Literacy Chicago
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Empowering individuals to achieve greater self sufficiency through language and literacy instruction.
A classroom is more than just four walls. It is a place where confidence is rebuilt, opportunities begin, and lives change.
Last week, we came together to celebrate the naming of the Ivy Abrams Classroom, where adult learners will strengthen their
reading, writing, and comprehension skills. For many students, taking that first step into a classroom again can feel overwhelming. But spaces like this help create encouragement, dignity, support, and hope.
You can support us in continuing this mission. Head to literacychicago.org to get involved today.
Local flower shop Ella's Essence has been creating magical blooms for our annual gala the last three years, and she is ready to bloom with us again next month 🌻
Hear from Ella herself on the mission behind her shop and why she supports organization like Literacy Chicago. Still haven't bought your tickets to Literacy in Bloom? There is still time! Click the link below to get yours today.
https://givebutter.com/c/LiteracyinBloom2026
05/27/2026
It's GIVEAWAY TIME! We are providing two FREE tickets to our annual Literacy in Bloom gala happening in June.
Enjoy an evening celebrating the progress we see every year through the power of learning and connecting. This year's gala will include a one-on-one chat with New York Times best-selling author Scott Turow, and you won't want to miss it.
How to enter:
🌻 Comment on this post and let us know who you would bring with you to Literacy in Bloom
🌻 Share this post to your story on Facebook or Instagram (or both!)
🌻 Make sure you are following Literacy Chicago on Facebook and Instagram
Winners will be announced* at 10 AM, JUNE 3 (*make sure to check your DMs and our story for winner communications). We can't wait to bloom with you next month.
Not a goodbye, but a see you later! We want to send a big congratulations and good luck to volunteer Rachel as she transitions from volunteer tutor at Literacy Chicago to full time medical school student.
In Rachel's words, "The students have become like brothers and sisters to me... as someone in their 20's coming into the world, they have taught me so much about the world and people around me."
Want to make a lasting impact on adults in Chicago like Rachel? Sign up to become a tutor: literacychicago.org/become-a-tutor/
05/14/2026
Early bird tickets for this year's Literacy in Bloom Gala are about to fly away 🐝 Your chance to snag a discount on your ticket ends TOMORROW, May 15!
Join us in celebrating the power of adult education and community. Participate in a silent auction for prize packages from private dinners to sports tickets. Enjoy delicious food and drinks, and hear inspiring stories from award-winning learners and volunteers.
You won't want to miss our one-on-one chat with New York Times best-selling author Scott Turow! His books have been translated into more than forty languages and sold more than thirty million copies worldwide.
Grab your tickets now at the link below:
https://givebutter.com/c/LiteracyinBloom2026chance
05/08/2026
We’re thrilled to celebrate two incredible members of the Literacy Chicago community for receiving statewide recognition from the Secretary of State Department! 🎉
The Spotlight on Service & Achievement Awards, presented by State Library Director Greg McCormick, honor individuals making a powerful impact in adult literacy across Illinois. This year, volunteer tutor Michelle Gill and adult literacy student Deshon Johnson were part of the awardees!
✨ Michelle Gill received the Spotlight on Service Award for her extraordinary dedication, leadership, and compassion as a volunteer tutor. Since joining Literacy Chicago in 2024, Michelle has stepped up again and again. From tutoring math and digital literacy students, supporting one-on-one learners, and even helping lead one of our most successful Spring Galas in recent years.
As Michelle said:
“I volunteer at Literacy Chicago because I know literacy is the foundation for independence and dignity.”
Her students know she “has their back,” and her belief in every learner’s potential shines through in everything she does.
✨ Deshon Johnson received the Spotlight on Achievement Award for his remarkable literacy journey and unwavering determination. When Deshon rejoined Literacy Chicago in 2024, he wanted to improve his literacy levels to get his GED. In just over a year, he advanced by 4 grade levels, an extraordinary achievement fueled by hard work, resilience, and the support of his tutor.
Today, Deshon is working toward earning his GED, writing his autobiography, serving on Literacy Chicago’s Associate Board, and growing his own chauffeuring business.
In Deshon’s words:
“Becoming a part of Literacy Chicago has changed my life… It’s like a dream come true.”
and:
“I want everybody to know the sky’s the limit.”
Michelle and Deshon embody the power of literacy, education, and community. Please join us in congratulating them on this well-deserved recognition! 💙📚
04/30/2026
We’re proud to see Literacy Chicago leadership featured in the Chicago Sun-Times! 👏
In a new op-ed, Executive Director Richard Dominguez and Director of Programs Joanne Telser-Frère, along with Harvey J. Graff, Ph.D., explore an important (and often overlooked) issue: how adult literacy impacts people navigating the justice system.
The piece highlights why clear communication and access to education matter, not just in classrooms, but in everyday life.
At Literacy Chicago, we see every day how stronger literacy skills open doors, build confidence, and create new opportunities. This article is a great reminder of just how far that impact can reach.
👉 Read the full op-ed:
When alleged offenders can barely read, the justice system breaks down Police and prosecutors must be trained to better communicate with people who read at low levels.
04/23/2026
Our volunteer tutors are the driving force of our organization. Most volunteers join Literacy Chicago because they want to help someone, and stay because of what they get back.
Want to make a difference in the lives of adult Chicagoans? Our next volunteer tutor training is in May! Learn more and sign up to start your volunteer journey at the link below:
https://literacychicago.org/become-a-tutor/
Come for the fun, stay for the impact!
This year's Literacy in Bloom Gala is where powerful stories, vibrant community, and unforgettable moments come together on one eventful night.
This year's Gala will also feature a one-on-one chat with New York Times best-selling author Scott Turow!
Grab your early bird tickets before May 15 at https://givebutter.com/c/LiteracyinBloom2026
04/03/2026
Every word learned opens a new door. 📚✨
Nearly 1 in 4 adults in Chicago struggle with basic reading, writing, or English skills, but together, we can change that. Your donation helps empower learners and strengthen our communities.
Give today at the link below. A donation as little as $25 provides reading and learning materials for up to five adult learners.
givebutter.com/supportliteracychicago
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Telephone
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Address
641 W. Lake Street, Suite 104
Chicago, IL
60661
Opening Hours
| Monday | 9am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 5pm |
| Friday | 9am - 5pm |