Literacy Center of West Michigan

08/17/2026

“You’re going to get more out of it almost certainly than you put into it.”

Being a Literacy Coach is about more than practicing English. It’s about building a relationship.

Coaches have shared meals with their learners, celebrated holidays and milestones together, and supported each other through difficult moments. Sometimes, a volunteer relationship becomes a lasting friendship.

A learner is waiting. Could you be their coach? Join us at www.literacycenterwm.org/volunteer

08/12/2026

Three steps. One meaningful connection. That's all it takes to become a Literacy Coach.

No teaching experience? No problem! We provide the training, resources, and support. You bring your time, encouragement, and willingness to help.

A learner is waiting. Could you be their coach?

Sign up for an information session today to take the first step, at www.literacycenterwm.org/volunteer

08/10/2026

The countdown has begun: Wine & Words is just one month away!

Join us on Thursday, September 10, from 6–9 PM at the iconic Lion Rock Manor in East Grand Rapids for an unforgettable evening of wine, hors d’oeuvres, word games, and powerful stories of how your support of literacy is transforming lives.

Your ticket purchase helps build a just and vibrant West Michigan through the power of literacy—and every contribution fuels lasting community impact.

🎟️ Tickets and sponsorships are still available. Reserve yours today:
🔗www.literacycenterwm.org/wine-words

07/31/2026

Right now, nearly 50 adult learners are waiting to be matched with a volunteer Literacy Coach. As more learners continue to enroll, we're looking for more volunteer coaches to help meet this growing need. Our goal is to match every learner with a coach over the next six months, reducing wait times and helping more adults build the literacy skills they need to reach their goals.

Just two hours a week can make a lasting difference. Will you volunteer as a Literacy Coach today?

Register for an information session now:

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

07/29/2026

We appreciate this article! Follow the link to read an article by Dr. Felicia Cumings Smith of Center for Families Learning on the value of nonprofit partnerships with local community leaders, corporations, and employers. The Literacy Center leads a local Family Learning Community in Grand Rapids to help develop these relationships to promote adult education opportunities for families, children, and employers.

https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesnonprofitcouncil/2026/07/23/the-power-of-productive-partnerships-scaling-impact-through-strategic-collaboration/

07/20/2026

Meet Shay, our spotlighted learner this month:

A lifelong Grand Rapids resident, Shay is passionate about serving her community through ministry. Despite growing up facing significant challenges that interrupted her education, she never gave up on her desire to learn. Frequent transitions at home and responsibilities as a caregiver to her mother made it difficult to attend school, and she eventually left before earning her high school diploma.

Read the rest of her story on our blog: https://literacycenterwm.org/news-blog/learner-blog-spotlight-shay-builds-confidence-through-literacy

07/15/2026

The Literacy Center is pleased to share an excerpt of the Learner Spark, Issue No. 5.. Learner Spark is a learner-written magazine that features original stories, poems, and recipes written by adult learners across Literacy Center programs.

This unique submission is a recipe from one of our Medical Assistant training learners, Jie, which we enjoyed during our last day of class celebration.

"This recipe is unbelievably fragrant and seriously delicious! Adding a little sugar makes the flavor richer and slightly sweet, but not greasy or overpowering. Combined with the strong aroma of scallions and noodles fully coated in sauce, it tastes amazing. "

Read and try the full recipe on our blog: https://literacycenterwm.org/news-blog/learner-spark-scallion-oil-noodles-by-jie

07/12/2026

Have you heard? Our newest edition of the Learner Spark dropped!

This special issue was put together in honor of the United States' 250th anniversary and Grand Rapids' 175th anniversary. The submissions include recipes, stories of culture, and learner experiences and journeys to the United States. Some pieces are written in learners' first languages, with English translations included.

Read the full issue here:https://literacycenterwm.org/uploads/images/Iss.-5-Digital-Ver.pdf

07/08/2026

"The bag full of dreams I once carried has now started to become a reality as I watch my children grow healthy, safe, and begin to chase their own dreams."

Read the rest of Maya's Learner Spark story on our blog: https://literacycenterwm.org/news-blog/learner-spark-bag-of-dreams-by-maya

07/02/2026

The Literacy Center of West Michigan will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day. We will resume normal business hours on Monday, July 6.

We hope you have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend!