OctoberNEWSLETTER | 2024

October is Global Diversity Month, a time to celebrate the power of diverse voices and reflect on the presence of barriers that stand in the way of every type of person thriving in our workplaces, communities, and greater society.

We also see this growth in the amazing accomplishments we are excited to share with you from our annual report for the 2023-2024 year. Here are a few facts about our students and programs :

• We served 882 students at our center and three partner programs.
• Our students speak 68 different languages!
• 83% of student completed their classes, and 70% saw literacy gains.
• Students spent more than 46,000 hours in class or tutoring.
• We loaned 94 Chromebooks and 27 hotspots to students.
• 38 students earned US citizenship.
• We offered 82 programs at our center and through our Ready to Work Program.

With the influx of new immigrants, refugees, and asylees to the Seattle area, our student enrollment increased by over 200 last year. This quarter we have increased our class offerings, and we are as committed as ever to provide the support they need. Thank you for being such an important part of our community as we look forward to another great year!

In Community,

Cat Howell

Co-ED, Educational Director

Shira Rosen

Co-ED, Managing Director

Volunteer Spotlight: ESOL 1 Online Class Assistants



As many of you know, teaching a level 1 ESOL class online can present many challenges. For our very full class, we were lucky enough to have four standout volunteers that offered invaluable content support. According to Allie Azersky, the class instructor, "These four volunteers have also been amazing at helping students with technology challenges. Many of our students are taking an online class for the first time. It has been so helpful to have a crew of competent and confident volunteers ready to support students as needed with whatever challenges they are having, whether it be with language or technology."

Please read more about our wonderful volunteers here!

Digital Inclusion Week: Gathering for Access & Equity

Thursday, October 10 - 8:30-3pm

Evergreen Goodwill

REGISTER BY OCTOBER 1st!

Join us for a day-long gathering dedicated to promoting digital inclusion! This FREE event is all about coming together to discuss ways to improve access and equity in King County. For more information, go here.

Welcome, New Staff!

Wing-Sea Poon

AmeriCorps ESOL/Citizenship Instructional Support 

As a second-generation Asian American, Wing-Sea has seen first-hand how deeply and how broadly English literacy can affect the lives of those in the U.S. who do not have a firm mastery of English. This experience motivates her to serve as an AmeriCorps member with the ESOL/Citizenship Program at Literacy Source. Wing-Sea's life experience has taught her to value treating those she serves with compassion and the highest level of respect....

Darlene Lytle

AmeriCorps Adult Basic Education and Digital Literacy Instructional Support

Darlene received her Masters in Library and Information Science from the University of Washington with a focus on community based instruction and digital librarianship. She has a passion for teaching and has taught a broad range of students in a variety of locations. She is excited to teach the Basic Computer Skills class and work with the Adult Basic Education team to help students access the information they need to succeed...

Amy Kickliter

Business Development Manager

Amy brings a wealth of experience in team leadership, project management, community engagement and public/private partnership creation to Literacy Source. She has more than a decade of experience leading and innovating programs across King County’s non-profit and public sectors, and is passionate about creating opportunities to springboard the success of our region's vulnerable populations. While with Neighborhood House, Highline College and King County Housing Authority, she led departments encompassing workforce development, access to higher education, homeless housing, financial empowerment and economic development...

Learn more about Wing-Sea, Darlene, and Amy here.

Happy Give Month Microsoft employees! 

For the month of October, Microsoft employees participate in events to encourage their generosity. 

If you or someone you know is a Microsoft employee, be sure to spread the word about why you love Literacy Source and have them add us to their list of organizations they're supporting this month.

Ready to engage further with literacy Source?

To make a difference in the lives of others

To invest in something that makes a lasting impact

To have a strong and thriving workplace