Simmons Literacy Grants 2024 FB

CHICAGO – Eight organizations in State Senator Mike Simmons’ district will receive $664,968 in grant funding to support their volunteer literacy programs for adults and families.

“People learning English as a second language too often face tremendous obstacles to achieve similar career outcomes as fluent English speakers in this country — and finding time to learn English or save up for classes while settling into a new community can be exceptionally difficult,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This funding will allow 7th District organizations to continue to provide volunteer-led English as a second language and literacy programs, which are transformative to people in our community who may otherwise not be able to afford these classes. I am proud of their incredible work to support members of our community, and am grateful that this grant funding will help keep these programs accessible.”

The grants were awarded by Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias, who has awarded nearly $22 million for library services and $6 million for literacy programs throughout the state. The literacy grants are designed to promote basic reading, math, writing and English language skills.

Within Simmons’ district, adult and family literacy programs will receive a total of $664,968. Organizations funded by the grants include:

  • Centro Romero, Adult Volunteer Literacy Program: $87,500
  • Centro Romero, Family Literacy Program: $50,000
  • Chinese Mutual Aid Association, Adult Volunteer Literacy Program: $60,000
  • Chinese Mutual Aid Association, Family Literacy Program: $50,000
  • Heartland Human Care Services, Adult Volunteer Literacy Program: $100,000
  • Jane Addams Resource Corporation, Adult Volunteer Literacy Program: $58,677
  • The Lester and Rosalie Anixter Center, Adult Volunteer Literacy Program: $69,459
  • South-East Asia Center, Adult Volunteer Literacy Program: $67, 949
  • Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago, Adult Volunteer Literacy Program: $40,000
  • Vietnamese Association of Illinois, Adult Volunteer Literacy Program: $81,383

“Equipping our libraries with the resources they need to increase services and expand offerings is essential to enhancing the accessibility of learning materials for all Illinois residents regardless of their geographic location, accessibility needs, income status or educational level,” Giannoulias said. “Meanwhile, increasing the state’s literacy level results in opportunities for individual success and makes communities stronger.”

For a complete list of grant recipients, click here.

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