Leonela came to the Literacy Center with a clear goal: to enter the healthcare field and build a career. Raised in a bilingual household and educated in the United States, she had taken college classes and was determined to keep moving toward a career helping others. 

Thanks to WOOD TV8 for featuring the Literacy Center's Family Literacy programming and our learners! Watch the video and read the article here: Kent County program builds family literacy to support kids | WOODTV.com

At Spellebration this year, we were proud to honor three individuals whose leadership has shaped our history and who continue to build a future where literacy is a foundation for equity in our community: 

Workplace ESL classes have become an important strategy to increase employee engagement for Grand Rapids Chair, with excellent results over more than eight years of partnership with the Literacy Center of West Michigan. 

Meet Elizabeth, one of our featured coaches who will be celebrated at Spellebration on Wednesday April 15th.

Meet Sylvie and Francois, two learners who will be highlighted during Spellebration on Wednesday April 15th.

Meet Eileen, one of our coaches being celebrated at Spellebration on Wednesday April 15th.

Meet Felipe, one of the many learners being celebrated at Spellebration on Wednesday April 15th.

Meet Karsten, one of the many coaches being celebrated during Spellebration on Wednesday April 15th.

Meet Sudha, one of the many learners being celebrated at Spellebration on Wednesday April 15th.

Thanks to WOOD TV8 for featuring the Literacy Center's programming and our learner Tabo! Watch the video and read the article here: Afghan woman reclaims dream of working in health care in West Michigan | WOODTV.com

The Literacy Center of West Michigan is pleased to share an excerpt of the Learner Spark, Issue No. 3, now available as a free PDF download. Learner Spark is a learner-written magazine that features original stories created by adult learners across Literacy Center programs. Each piece reflects lived experience and is published in the writer’s own words, supporting literacy growth while honoring the voices and perspectives of the people at the heart of our work. Consider becoming a volunteer literacy coach today to support adult learners like Alfonso!

Thanks to FOX17 West Michigan for featuring our Family Literacy program and partnership with Kentwood Public Schools in this article:

Kentwood parents learn English to better connect with their kids' schools
 

When Ed Taylor came to the Literacy Center of West Michigan, he was fighting serious disease and didn't know how much time he had left. But rather than letting the uncertainty of his life stop him, Ed decided it was time to focus on something deeply important to him - improving his reading and writing. "There's a big difference between reading and understanding what you're reading," he told us when reflecting on why he reached out for help.

Lesvia first enrolled in English classes with the Literacy Center in 2012, attending sessions held at her child’s elementary school. Since then, she has remained an active learner—building her English skills year after year while also becoming a steady leader in her school community.