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| World Education Day, observed January 24, recognizes education as a human right and a foundation for peace and development. At Literacy Source, it reflects our commitment to inclusive, equitable adult education that builds skills, confidence, and opportunity. | |
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As we begin a new year, we want to wish you a warm and heartfelt Happy New Year. In turning the page from one year to the next, January offers a moment to pause, take stock of what we have learned, and consider what lies ahead. Across Literacy Source, that reflection took shape in the final projects students completed at the close of fall quarter. These projects invited students to demonstrate what they have learned, apply new skills in meaningful ways, and celebrate their growth alongside classmates, instructors, and volunteers. From workplace readiness to academic writing and everyday communication, students closed the quarter by showing not just what they know, but what they can do.
In Ready to Work, students participated in practice interviews with instructors and case managers, strengthening real-world communication skills. ESOL 1 students built confidence by writing and speaking about their daily schedules, while ESOL 2 and ESOL 2/3 students presented on what it means to be a successful student, blending language practice with reflection. ESOL 4/5 students completed compare-and-contrast essays (spanning a broad and impressive spectrum!) and short presentations that demonstrated growing academic thinking and expression. Academic English students engaged in community service projects: From puppet shows at the local library to volunteer roles at the Seattle Aquarium educating the public about the importance of environmental education, students found creative and powerful ways to connect language learning with civic engagement. As well, our Conversation Circles offered students English practice in welcoming, community-based spaces where instructors and volunteers consistently observed growing confidence, stronger grammar and vocabulary, and meaningful connections that bring learners back week after week.
These learning milestones reflect tremendous perseverance and commitment as our students navigate real barriers while building skills that support their goals, their families, and their futures. None of this would be possible without the contributions of each and every member of this community. We look forward to another year of growth, learning, and celebration with you.
In Community,
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Cat Howell
Co-ED, Educational Director
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Shira Rosen
Co-ED, Managing Director
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Volunteer Spotlight: Margrit S
This month we are thrilled to feature Margrit as our Volunteer Spotlight. Margrit is one of our highly valued tutors that form the backbone of our mission at Literacy Source. Volunteering since 2017 (over 785 hours) she has quietly persevered with 4 different higher-level students helping them with writing and ESOL skills. We are so grateful for her support, commitment to learning, and continued dedication!
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Where are you originally from? If you’re not from Seattle what brought you here?
I was born in California, but at the age of nine my parents decided to move back to Switzerland, their country of origin. After obtaining my university degree my husband and I came to the US with the intension to stay for 2-3 years. The stay turned out to be permanent when we both got jobs at the University of Washington after two years in California.
You can read Margrit's full interview here.
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New Partnership: Seattle Children's Hospital
We're excited to announce our new partnership with Seattle Children's Hospital (SCH)! Starting in the Fall of 2025, Literacy Source began providing customized Adult Basic Education and digital literacy instruction to hospital employees within the Environmental Services division.
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| Tailored to specific outcomes, this on-site workplace literacy class typically lasts 10 weeks and focuses on practical skills like navigating the SCH's employee website, managing digital timecards, and using Microsoft Outlook. Megan Dalton has taken on the instructional role, and her class in the fall was immediately full. For now, this partnership is through the end of August, and we have high hopes for students' learning and professional development. | | Recent federal immigration policy changes have made the naturalization and immigration process significantly more complicated and uncertain. Adjudication of many immigration benefits has been paused or slowed, interviews are being canceled or delayed, and vetting standards, including “good moral character,” are changing in unclear ways. Even applicants who have studied for years and followed every rule may now face long waits with no timeline or shifting requirements. | | | This matters deeply for our citizenship students and case-managed clients. Tutors and instructors are supporting learners who must keep studying and showing up, even when their path forward feels uncertain. One meaningful way to respond is through public comment, which allows community members to share how policies affect real people. While some comment periods may close, this guide explains how to submit comments on federal regulations and why they matter. | | |
Stay at Home Tea Update
Thanks to your generosity we’ve ended 2025 by raising $81,600 during our Stay at Home Tea- year-end fundraiser! To help us reach our goal of $85,000 you can still donate through the month of January. For all qualifying donations made in 2025 you will be receiving your year-end tax receipt the 2nd week of January via email, unless it’s been requested to be sent via mail. Your generosity in 2025 has made a huge impact, thank you!
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Literacy Source Annual Fundraising Luncheon
It’s our 40th Anniversary! Celebrate with us during our luncheon on April 24th. More details coming soon!
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Now Hiring!
Volunteer Program Manager
This position manages, coordinates, and maintains a comprehensive volunteer management program to orchestrate a community of 200+ volunteers who provide crucial support to Literacy Source services. In addition to providing direction and coordination of all volunteer functions, the VPM will coordinate outreach, recruitment, training, and ongoing tracking and maintenance of both on-site and off-site volunteers. The VPM also coordinates and supervises WSC AmeriCorps and VISTA programs and members...
For a full job description and How to Apply, click here.
Americorps VISTA, Outreach, Systems, and Library Coordinator
Make a difference! Join Literacy Source and support our work of providing quality education in foundational skills to help people be successful and self-sufficient in their lives. This VISTA project will serve low-literacy, under-resourced King County, WA community members. Help increase literacy rates of the highest-need community members, thereby improving economic outcomes, and reducing poverty for county residents...
For a full job description and How to Apply, click here.
| | Ready to engage further with Literacy Source? | | To make a difference in the lives of others | | To invest in something that makes a lasting impact | | To have a strong and thriving workplace | | | | |
