To fulfill the promise of a basic human right: to read, write, and interpret the world

Literacy Works supports community-based adult and family literacy programs throughout Chicago. Each year, we train over 800 volunteer tutors and literacy professionals to provide excellent instruction in Adult Basic Education and English as a Second Language to nearly 10,000 adult learners. In addition, more than 150 learners benefit from our direct instruction in creative writing, employment literacy, and family literacy.

Unique in Chicago, Literacy Works is distinguished by its:

• Emphasis on collaboration: Rather than replicate adult and family literacy services, we seek to strengthen existing programs by offering professional development to staff, training to tutors, and opportunities for educators to convene to share ideas and learn best practices in the literacy field.
• Promotion of volunteerism: We equip community members with on-going training opportunities to maximize the effectiveness of their work with adult learners at community-based literacy organizations.
• Holistic approach to literacy instruction: We recognize that adult learners are motivated by a range of factors, including job attainment, improved personal expression, and increased participation in their children’s education. As a result, we provide and encourage instruction that acknowledges learners’ unique life circumstances, affirms their prior knowledge, and addresses their goals.

Literacy Works
c/o 6216 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60660
(773) 334-8255
www.litworks.org