LITERACY SOURCE
This organization has already been registered
Someone in your organization has already registered and setup an account. would you like to join their team?Profile owner : s*****h@l************e.o*g
Mission Statement
Since 1986, Literacy Source has helped transform lives in the greater Seattle community by providing free classes, tutoring and learning resources for low-income adults who want to improve their basic reading, writing, math and computer skills; learn English; study for a GED; or prepare to become citizens. Each year, we coordinate and train over 200 volunteers who provide small group and one-on-one instruction to nearly 600 adults.
About This Cause
Since 1986, Literacy Source has worked to strengthen the greater Seattle community by empowering adults to become educated, employed citizens. Our programs include, but are not limited to: •Basic skills instruction in reading, writing and math • Integrated, individualized and classroom computer instruction • English as a Second Language instruction for immigrants and refugees • GED preparation • Assistance with Naturalization applications for Citizenship students, and • Transitions Class at King County Corrections Facility In addition to the classes held at our Center in the Lake City neighborhood of Seattle, we offer classes in South King County, at the King County Corrections Facility, and at area hospitals in partnership with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Our learners range in age from 18-86 and speak more than 62 languages representing 78 nations. Our adult students are struggling at the margins of the American dream because they lack basic literacy skills, either because of limited English proficiency or the lack of suitable education. 62% of our students have less than 12 years of school and fully 40% less than 9 years. Low literacy and/or English language skills prevent too many adults from getting, keeping, and advancing in jobs, raising school-ready children, supporting their children’s learning and ultimately fully participating in our community. The truth about adult literacy in the United States is shocking. According to the National Assessment of Adult Literacy, 43% of adults in the United States can’t read and comprehend a document above the 8th grade level. 14% of the adults in the U.S. read below a 5th grade level – far below the level needed to earn a living wage in the 21st century economy. Seattle is one of most literate cities in nation and yet upwards of 15% of adults here are not functionally literate – meaning such simple tasks as filling out a job application or reading a prescription label is out of reach. If you’re not functionally literate, you are ten times more likely to live in poverty. An estimated 67% of the jobs in Washington State require some sort of post-secondary education. But this statistic isn’t just about what we need to do to prepare our children – it’s about what we need to do now. Around 80% of the workforce will consist either of adults currently in the workforce of those trying to enter the workforce today. That means we also need to focus on adult education. Adult education is an investment in the future of our nation. Literacy Source understands that basic literacy is one of the many crucial steps on the path to self-sufficiency, and provides language and basic skills instruction to reduce the barriers faced by too many adults in our community. Adult literacy makes a permanent change in people’s lives. Because of multiple barriers including language, racial discrimination and poverty, adults who come to us are generally unprepared for the demands of the current economy, and unable to succeed in a traditional classroom setting without individualized support. The average Literacy Source student faces constant challenges in finding adequate and affordable childcare and dependable transportation. Many of our students have limitations caused by health issues, disabilities or culture shock. Literacy Source offers unique and flexible programming that meets the needs of these underserved adults. With a commitment to lifelong learning and self-empowerment, we strive to make our services ever more accessible and tailored to each learner. Area community and technical colleges do much to address the needs of adults who seek to improve their basic skills or learn English, but many individuals face barriers that prevent them from attending community college classes or need more individualized support than large classes can provide. Community-based organizations like Literacy Source provide a critical service by prioritizing services for low-income, high-need students who may need more flexible scheduling, individualized instruction and/or on-going support and guidance to succeed. Coordination between staff and volunteers allows us to maximize the number of students we serve, as well as the attention each student receives. A staff Instructional Advising Team develops curricula, counsels students, and trains volunteer teachers and tutors. Literacy Source has built up a volunteer team of over 200 instructors, enabling us to provide highly personalized education to a growing student body. Class size at Literacy Source typically ranges from 8-12, and literacy students also receive an additional three hours of weekly one-on-one tutoring. Our world is changing fast, and being part of the 21st century workplace requires new and ever more challenging skills. This year we’re continuing to build on our strengths and responding to emerging community needs. We’re continually asking ourselves what it really takes in today’s economy to provide support for a low literate adult to move along the path of self-sufficiency. Our immediate goals are to: • increase family literacy programming to help parents improve their own reading and writing skills and empower them as their child’s first and foremost teacher • help our students with the skills needed to navigate complex systems (applying for citizenship, enrolling in healthcare, communicating with their children’s school systems, navigating the internet, filling out job applications, etc.) • add classes in South King County to meet growing demand • add financial literacy classes to help our students build a more secure financial future and make wise decisions in today’s challenging economy • work in partnership with SEIU, transitional housing programs, and others to provide basic skills and English instruction to support workforce skills. At Literacy Source, we’re working with highly motivated adults who want to change their future by improving their literacy skills. Please join us.