About Us


MISSION

Literacy Works' mission is to fulfill the promise of a basic human right: to read, write, and interpret the world. To accomplish its mission, Literacy Works promotes adult literacy and family literacy in Chicago through training to volunteer tutors, unique workshops for adult literacy students, and an array of services that strengthen community-based adult and family literacy programs.

NEED

In Chicago, half a million adults cannot read, write, or speak English well enough to meet their own goals for education, employment, and enrichment for themselves and their families.

HISTORY

Organized in 1995 by four community-based agencies struggling with the challenges of volunteer-driven literacy programs, Literacy Works was awarded 501(c)(3) status in 2001. Today Literacy Works has a membership of 50 adult literacy and family literacy programs throughout the Chicago area.

Each year, Literacy Works:

  • trains over 600 community volunteers who teach thousands of teen and adult learners enrolled in Chicago-area literacy programs;
  • provides training and networking opportunities to community-based adult literacy and family literacy programs;
  • instructs over 60 adult learners in three specialized areas: writing skills, employment literacy, and family literacy.

INSPIRATION

Literacy Works is rooted in Popular Education and the worldwide movement for universal access to literacy; leaders from Paulo Freire to John Dewey have inspired our efforts. We are united in our commitment to these principles:

  • All people have the right to literacy.
  • Literacy has the power to transform lives.

         

Mission