FebruaryNEWSLETTER | 2026 | | |
| Many of our community members are celebrating Chinese New Year, a joyful time of family gatherings, red lanterns, and new beginnings that reflects the richness of traditions they bring to our community. If you’re looking to join in the fun around Seattle, here are some great local events and festivities to check out. | |
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This year marks 40 years of Literacy Source, a milestone that belongs to this entire community. What began as an all-volunteer effort serving a few dozen adult learners has grown into a thriving organization with more than 20 staff, 150–200 volunteers each year, and over 1,000 students annually. Even with our move last year into a more open, light-filled space that allows us to serve more learners, demand continues to outpace available funding, and too many people are still waiting for a seat in class. Our mission remains clear: providing accessible, high-quality foundational education for adults. We do this grounded in our values of equity, inclusion, collaboration, lifelong learning, integrity, and celebration, so learners can strengthen English and literacy skills, build digital confidence, prepare for citizenship, advance at work, and better support their families.
This February also marks a historic milestone beyond our organization: the 100th anniversary of Black History Month commemorations. Designated by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, this year’s theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations”, honors the work begun by Carter G. Woodson in 1926 to ensure Black history is preserved, taught, and celebrated. This centennial arrives at a moment when national efforts to roll back Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives and restrict how history is taught threaten inclusive and accurate education. Here in Seattle and across King County, named in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., we will not stay silent as history is erased or rewritten.At Literacy Source, we stand firmly against racism and for education that tells the full truth, because access to learning and access to history are deeply connected.
That commitment is reflected in this month’s student story, about a woman who survived the civil war in Syria and came to the United States determined to rebuild her life through education. Stories like hers remind us why adult education matters, and why our work must continue to grow. As we celebrate four decades of Literacy Source, we invite you to join us at our annual fundraising luncheon at The Mountaineers Club on April 25th at noon, where we will honor our past and invest together in a future where more adults can access the learning, support, and opportunity they are seeking right now.
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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Student Spotlight: Sara K
“All of these experiences have taught me the meaning of never giving up,
staying grateful, and being strong and productive in whatever you’re facing.”
~Sara K, Academic English student at Literacy Source
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Sara’s journey reflects the determination and resilience shared by so many Literacy Source students. Having grown up in Syria during a time of war, she brings with her a deep strength shaped by loss, adaptation, and an enduring belief in possibility. As she builds confidence using English and works toward her career goals in civil engineering, Sara’s story invites us to reflect on what it truly means to keep moving forward, even through profound change.
I come from a small and loving family in the city of Aleppo. I have two siblings, one brother and one sister, both of whom are older than me. Growing up, my family was always my safe place...
You can read Sara's full story here.
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Staff Goodbye
Caroline Socha has made a great impact and brought so much joy to Literacy Source in her 16 years with us. I am both thrilled and saddened to say she will be transitioning into well-deserved retirement...
~Cat Howell, Co- E.D.
You can read more about how Caroline has transformed our volunteer program, as well as hear directly from her about her experience at Literacy Source, here.
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Advocacy Opportunity
Digital equity is essential to adult education. At Literacy Source, learners rely on access to technology and digital skills to attend classes, practice English, search for jobs, access services, and stay connected to their families. Gaps in access can quickly become barriers to progress.
| | | That’s why we’re supporting Digital Opportunity Legislative Day 2026 on February 12, 2026, in partnership with the Digital Equity Learning Network and the Washington Digital Equity Partners Coalition. We welcome you to complete a short interest survey to help shape digital equity advocacy during the 2026 legislative session and attend the lobby day if you are able. | | |
Stay at Home Tea Update
We’re excited to share some wonderful news: together, our Stay At Home Tea appeal raised $94,556 exceeding our goal of $85,000. We are steeped in gra-TEA-tude, and it’s all thanks to you!
Thank you for being part of this tradition and for pouring your support into our community. We are so grateful to share this moment, and this cup of celebration, with you.
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Literacy Source Annual Fundraising Luncheon
We’re excited to celebrate The Power of Learning: 40 Years and Counting at this year’s annual fundraising luncheon on Friday, April 24th, 2026. We would love for you to join us in person as we honor four decades of impact.
Luncheon programming begins at noon, but guests are welcome to arrive at 11:30am to mingle.
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| Accepting New Citizenship Clients | | Our Citizenship Program Manager, Cory, is currently accepting new citizenship clients. To be eligible, applicants must be able to apply for citizenship within the next six months and either receive public benefits (such as food assistance, cash assistance, Supplemental Security Income, or Apple Health) or live in the City of Seattle in a household with income low enough to qualify for public housing. Please reach out to Cory at (206) 502-2061 or coryg@literacysource.org with any questions or to learn more. | |
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Now Hiring!
Adult Education Instructional Advisors (Full and/or Part-Time positions available)
You can find more information about the position and how to apply 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 | | | | |
