Organization Overview  

Description- When adult learners improve literacy, they unlock possibilities to shape their future, support themselves and their family, and engage in their community. Literacy DuPage is a 501(c)(3) non-profit offering free, customized one-to-one tutoring to help low-income adults (21+) achieve their life-skill goals. We work with learners who are building basic English skills or reading below a 9th-grade level, many of whom face barriers to education such as limited transportation, childcare needs, or demanding work schedules. Our conversation groups provide intermediate-level adult ESL learners an opportunity to practice listening and speaking English in a relaxed, comfortable setting with their peers.

History -Literacy DuPage was founded in 1972 by Wheaton residents, friends, and former teachers Thelma McPherson and Joanna Grinter. Their work began when Thelma welcomed a Southeast Asian refugee into her home and invited Joanna to provide English lessons. As they became aware of the growing need for language support among foreign-born residents, particularly during an influx of refugees from Korea, Cambodia, and Vietnam, their efforts quickly expanded. Thelma discovered Literacy Volunteers of America in New York, which inspired the creation of a DuPage County affiliate. In addition to supporting immigrants, the organization also served native English speakers with limited literacy skills. In its first year, Literacy DuPage served 39 students with the help of 22 tutors. The organization was later granted 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in 1992.

Impact - Each year, approximately 215 trained volunteers provide one-to-one, learner-centered tutoring to over 275 adults. Tutor-learner pairs meet at public libraries for up to two hours per week, based on their schedules and learning goals. Learners work on skills that help them read, write, speak, and understand English, navigate healthcare, support their children’s education, enhance employment opportunities, and confidently handle daily life-like calling 911, talking with teachers, or reading to their children. Last year, volunteers provided over 8,800 hours of tutoring services.

To further support English language development and provide broader community access to English practice, we offer supplemental conversation groups. These groups primarily serve drop-in participants from the community, as well as some intermediate-level learners from our tutoring program who want additional speaking practice. Learners gain confidence, improve practical English for everyday life, connect with others in their community, and take steps toward achieving their personal and professional goals. Last year, conversation group facilitators provided 600 hours of guided practice to over 300 drop-in participants.