Literacy Source

Our Construction Pathways class (in partnership with ACRS) had a great experience during their field trip to ANEW!

Students had the opportunity to ask questions, learn about the process of becoming journeyman in the construction industry, and discover the many ways ANEW supports people along that path.

Students toured the workshop and met a case manager to learn more about the program firsthand.

By the end of the visit, several students began the application process for a pre- apprenticeship class. It was an inspiring and successful experience for everyone involved!

An article in the International Examiner, also referenced by Real Change, highlights how changes in federal policies are impacting Afghan immigrants in our region.

The piece also features the work being done by Refugee Women’s Alliance (ReWA), the Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA), and Literacy Source to support immigrant and refugee communities.

We were specifically highlighted for our citizenship work:

“No one’s getting interviews,” said co-executive director Cat Howell. “Really, no one has gotten interviewed since December. And it’s really unclear why people are not.”

Read the full article here:
https://iexaminer.org/afghan-immigrants-refugees-grapple-with-changes-in-social-services-federal-policies/

DELN (Digital Equity Learning Network) is hosting another free online training.

If you're a non-profit professional interested in how AI can support your work sign up for this call.

Microsoft Changemakers: Building AI Skills to Accelerate Nonprofit Impact
Event by DELN (Digital Equity Learning Network)
Tue, Jun 2, 2026, 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM (your local time)
Online
Event link
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/MsOm1-g4QiKW41w7om8CCA

From May 8 to June 8, National Digital Inclusion Alliance and partners are leading a Digital Equity Act Month of Action, calling on communities to speak up for continued investment in digital inclusion.

At Literacy Source, we see every day that digital equity is essential. In our Beginning Computers class, adult learners build confidence with email, Zoom, Google Classroom, typing tools, and other basic computer skills that support education, work, services, family connection, and full participation in daily life. Each moment of progress matters.

This month, we invite our community to advocate for digital inclusion by contacting representatives, sharing why this work matters, and speaking up for programs that make learning, connection, and opportunity more accessible for all.

Our Lake City Center hours of drop in operation are Monday - Thursday 8:30 AM- 3:00 PM. Evening classes and staff operate outside of these hours.

You’re invited to join Digital Equity Learning Network (DELN) May meeting featuring guest speaker Elizabeth Ralston, MPH, Accessibility Consultant, presenting: Transforming Your Interactions with People with Disabilities

Thu, May 21, 2026, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Online

Event link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1iqTfN-fRd2prMV-qCbWVQ

See more on LinkedIN:
https://www.linkedin.com/events/transformingyourinteractionswit7454654403208343552/

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Transforming your Interactions with People with Disabilities. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting. Guest Speaker Elizabeth Ralston will present "Transforming your Interactions with People with Disabilities". People with disabilities deserve to be treated in a respectful way, as a staff member, volunteer, community member or program participant. This presentation focuses on how society’s percept...

New student registration appointment sign-ups are open!

If you or someone you know is looking to enroll in one of our classes for the Summer Quarter, visit our website or call to sign up.

206-782-2050

New Student Registration | Literacy Source | Adult Foundational Skills | Seattle, WA 98101, 98102, 98103, 98104, 98105, 98107, 98109, 98112, 98115, 98117, 98119, 98121, 98122, 98125, 98133,98155, 98177, 98195, 98199. 

Marketplace recently wrote an article on the economic and personal impact of adult education.

They share:
"People without a high school diploma earn roughly $10,000 less per year than those with one, a gap that adult education programs, which are largely free, are designed to close.

There have been studies done that show for every dollar given to adult education, there's a $60 return to the economy, she said. Because it helps [people] to get a better job.

A better job means people pay more taxes and have more money to buy consumer goods. They are also less likely to need public assistance, according to Literacy Pittsburgh CEO Carey Harris.

If anything, they become much more self-sufficient, and that pays dividends for all of us."

At Literacy Source, we know that an investment in adult education changes lives and our entire community for the better.

Read the full article here:

As the cost of living rises, adult education programs offer one path to earning more People without a high school diploma earn roughly $10,000 less per year than those with one, a gap that adult education programs, which are largely free, are designed to close.

Katherine, a staff member of ours focused on digital equity work with the Digital Equity Learning Network (DELN) had the opportunity to attend the WA Nonprofit Cyber Forum hosted by Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity, Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech), and the City of Seattle. The findings from the research were compelling and hard to ignore.

Researchers surveyed 100 nonprofits across Washington State and found:
🔹 79% experienced a cyberattack in the past 3 years
🔹 Many organizations are handling sensitive data (financial info, SSNs, client records)
🔹 Most nonprofits don’t have the staff or budget to adequately protect themselves
🔹 Cybersecurity is often reactive and only prioritized after an incident

At the same time, nonprofits are delivering some of our region’s most critical services, often as an extension of government. When a cyber incident happens, it directly impacts service delivery, funding, and community trust.

At Literacy Source, we have an IT company that helps us, and we are committed to keeping our student, volunteers, and donor information secure and are doing so successfully. We are disheartened by the many phishing and scam attempts we receive. Non-profits are targeted often.

If we want strong, resilient communities, we need to ensure the organizations serving them have access to affordable, accessible cybersecurity support.

One thing we appreciated about the forum: there are real efforts underway to close this gap, including free and low-cost resources for nonprofits.

If your organization is navigating cybersecurity challenges (or you’re not sure where to start), feel free to reach out - we're happy to connect you to resources.
https://www.digitalequitykc.org/

In case you missed our Luncheon celebration:

We heard inspiring stories from current students Gloria, Pablo, and Hongli, alongside former student Yuanyuan, whose words moved and reminded us why this work matters.

Long-time supporters, Shellie and Theresa shared their own stories and encouraged us all to give generously.

We heard well wishes from our founder, Anne Helmholz,

celebrated with Co-Executive Directors Cat and Shira, joined by former Executive Director Lynn Livesly, as they toasted both the past 40 years and the next 40 to come.

And we were delighted to have radio personality Marina Rockinger join in all the festivities as our emcee.

You can watch the recording here: https://youtu.be/sdCmkD_ebUc?si=ha41IWjAoHK4-pQL