Non-Profit Clinic Provided Free Tutoring Since 2018
On the Mark offers free dyslexia reading support to children out of a Green Bay church basement.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Special Needs
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Since its founding in 2018, the non-profit clinic On the Mark has provided free, one-on-one reading tutoring to children in Green Bay. The organization operates out of the Union Congregational Church to help students struggling with dyslexia.
Why it matters
The clinic utilizes a donation-based model to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent children from accessing essential literacy instruction. This approach is critical as approximately one in five people experience some form of dyslexia.
The clinic requires a one-time $25 registration fee, after which tutoring is provided free of charge. Approximately 20 volunteer tutors currently assist 70 children through 50-minute sessions held twice weekly.
The players
On the Mark
This non-profit dyslexia clinic provides free reading tutoring services to children in Green Bay.
Pat Shafer
Pat Shafer is the individual who founded the On the Mark clinic in 2018.
Union Congregational Church
This institution serves as the physical location for the On the Mark clinic in Green Bay.
The details
Tutors at the clinic employ structured instructional approaches designed to help students decode words and improve reading fluency. The program relies on a dedicated team of volunteers to deliver personalized support to children at the facility.
Timeline
Pat Shafer founded the On the Mark clinic in 2018.
The clinic's operational status was reported as of October 11, 2026.
Culture Shift
The rise of non-profit tutoring centers reflects a growing societal move toward community-led solutions for neurodivergent learning needs. This model highlights a shift away from exclusively private, high-cost educational support for dyslexia.
Families in the area seeking support should anticipate a wait time of approximately two years due to current demand. While tutoring is free, parents must plan for the initial one-time $25 registration fee.
The takeaway
Early intervention remains vital for children struggling with reading fluency and word decoding. Parents should explore local non-profit options early, as high demand often results in significant wait times for specialized dyslexia services.
Further reading
For more information on support resources, see Special Needs in Green Bay.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WLUK.
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Should local communities rely on volunteer-run clinics to support children who struggle with literacy?
