education Early Childhood Education Educational Services Tutoring / Enrichment Family & Support Services Youth Groups
Payment Types	Free Low Cost / Donation Self Pay
Areas Served	Camden County Cumberland County Gloucester County

Last Updated: 06/05/25