DecemberNEWSLETTER | 2025

December is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Awareness Month, named because the shorter daylight hours and colder weather tend to trigger the disorder in late fall and winter. It is estimated that around ten million Americans suffer from SAD. You can find more info on symptoms and treatment here.

Welcome Note

As we enter the holiday season, we recognize that this time of year holds meaning in many different ways for our community. Alongside Christmas, many of our students and families celebrate holidays such as Las Posadas, Hanukkah, Bodhi Day, Pancha Ganapati, Ōmisoka, Kwanzaa, and Lunar New Year. This diversity reflects the global experiences our learners bring to the classroom, and it also reminds us why our mission matters so deeply, especially as anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies continue to affect the safety, confidence, and well-being of people working to build a better future for themselves and their families. Literacy Source remains committed to being a place of welcome, growth, opportunity, and celebration for all.


Next week marks the end of our fall quarter, where learners have strengthened foundational skills across classes. Our classes are intentionally designed to build the tools adults need to navigate daily life: communicating with teachers, doctors, and employers; understanding systems and technology; preparing for citizenship interviews; applying for jobs; and gaining the confidence to speak up for themselves and their families. We also offer tutor support, which allows learners to have individualized support in reading, writing, math, digital skills, job applications, and interview practice. These are the skills that open doors to stability, opportunity, and long-term economic mobility—and our students continue to show remarkable perseverance in building them.


We look forward to sharing student projects and a broader reflection on this past year in January. For now, we want to extend our deep gratitude to every student, volunteer, staff member, donor, and community partner who strengthens this work every day. As a reminder, our offices will be closed from December 22 to January 1 so staff can rest and recharge. We wish you a safe, warm, and restorative holiday season and look forward to another year of learning, connection, and growth together.



In Community,

Cat Howell

Co-ED, Educational Director

Shira Rosen

Co-ED, Managing Director

Digital Literacy Spotlight


Digital literacy remains a core focus at Literacy Source because it is essential for independence, employability, and full participation in today’s world. Thanks to a generous sponsorship from Comcast, we now have 60 Chromebooks and two charging carts that allow every student to use a reliable device for the duration of their time with us. Instructors consistently share how much easier it is to give directions and offer support when all learners are using the same equipment, creating smoother lessons and more confident students.


 Here is a short video that lets viewers step into our classrooms and see the real impact these Chromebooks are having for our students.

Class and New Staff Spotlight: Seattle Housing Authority Basic Digital Skills Training


We're thrilled to announce that we plan to continue our partnership with Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) to offer Basic Digital Skills training to its residents in 2026. The class ran at three SHA sites this fall: High Point, New Holly, and Rainier Vista neighborhoods, and we'd like to introduce you to the two instructors for the classes.

Gabrielle Windsor


Gabrielle loves being part of the Seattle community and brings her tech background to Literacy Source's community program at Seattle Housing Authority, where she teaches Basic Computer Skills to adult learners. "I truly enjoy sharing and practicing digital skills alongside our students as they build real-life competencies—from using a computer and navigating websites to using search engines and composing emails," she says. "Watching students work together and build their confidence with tech has been amazing and rewarding."

Annie Tynan


Annie, a recent graduate from the MATESOL program at UW, is very excited to be working with Literacy Source: "Though learning computer skills is a big challenge for beginners, my students have really put the effort in to show up, engage, and continue working towards their goals. Most recently, it's really put a big smile on my face when I walk around the room at the beginning of class and all the students are 100% locked in, hands in position for touch typing, continuing to practice and build those skills!"


New Partnership: Port of Seattle

At Literacy Source we are excited to pair our expertise in adult education with real world employment opportunities at the Port of Seattle, giving students a direct onramp to exciting careers with opportunities for advancement and growth. Our new Port Jobs Class, designed for ESOL 3–5 learners, introduces students to aviation and construction careers at the Port and guides them through the application and hiring process. The class is offered online with independent work and includes a required in-person field trip to the Port of Seattle, giving students a firsthand look at potential jobs.

Instructor Laura Kalmanson shared that student enthusiasm is already high, noting that “students were so interested in jobs there, and one class trip was not enough,” with several eager to learn more about roles like TSA agent or passenger service agent. This partnership allows us to spend the time students truly want on exploring these career pathways, building both language and workplace confidence.

Stay at Home Tea


As the year comes to a close, we are reminded of the incredible joy of literacy and the doors it opens. 

This year, thanks to supporters like you, over 1000 learners have taken steps toward brighter futures. 



But there is still so much more to do, and we can’t do it without you. 

We hope you will participate in the Stay at Home Tea by preparing your year-end donation, sharing a cup of tea, reading a good book, and reflecting on the joy and impact of literacy.

Now Hiring!


We are currently hiring for a Community Programs Project Manager.


You can learn more and 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

12360 Lake City Way NE Suite 301, Seattle, WA 98125

(206) 782-2050



www.literacysource.org

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