The Chicago Citywide Literacy Coalition started out in 2003 as a grassroots effort led by a cadre of adult education organizations that saw the need for a separate organization to provide resources to service providers.
Adult Education has been greatly impacted by the state budget impasse, and CCLC has stepped in to fill the gaps in funding and resources. One of the main adult education funding streams has been cut by more than 50%, and the delayed payments from the state has caused many agencies to close and re-open, leaving adult learners caught in the middle. Without access to a stable education, students will struggle to learn the literacy skills necessary for their economic mobility.
In the midst of an unprecedented crisis, the Coalition supported our member organizations by distributing cash grants and technical assistance. Our Digital and Health literacy projects have provided resources to participating organizations and have helped nearly 500 adults get plugged into the digital age and have access to health care services. Additionally, we have expanded our advocacy efforts in response to the urgent need. We trained nearly 30 adult education providers in "Advocacy 101" and coordinated 9 follow-up advocacy meetings with peers and member organizations to align our efforts. We helped organized a Rally for Adult Education in September that saw 120 providers, students, and allies come together and demand an end to the budget impasse.
Now, more than ever, we need your help keeping this work alive. 882,000 adults in Chicago struggle with basic literacy- and they need classes to improve their lives. Your donation helps adults learn how to read and write, use a computer to apply for jobs, or learn life-saving preventative health information.
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