SeptemberNEWSLETTER | 2024

What better time to celebrate the work that we do than on International Literacy Day (Sept 8)? Our community is already aware of the importance of literacy, but if you are looking for more ways to celebrate or educate, here are some suggestions.

Welcome Note

At Literacy Source, we recognize that African Immigrant Heritage Month holds a special significance for our diverse student body, with over one-third of our learners originating from Africa - and speaking ten different African languages as their first language! We celebrate their accomplishments, whether that is using email to communicate with a beloved family member an ocean away for the very first time or opening their own business in the country that many of them view as a land of opportunity. And as many of you know, we learn as much from our partnership with our students as they learn from us. We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to enrich our lives with their stories, culture, and traditions, and we strive to always foster a sense of belonging and community among all our students.


Individuals of African heritage are a also a growing and important part of the US community as a whole: one in ten members of the Black community were born outside the US, and Africans represent the bulk of that percentage, as well as the fastest growing demographic. While we celebrate these community members as they build their futures here in the US, we also recognize the circumstances that brought them here, often fraught with conflict and trauma.


This month and every month we strive to create and maintain an inclusive environment that uplifts voices and encourages unity, ensuring that every individual feels valued and connected to the vibrant heritage that shapes our collective experience.

In Community,

Cat Howell

Co-ED, Educational Director

Shira Rosen

Co-ED, Managing Director

Graduate Spotlight: Martha's Story

"When I moved to the United States, the first barrier I encountered was language." Martha, a former graduate and board member at Literacy Source, recounts the desperation she faced as she struggled to communicate with her son's doctor in our promotional video from earlier this summer.


Each of our students are unique, but Martha's story represents the challenges that so many of our students' experience, which is why the services we offer as one of the longest running basic education programs in Seattle/King County are so important.


As we celebrate the successful end to our back to school campaign, Martha's closing words can serve as a reminder of how important your support is: "If people support Literacy Source, they give the power to the students. Now I'm in college and this is my moment to live. I know how to read, I know how to write...all of this ability that I have now is thanks to Literacy Source."

Literacy Source's Summer Party!

Celebration is a core value of ours. We believe learning is fun and empowering and deserves to be celebrated alongside the community we’re building together. 


This spirit of celebration was on full display at our annual Summer Party, where our courtyard came alive with the vibrant colors, sounds, and flavors of the diverse cultures represented in our student body. The event featured an array of dishes from around the world, an authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremony, and a fun performance by Laura,a talented Colombian singer whose mother is one of our students. Many of our students proudly wore traditional attire, adding to the richness of the cultural tapestry we all share. 


We were honored to welcome Columbian Queens who represent the Country of Columbia in pageantry. Representative Gerry Pollet, who offered words of encouragement to our students. Henry Pollet also joined us on behalf of Representative Cathy Moore, and although Senator Javier Valdez was unable to attend due to illness, he sent his warm wishes and support. 


One of the highlights of the evening was celebrating the incredible achievements of our students. Over 40 individuals proudly waved their American flags, marking their accomplishment of becoming U.S. citizens this year. We also recognized the hard work of the 882 students we served this year, many of whom advanced to higher levels in their studies. We shared our gratitude for our 180 volunteers, whose support is invaluable to both our students and staff.

 

Our annual Summer Party was more than just an event; it was a joyful gathering where our community came together to share culture, celebrate success, and create lasting memories. 

Back to School Campaign: We exceeded our goal!

We are thrilled to share that, thanks to your incredible generosity, we’ve exceeded our goal of raising $25,000 to support our asylum-seeking students! 


In total, we’ve raised $27,345 and counting—an amazing achievement that speaks volumes about the compassion and commitment of our community.


We also held a Lunch and Learn as part of our campaign about the unique situation faced by asylum seekers. You can find out more by watching the recording here.

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



www.literacysource.org

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