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| Neurodiversity Awareness Week (March 16–22) reminds us that people learn, think, and process information in many different ways, including those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other neurological differences. It celebrates the unique strengths neurodivergent individuals bring to our classrooms, workplaces, and communities. | |
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March is Women’s History Month, and this year’s theme, Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future, feels especially meaningful to us. The newly released 2025 Global Gender Gap Report reminds us that while progress is happening, the world is still far from gender equality. At the current pace, full parity between women and men is projected to take more than a century. The largest gaps remain in economic opportunity and political empowerment, where women continue to be underrepresented in leadership and decision-making. Sustainability, as this year’s theme emphasizes, is not only environmental; it is economic, social, and civic. When women lead, communities are more resilient, innovative, and prepared for the future.
For 40 years, Literacy Source has been part of that story. We have always been female-led and majority female, with more than two-thirds of our staff, students, volunteers, and board identifying as women. The majority of our learners are women building stronger futures for themselves and their families. We see this strength in women like Sara, who rebuilt her life after war and is pursuing her engineering career here in the U.S.; Meseret, who turned her dream into a small business in Seattle; and Dilia, who sought asylum and has now proudly earned her U.S. citizenship. These are just a few of the many impactful and unique journeys within our classrooms, each one reflecting resilience, determination, and what it truly means to build stronger futures for themselves and their families.
If you believe in that future, we invite you to join us at our 40th Anniversary Fundraising Luncheon on April 24 at The Mountaineers. Our event page is now live, and your support makes it possible for us to provide the personalized, high-quality instruction that helps adult learners build stronger futures for themselves and their families. Without this community, we simply could not do this work. We hope you will celebrate with us, invest in women’s leadership and opportunity, and continue building lasting change together.
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: Linda F
This month we are pleased to feature Linda Freeman as our volunteer spotlight. Linda has volunteered at Literacy Source for 9 years, donating nearly 600 hours as a class assistant and tutor. We are honored to recognize her invaluable dedication, passion, and commitment to working with our student. She has really made a difference.
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I was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and spent my first 18 years there before heading off to Reed College, in Portland, Oregon.I successfully completed a Bachelor’s of Art in Psychology, but then bounced around for a few years, attempting to get financial aid or TA-ships for graduate school, but never managing more than part time studies while working day jobs...
You can learn more about Linda's love of Renaissance fairs, what drew her to Literacy Source, and some of her more valuable experiences with us in her full interview here.
| | | Digital Opportunity Legislative Day | | Last month, members of the Literacy Source staff and community traveled to Olympia to participate in Digital Opportunity Legislative Day 2026, joining partners from across King County to advocate for stronger digital equity policies. For the adult learners we serve, access to devices, reliable internet, and digital skills is essential for attending classes, searching for jobs, accessing services, and staying connected with their communities. We’re grateful to leaders like Mia Gregerson and the many partners working to ensure everyone has the tools they need to fully participate in today’s digital world. | |
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Registration is now Open!
This year’s Annual Fundraising Luncheon, The Power of Learning: Celebrating 40 Years and Counting, will be a joyful celebration of Literacy Source’s history and the incredible future ahead. Join us April 24 at noon at The Mountaineers for a special toast, powerful speakers, and a look back through video and stories from past volunteers and students. Forty years is a big moment, and this one will be special.
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Partnership Opportunities
We are looking to grow our network of professional partnerships, and we need your help opening new doors. If you have connections or recommendations for private-sector businesses or companies that could benefit from our expertise, such as consulting, specialized workplace classes, or support making internal materials more accessible, we would love to hear from you.
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| Please reach out to Amy at amyk@literacysource.org with any leads or introductions. Your insights help us build sustainable partnerships that support our students and the broader community. Thank you in advance! | | Seattle/King County Clinic | | The Seattle/King County Clinic will take place April 23–26, 2026 at Seattle Center, offering free medical, dental, and vision care to anyone who needs it. No ID, insurance, proof of income, or immigration status is required, and interpreters are available to support patients in many languages. You can learn more about services, how to receive care, or volunteer opportunities 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 | | | | |