Serving Adults Since 1968
EMPOWERING LIVES, BUILDING FUTURES
Since 1968, Literacy Chicago has helped adults across Chicago gain the skills they need to move forward 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 ESL classes, GED preparation, workforce skills programs, Adult Literacy, and Digital Skills, 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.
At Literacy Chicago, learning is more than a classroom activity. It is a partnership built on respect, patience, and determination. Our learners bring determination and courage to their studies.
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 Richard Dominguez joined the Board of Directors for Literacy Chicago in 2008 and transitioned to become Literacy Chicago‘s Treasurer in the fall of 2010. Richard accepted the role as Executive Director for Literacy Chicago in December 2013. He feels 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. Today Richard strives to make a difference by assisting individuals in learning how to read and write.
Joanne Telser-Frère
Director of Program Development Born in Chicago, Joanne has always been an adventurer. She has lived and worked in France, Pakistan, Egypt, and Qatar. Joanne is fluent in French and can get by in Arabic. holds her degree in French from the University of Illinois. Joanne 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 Murchison e has been overseeing all office functions and managing grant reporting and compliance since 2006 . Marilyn is also a member of the Chicago Area Planning Council which promotes dialogue, partnerships, and collaborations for the development of literate adult population in Chicago. She manages ESL, GED and ABE programs including testing, placement, and orientation .Marilyn works closely with the instructors to ensure that our classes meet with 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. Previously, she served as Director of Production at Encyclopedia Britannica Educational Corporation, and also worked as an editor/project manager for a variety of international educational publishing houses. 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 McGrath is Program Associate at Literacy Chicago. He 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. He is continually inspired by the students’ dedication and tenacity.Be Part of Our Volunteer Team
EMPOWERING LIVES, BUILDING FUTURES
Driving Positive Change for All of Chicago
The Chicago community is what drives us to make meaningful action. Connecting with leaders from every side of this great city is what makes our mission possible.
Integrity
We uphold transparency, accountability, and honesty in all our actions.
Empowerment
We strive to uplift communities by fostering growth and building capacity.
Collaboration
We work together with stakeholders to amplify impact and achieve shared goals.
Sustainability
We focus on long-term solutions that ensure lasting, positive change.