t Better Basics, our mission is to advance literacy by providing reading intervention and enrichment in high-need schools. 

Better Basics, Inc., a 501(c) (3), non-profit United Way agency, was incorporated in 1994 and is not affiliated with any other group or organization.

Our programs began in one Birmingham City elementary school in 1994. Since then, we have been invited into over 40 schools in Birmingham and surrounding school systems. Over 100 staff members and 460 volunteers helped struggling young readers
make great strides in reading and learning skills. During the 2005-2006 school year, we tutored almost 1,200 students, gave away over 38,000 books to 4th graders, educated several hundred parents, and provided enrichment programs to thousands of students.

Better Basics enjoys the financial support of foundations, businesses, individuals, and the United Way of Central Alabama, a member agency since 1998.