Since 1968, Literacy Chicago has helped adults across Chicago gain the skills they need to advance in their lives.
Like the city itself, we continue to grow and adapt to meet the changing needs of our community.
Together, we are strengthening Chicago, one learner and one success story at a time.
Supporting Chicago adults through adult literacy, English as a second language classes, GED prep, English conversation groups, and digital literacy, in both small classes and one-on-one tutoring.
Every day, Chicago adults walk through our doors with determination and the courage to learn something new.
Our instructors and volunteers are there to support and encourage them as they work toward their goals. Together, we are helping create a Chicago where every adult has the chance to learn and move forward.
Guided by our core values, we support and empower adult learners to reach their full potential. Through community-driven innovation and a celebration of diversity, we provide transformative learning experiences to bridge gaps, foster understanding, and unlock new opportunities for individuals and communities alike.
Empowering Communities to Overcome Challenges and Build a Brighter, More Equitable Future Together
01
Empower Communities
Building strong, resilient communities through sustainable initiatives.
02
Promote Education
Ensuring equal access to quality education for all adult individuals and communities.
03
Drive Lasting Impact
Creating lasting solutions to local challenges through innovative approaches.
A Legacy of Empowerment and Transformative Impact
Founding Year
Launched our mission to empower communities in 2010.
Education Focus
Began initiatives to promote quality education for all.
Partnership Growth
Formed key partnerships to amplify our impact.
Digital Literacy
Added Digital Literacy to our programs in our office, at Harold Washington Library and for Chicago Public Housing
COVID Response
Within two months, all instructors, volunteer tutors were trained to teach online. Maintained online programs throughout the epidemic.
Scaling Impact for All
Continuing to build sustainable solutions for long-term change in Chicago.
Our Committed Key Players Driving Impact and Change
Richard Dominguez
Executive Director From the Board of Directors in 2008 and transitioning to Treasurer in 2010, Rich finally accepted the role as Executive Director for Literacy Chicago in December 2013. He is passionate about adult education and literacy because his parents also faced the same challenges as many of the Literacy Chicago students whose first language isn't English.
Joanne Telser-Frère
Director of Program Development Born in Chicago, Joanne has always been an adventurer, living and working in France, Pakistan, Egypt, and Qatar. She joined Literacy Chicago in 2016 and soon took over as Director of Program Development and the Volunteer Program. She thrives on finding new ways to help people learn and creating new programs.
Marilyn Murchison
Program Operations Manager Marilyn has been with Literacy Chicago since 2006 and manages the ESL, GED, and ABE programs, including testing, placement, and orientation. She works closely with the instructors to ensure that our classes meet the Illinois standards of higher education.
Jeannie Araujo
Transition Coordinator Jeannie is the Transition Coordinator for Literacy Chicago. Her relationship with Literacy Chicago began in 2018 when she started volunteering as a tutor and Citizenship class instructor. Her interest in education and literacy began when she served as a TEFL volunteer in Thailand with the Peace Corps.
Harrison McGrath
Program Associate Harrison is responsible for the onboarding of new students, database management, and day-to-day office operations. Harrison is a DePaul alumnus and worked as a financial analyst before joining Literacy Chicago, beginning as a volunteer while researching adult literacy for a novel.