Dear Friends of Literacy,

As we approach the end of the year (it really does fly by!), I’ve been reflecting on all we’ve accomplished together. This has been a year of renewal and growth for Literacy Delaware, and your support has made it possible.

Since July, we’ve welcomed 11 AmeriCorps members, brought back in-person tutor training for the first time in five years, and increased learner enrollment by 9%. We also celebrated National Literacy Month with a proclamation from Governor Meyer, a meaningful acknowledgment of the importance of literacy in our state.

Even with this momentum, we know the need continues to grow. Looking ahead, we’ve set ambitious goals for the coming year:

• Serve 390 adult literacy learners — 100 more than last year 
• Raise $15,000 through our annual SCRABBLE® event
• Recruit and train 55 new volunteer tutors

As always, we can’t do this work alone. If you know someone we should meet, a partner we should connect with, or if you have an idea that could help us grow, I’d truly love to hear from you. Your insight and involvement help fuel our progress.

Thank you for being part of this journey and for helping us build a more literate Delaware, together. Happy New Year!

Leslie

Be an Early Bird for SCRABBLE Along the Brandywine 2026!

Literacy Delaware’s premier fundraiser, SCRABBLE Along the Brandywine, is coming! We can’t wait for YOU and your team to join us for an evening of FUN!

Friday April 24, 2026 - 5:30 pm

Christ Church Christiana Hundred

505 Buck Road

Wilmington, DE 19807

• Price includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer, and wine.
• Teams of up to 6 players receive the same set of SCRABBLE™ tiles and work collaboratively to build the highest score.
• Tiles can be purchased to complete high-scoring words; dictionary peeks can be bought to verify spelling.
• There are raffle baskets to win.
• Bring cash or checks; credit cards also accepted.

NOW is the time to register your team and take advantage of special early bird pricing! 

             **Early Bird Pricing**

Through Dec 31, 2025 -- $40 per person 

Through Mar 1, 2026 -- $45 per person 

After March 1, 2026 -- $50 per person

(early bird pricing will reflect at checkout and must be paid in full)

Proceeds will be used to support reducing our learner waiting list.

Learners and Tutors Unite Against Alzheimer's Disease



Recently tutor Dawn Gonzalez decided to get involved in the Walk to End Alzheimer's event in Wilmington.

Said Dawn of the event: "I decided to reach out to many past and present learners and another tutor. I was thrilled to have learners Luz V. and Mercedes C., tutor Steve Hutt, and his friend, April join me. It was a beautiful day for the walk. The best part was meeting everyone in person. We had such a fun day and raised a lot of money ($1,200.00) thanks to our generous donors.”

Dawn issued a challenge for our tutors and learners: “if possible, find a way to meet in person in a different location. You will not regret it! It is a win-win for all!"

Literacy Month Proclamation

We were honored by a Governor’s Proclamation recognizing Literacy Month in Delaware on September 22. This proclamation highlighted the importance of literacy for all including workforce development, education, and health. This acknowledgement serves as a powerful reminder of the role literacy plays in strengthening our communities.

Here Governor Meyer is joined by members of our Board of Directors Annie Norman, Lynda Pusey, and Kathleen Seeman.

Learner Accomplishments

Congratulations to learner Kerline who recently received her driver’s license. She is thrilled about this accomplishment, and we’re so proud of her dedication and perseverance. Congratulations, Kerline and keep shining and reaching new goals!

We are happy to report that learner Reem recently passed her Citizenship Interview and will soon have her citizenship ceremony. Congratulations Reem!

Shout out to Celina, a new learner who attends class regularly with a positive attitude despite all the responsibilities she has at home raising four children. Celina says reading with her child at home has helped improved her English. In class, she is a leader by asking great questions and helping her classmates. Keep up the great work, Celina!

Learner Ulises recently obtained his Green Card. It was an arduous process but with the help of his wife, he was able to achieve this goal. He was so happy because he is now able to visit his parents who still reside in his native country. His mother recently celebrated a significant birthday with their large family but unfortunately Ulises was unable to attend. He plans to celebrate it with her when he returns home. Ulises also received certification on how to operate a forklift. After completing two hours of class instruction and four hours of practical application, he passed the test! He can now add this skill to his resume. Way to go, Ulises!

Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union Supports In-Person Tutor Training!

Our A-Team is Back!



This year’s Literacy Delaware AmeriCorps Members recently took the oath to serve with us during the swearing in ceremony held at the Route 9 Library and Innovation Center. The day also included an inspiring story from Matt Meyer. We welcome back 8 returning members and 3 new members this year. We are so excited about this team!