The Literacy Connection celebrates 40th anniversary with free event on Sept. 26
For 40 years, The Literacy Connection, a nonprofit organization based in Elgin, has upheld its mission of providing free, quality literacy programming to adult learners seeking to improve their skills in reading, writing, and speaking English in order to improve their personal, social, and economic lives.
To commemorate its anniversary, the organization will host a celebration and resource fair with community organizations who have supported The Literacy Connection over the years in attendance.
The event will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, at the Centre of Elgin’s Heritage Ballroom, 100 Symphony Way.
There will be cupcakes, lemonade, entertainment, face painting, and more. This is a family-friendly event, and it is free and open to the public.
Executive director Megan Wheless encourages everyone to attend. She says, “This event is a wonderful opportunity to amplify the successes of the learners and families who participate in our many programs throughout the year.”
The Literacy Connection has two main umbrella programs which are geared toward immigrants who lack proficiency in English as well as individuals looking to improve their reading or writing skills. The Adult Volunteer Literacy program offers services such as one-on-one tutoring, English as a Second Language classes and a weekly conversation class.
The Family Literacy Program is in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of South Elgin and the Elgin Area School District U-46. Participating families receive ESL instruction, children’s services, library services, parenting sessions, and interactive literacy activities.
Wheless is proud to report that registration for both Adult Volunteer Literacy and Family Literacy have grown exponentially over the year. “We’re encouraged by our learners’ and tutors’ commitment to literacy,” she said. “We hope this anniversary resource fair will connect more people to our organization, and we look forward to sharing how people’s lives have been positively affected by their work with The Literacy Connection.”
Throughout the entire month of September, The Literacy Connection is running an online campaign fundraiser titled “Lighting the Way to Literacy.”
Community members can donate a suggested $40 to commemorate 40 years of literacy. Proceeds go to helping offset costs for teaching materials, books, digital literacy hardware like Wi-Fi hot spots, and more items that help learners achieve their literacy goals.
The Literacy Connection looks forward to celebrating with the community at their “40 Years of Literacy Community” event as they continue to help provide bright futures for fellow community members for many years to come.
Learn more at www.elginliteracy.org.