SERVICES
programs & services
adult learning starts here!
The Kalamazoo Literacy Council’s (KLC) mission is to make Kalamazoo County a fully literate community because we believe #EveryoneNeedsToRead. That means helping 25,495 adults in our community with basic skills that many of us take for granted, such as reading to our children, filling out a job application, or understanding medical information.
We are proud to provide a full range of FREE programs and services with online and in-person learning. Our volunteers are trained and equipped for classes and one-on-one and small group tutoring with learners. We are designed around our learners’ goals, so in addition to tutoring, we have options for students who want more self-paced instruction time. We believe in empowering our learners any time, any where, any way so they can reach their full potential.
Laptop Loaning Program
We understand that many people may not have access to a reliable device (smartphones, tablets, laptops) or internet service. To help bridge this digital divide, the KLC has established a Laptop Learning Program, to provide laptops and hot spots to learners, at no cost! We are dedicated to removing barriers so learning never stops. If you know an adut learner who needs access to a computer, please contact us today. We are here to help.
Adult Education and Training
The Reading Center at Goodwill Industries
is open for in-person tutoring and classes! We offer:
- One-on-one adult tutoring
- Digital Literacy and Computer Skills
- Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS)
- Writing (levels 1 and 2)
- GED self-paced instruction (PLATO)
- Parent Literacy
- Health Literacy/Read and Seed
- Financial Literacy
- Book Club
community literacy centers
A Community Literacy Center (CLC) offers one-on-one tutoring in addition to classes and navigation services for adult learners right in their neighborhoods. Tutors may also lead book clubs or groups with topics that include empowerment, health, parenting, and financial literacy. CLC’s in Kalamazoo County include:
The Reading Center at Goodwill, 420 E. Alcott St., Kalamazoo, 49001
Contact: Tameca Black, Adult Learning Services Navigator, (269) 382-0490 ext. 253
Interfaith Homes, 1037 Interfaith Blvd, Kalamazoo, 49007
Contact: Roeshell Ollie, Neighborhood Network Center Coordinator, (269) 382-5771
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 1747 Milham Ave., Portage, 49024
Contact: Lupita Flores, ESL Navigator, (269) 382-0490 ext. 224
New Village Park, 2400 Saint Albans Way, Kalamazoo, 49048
Contact: Jaclare Mitchell, Neighborhood Network Center Coordinator, (269) 341-9438
Westwood United Methodist Church, 538 Nichols Rd., Kalamazoo, 49006
Contact: Lupita Flores, ESL Navigator, (269) 382-0490 ext. 224
El Concilio, 2501 Millcork St., Kalamazoo, 49001
Contact: Marysol Millar, (269) 385-6279
Adult Tutoring program
The KLC offers FREE reading and writing tutoring for adults 18+. Trained tutors work one on one with learners of all levels who want to improve their literacy skills. We serve native English speakers and English language learners. If you would like to get connected with a tutor, please contact us at (269) 382-0490 ext. 222.
The KLC provides tutor training for qualified volunteers in the Laubach Method and other effective strategies. Tutors commit to 14-hours of training and a minimum of a year of service.
Workforce literacy
Obtain a GED
Our ExpressWays 2 Success program is essential for GED-focused learners; it includes the Aztec
software which can be accessed from any device with internet service. Learn more about ExpressWays 2 Success.
Get ready for the workforce
Enroll in our Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) class and strengthen your skills to:
- Get employed
- Communicate more effectively
- Advance in your career
Each weekly session features an interactive presentation focused on applying for jobs, writing effective cover letters and resumes, and interview skills.
Thursdays, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in person and online. Learn more about JOBS.
Gain computer skills
In our computer classes, adults will learn how to use email, Google, and programs like Microsoft Word.
Level 1 Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Level 2 Tuesdays, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
In-person at 420 E. Alcott St.
To sign up for any of these free classes call 
Tameca at (269) 382-0490 ext. 253 or email her at tblack@kalamazooliteracy.org.
Health literacy
So many of us are pledging to live healthier lifestyles. For adults with low literacy skills, that often means confusion and frustration with reading food labels, preparing healthier recipes, or understanding medical information. In our weekly Health Literacy class, learners will have fun learning about important health topics to help them better manage their family’s health.
Fridays, 10:00 a.m. -11:30 a.m. at 420 E. Alcott St. Kalamazoo, 49001. Come in person or join online. Contact Kamaria at (269) 382-0490 ext. 263 or knichols@kalamazooliteracy.org to sign up.
Parent literacy
Parents are always considered the “first teachers” of their children. Our Parent Literacy Together program helps adult learners with children become more confident in their literacy skills with free books, fun activities, Family Literacy Day events, and more.
Parent Literacy classes are Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. at 420 E. Alcott St. or join online.
For more information on our Parent Literacy programs, contact Kamaria at (269) 382-0490 ext. 263 or knichols@kalamazooliteracy.org.
Click the links below to see photos of Read and Seed Family Literacy Days and to learn more about Parent Literacy classes.
English as a second language (ESL)
Through our ESL of Southwest Michigan 
program, we serve English language learners from all over the globe – 17 countries and counting. Trained tutors are ready to help students develop their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. We also encourage social bonds by hosting online group activities. Each class follows a curriculum based on Step Forward books which conform to the standards of the CASAS standardized tests.
Click the button below for the schedule and class descriptions. To enroll, contact Lupita at (269) 382-0490 ext. 224 or email her at gflores@kalamazooliteracy.org.
Become a literacy advocate
Literacy Advocate Orientations
We offer 90-minute orientations for organizations and businesses to:
- Raise awareness about the state of adult illiteracy in Kalamazoo County.
- Provide information on how to identify and approach adults who may not know how to read or may read at a low level.
- Provide information on how to refer adults to free tutoring services that will improve their literacy skills.
- Provide information on how the #EveryoneNeedsToRead Adult Literacy Initiative is reaching the 25,000 struggling adult readers in Kalamazoo County and how to get involved in the effort.
Literacy Advocate Orientations may be scheduled by filling out the contact form or calling the administrative office at (269) 382-0490 ext. 222. The orientations may be customized to be included as professional development or to help organizations improve their “literacy transactions” and become more effective literacy advocates.
Document Review
The KLC partners with organizations and businesses to ensure brochures, pamphlets, forms and other documents are more accessible to readers of all levels. This service entails a full review of the original document with suggestions that bring the reading level to as near 6th grade or below without changing document’s meaning. This service is provided on a sliding scale. Contact the administrative office at (269) 382-0490 ext. 222 for more details.
Refer A Student
How to approach a potential student
Referring a student to the KLC is simple. If you know someone who needs help with reading, writing or spelling, contact us.
The program staff will schedule an assessment for the prospective student to determine his or her reading level. After the assessment, the student will be matched with a trained tutor who will work one-on-one with the student to improve his/her literacy skills. Sessions will be held in a public place that is convenient for the student.
Qualifications
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be able to speak and understand English
- Have access to transportation – private or public
Recognizing and Approaching a Non-Reader
Many adult non-readers never reveal their circumstance, even to their immediate family, and hiding the truth becomes an additional burden. They avoid situations that require reading and have developed an arsenal of behaviors that conceal their inability to read.
The non-reader is difficult to identify. The following suggestions may help identify and support the non-reader.
Most non-readers will not tell you that they cannot read or write. Sometimes behaviors are affected by an angry tone to discourage further interaction with you. This is normal defensive behavior. Please remember that all of us want to avoid embarrassing situations.
Here are some common behaviors of non-readers:
- Gives excuses for not reading.
- “I forgot my glasses. Could you read this for me?”
- “I have bad arthritis in my hand. Could you write this for me?”
- “I can’t understand this form. Would you explain it to me?”
- “I don’t have time to do this right now. I’ll take it home and bring it back later.”
- Takes a long time or appears confused, angry, or agitated when given something to read or write.
- “Why do I have to fill this out? I have better things to do.”
- “I just gave this information. Why do I have to do it again?”
- Misses appointments or gets dates and times mixed up.
- May sign a form after pretending to read it. Don’t be fooled. Generally, non-readers can sign their name.
If you suspect that someone is having trouble reading, be very sensitive to the person’s self-esteem. With empathy and discretion, your specific approach will differ with each person.
Here are some suggestions:
- Quietly ask to speak with the person.
- Go to a private area.
- Using a gentle tone, tell the person that you have noticed difficulties in (specific area).
- Ask if that is correct and if the person can identify the problem. It may be that the person simply needs glasses.
- Whatever the problem, assure the person that you are there to help.
Tell the person about the Kalamazoo Literacy Council, that our services are free and confidential, and that adult tutors will work with them on a one-on-one basis in public places, such as the library.