Literacy Center of West Michigan

10/08/2026

Our fall classes are officially underway!

Classes are in full swing, with 33 different classes happening across West Michigan in schools, workplaces, community spaces, at the Literacy Center, and online.

We couldn’t do this without our amazing community partners who help make these classes possible, or our incredible instructional staff and childcare workers who support our learners and families every week. We are so grateful for all of you!

There is still time to register to start learning this fall. Reach out to us at www.literacycenterwm.org/learn.

10/06/2026

We are so grateful to Susan Samples and WOOD TV8 for sharing Carolina’s story. Carolina was our Volunteer of the Year in 2026, a former board member, and a volunteer. We are honored to have been a part of her journey and her community.

After her asylum application was denied, Carolina recently left the United States and is now building a new life in Europe. We will miss her! Be sure to watch her story here:

Carolina Cnol may have survived a hail of gunfire in Central America, but it wasn’t enough to secure her asylum in the U.S.

10/01/2026

Grand Rapids Residents: Want to learn how to pay your water or sewer bill using the City of Grand Rapids app?

Join us Wednesday, October 7 at 1 p.m. for a 2-hour, hands-on workshop where we’ll walk through the app together, step by step.

You must RSVP! Text “City” to (872) 529-6004 to reserve your spot.

This is the first in a series of workshops designed to help adults learning English learn more about City of Grand Rapids services. More topics and dates are coming soon!

09/23/2026

Register today for FREE Certified Nurse Assistant Training for English language learners!

This training combines English language support with hands-on nursing skills and clinical practice to prepare for the State of Michigan CNA certification. No previous nursing experience is required. Must have advanced English language proficiency.

Build your English skills and become a Certified Nurse Assistant at no cost!

Must complete an intake appointment to register for the training. Text "CNA" to 616-500-0878 to apply.

09/22/2026

We’re celebrating our board member, Victor Holt, on being named to Crain’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2026!

Victor has a knack for making connections that strengthen our work. He has brought valuable guest presenters into our English classes, connecting learners with banking and business resources. And wherever Victor is at the table, he makes sure the Literacy Center is part of the conversation.

We’re grateful for the many ways Victor shows up for our learners, our organization, and our community. Congratulations, Victor! This recognition is well deserved.

09/21/2026

“We’ve impacted each other’s lives.”

Being a Literacy Coach is about more than helping someone practice English. It’s about building a relationship, learning from one another, and seeing your community from a new perspective.

One coach shared that volunteering helped them appreciate the experiences and challenges of immigrant families, learn more about the process of learning a new language, and become more connected to their community.

The best part? The impact goes both ways. You may start as a volunteer, but you might be surprised by how much you gain, too.

A learner is waiting. Could you be their coach? Find out more at www.literacycenterwm.org/volunteer

09/18/2026

What a night! W**e & Words brought our community together to celebrate literacy, and thanks to our incredible guests, sponsors, and supporters, we surpassed our $70,000 fundraising goal!

Every contribution helps the Literacy Center of West Michigan continue providing literacy and English language learning opportunities for adults and families in our community.

Here are a few moments from a wonderful evening. Thank you for helping make W**e & Words such a success!

09/16/2026

Meet Danilo, our W**e & Words featured learner:

"It has deeply affected my life by giving me a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment."

Learn about his story and his pathway returning to the healthcare field on our blog: https://literacycenterwm.org/news-blog/meet-danilo-wine-words-featured-learner

09/15/2026

Register today for FREE Carpentry Training for English language learners!

This hands-on training combines English language support with the NCCER construction curriculum provided by West Michigan Construction Institute. No previous construction experience is required, and all textbooks, lab fees, and assessments are completely FREE.

Build your English skills and gain valuable construction training at no cost!

Must be a resident of the City of Grand Rapids to register. Text "Carpentry" to 616-288-1843 to apply.

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¡ Inscríbete hoy para una capacitación GRATUITA en carpintería para personas que están aprendiendo inglés!

Esta capacitación práctica combina el aprendizaje de inglés con capacitación en construcción, utilizando el programa de estudios de NCCER del West Michigan Construction Institute.

No se require experiencia previa en construcción,. Los libros, materiales de laboratorio y evaluaciones son completamente GRATIS.

Mejora tu inglés y aprende habilidades de carpintería que pueden ayudarte a avanzar en tu carrera, sin ningún costo!

Para inscribirse, debe ser residente de la ciudad de Grand Rapids. Envíe un mensaje de texto con la palabra "Carpentry" al 616-288-1843 para solicitar su inscripción.

09/14/2026

It’s Adult Education and Family Literacy Week!

When adults build their reading, English, and workplace skills, the impact reaches beyond the classroom. Families learn together, parents can support their children’s learning, and communities grow stronger.

This week, we’re celebrating the adult learners, families, volunteers, and partners who make that impact possible.

Be a part of our impact. Volunteer your time or make a gift to support adult learners and families in West Michigan.

Volunteer: https://literacycenterwm.org/volunteer
Give: https://literacycenterwm.org/give

Adult literacy and ESL programs in West Michigan. Free English classes, tutoring, and volunteer opportunities to help adults succeed in work and life.