JUNE/JULYNEWSLETTER | 2023

Although Juneteenth has been celebrated for more than a century through pilgrimages, dance, food, and celebration, it became a federal holiday in 2021. Find out more about the rise and fall - and rise again - of Juneteenth here.

Welcome Note

June and July represent two important months in the social justice movement towards equity: LGBTQ+ Pride and Disability Pride Months. These movements are courageous acts to demand equal rights for all people. Both individuals with disabilities and those who identify as LGBTQ+ have faced an uphill battle against a society that isn't designed for them, and many of their challenges mirror the challenges our students face: feeling like an outsider, not seeing their stories or perspectives represented in the dominant narrative, and struggling to gain equal access.


At Literacy Source, we understand systemic injustices and oppression lead to unequal opportunities and barriers to participation, which is why we, much like the LQBTQ+ and disability rights community, are committed to creating equal access. We believe in the right to education, and we are proud of the contributions our entire team - students, staff, volunteers, and supporters - make towards creating a more equitable world.


There is evidence of the progress our students make in the projects they create: whether making monthly budget spreadsheets in our Basic Computer Skills class or writing stories about different types of needs (such as nutrition and housing) in one of our ESOL classes. Our students learn real world skills that help them to express themselves, connect with and impact the world around them, and create new opportunities for themselves, their families, and their community.


In Community,

Cat Howell

Co-ED, Educational Director

Shira Rosen

Co-ED, Managing Director

Departing Board Members


Join us as we say goodbye to two of our beloved board members! Thanks to you both for all the time and energy you devoted to Literacy Source.

Mary has served on our board for three years, most recently as Vice President. She is a sociologist with expertise in inequalities, particularly related to gender, sexuality, and race. She first joined Literacy Source as a class assistant and has also been an important contributor to our DEI work. She will be missed!


Mary had this to say about her experience with Literacy Source: "It has been an honor to work alongside the other Directors and staff at Literacy Source. I continue to believe this organization is doing some of the most powerful, life-changing work for the community in Seattle and although I am stepping away, I will not be far! Thank you, Literacy Source, for welcoming me and being such a significant part of my life the last three years."


Craig served as Treasurer on our board. He started his career in the Peace Corp and continued working in international development and non-profit work across Europe and ultimately in Seattle. His passion for working with immigrants and refugees led him to Literacy Source, and we are thankful that it did!

We will also be welcoming five new board members in the coming months so stay tuned...

So Long, Phil!


Phil Zoshak, our Development Director, has left to pursue other endeavors. His talent and pizzazz were such an asset to our team for the past two and a half years. We wish him all the best!


Which means we are looking for a new development director! Please see the below job announcements to find out more.

Literacy Source is Hiring


Please help us spread the word!


Fund Development Manager (Full-Time)


ESOL, Citizenship, Workplace or Ready to Work ESOL Instructional Advisor (Full and/or Part-Time available)


Americorps Positions:


VISTA Outreach & Systems Coordinator


ESOL/Citizenship Instructional Support Adult Basic Education


Digital Literacy Instructional Support


For all Americorps positions, please contact Caroline for more details.

3200 NE 125th St, Seattle, WA 98125 | (206) 782-2050



www.literacysource.org

Literacy Source is on the traditional lands of the Duwamish people, and we pay our respect to elders both past and present. To support the revival of Duwamish culture and the vitality of the Duwamish Tribe, please consider signing this petition to federally recognize them, or consider making a donation to Real Rent Duwamish. 

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