Our Literacy Source community - whether you are a student, staff member, volunteer, or supporter - understands just how difficult it can be to learn another language. But we also know the benefits: increased confidence, a greater appreciation for different cultures, and a variety of brain boosts, just to name a few. December is Learn A Foreign Language Month, so if you are feeling ambitious, perhaps you can add this to your list of resolutions!
Welcome Note
“We may have different religions, different languages, different
colored skin, but we all belong to one human race."

~Kofi Anan, UN Secretary General and Nobel Peace Prize Winner 
Dear Literacy Source Community,
 
December is a time for reflection. We consider what we've accomplished over the year, what struggles we, as well our community members and humankind at large, have faced, and how we can hope to make the world a better place in coming years. It is also a time of celebration: From Kwanzaa to Christmas, Hanukkah to Winter Solstice, communities from around the world celebrate stories and symbols that are meaningful in their lives.

At Literacy Source, we celebrate our students: their needs, their accomplishments, and the complex stories of their lives, of which we are just a small (though important!) part. We are thankful that they see Literacy Source as a place where they are free to share their ideas and culture, and where, in the words of one of our students: "All people come together in school and making a community." We also celebrate our wonderful team of staff and volunteers that dedicate countless hours to ensure our students succeed, and our generous supporters that make our work possible.

We wish you all a wonderful holiday season, and look forward to our continued partnership in facing the challenges and sharing in the accomplishments that next year will bring.

In community,
 Cat Howell
 Co-ED, Educational Director
Shira Rosen 
Co-ED, Managing Director   
Student Spotlight: Senait Simegn
"Literacy Source gave me the confidence about my knowledge
and computer skills and that is why I got the job."

~Senait, Literacy Source Student
We had a chance to talk with one of our students in our English for Community Connections and Reading/Writing class to hear why this class has been so important in her life. Read on to find out more about Senait's experience and how she's progressing on reaching her dreams.

What are you learning at Literacy Source?

My time with Literacy Source is very much helping me. Besides learning and improving English, I learned a lot about American history and a lot of cultures. In my reading and writing class, we read and write and analyze paragraphs and it gives me so much knowledge about American history.

What would you like to tell us about yourself? What are your goals or hopes for the future?

My dream is to work as a social worker, and I am getting to know very much about this history and how they do the work, how life is improved. For example, the first union establishment. People want to improve life for others, not only for themselves. That's really inspiring. That changed a lot of human rights, labor industries, and all of that. So I have interest in helping people and changing their lives. And because of this, this class is very important for me. I found my interest in this program.

Can you give an example of how Literacy Source has helped you in your life?

Since coming to Literacy Source, I improved my computer skills and then I was able to process an application form for a job as a nursing assistant, and, with my teacher's help, I was able to get that job. Before this class, I was trying for one year to get that job, but finally I got this confidence from Literacy Source and I asked them after the interview: "I have been applying for this job but I never get the job. What is the reason? I have the knowledge and the job experience, so why?" And they were surprised, and said they would discuss about it. And they gave me the job! Literacy source gave me the confidence about my knowledge and computer skills and that is why I get the job. I was very excited so I told my teacher.

What else do you like about Literacy Source?

The online classes are important because I can take it from my house, I don't have to drive. The flexible schedule is what I need. While I am managing my family from the house, in the ten minute break I can turn on the stove and cook and I can come back to class. And whenever I need help or have some question, I can always ask my teachers and they will help me.

Also, they gave me a computer and that is really helpful. I couldn't afford it otherwise. I really appreciate that. They are changing lives.

Thank you for sharing your story with us, Senait! We look forward to continuing our partnership with you as you build a better future for yourself, your family, and your community.
Winter Clothing Drive
Brrr! Warm Winter Clothing Needed!

Have you ever looked in your closet at your warm winter clothing, the ones you love but haven't worn for eons, and wondered what to do with them? Please consider donating your lightly used items (especially coats) to our students and families (adult and children's clothing welcome). We'll be putting out totes in the foyer for you to donate your items next week until Thurs. Dec 15th.(or leave them at the front desk).

All remaining items will go to Goodwill. Office is open: Mon - Thurs. 8:30am - 3pm. 

Thank you for bringing happiness and warmth to someone this holiday season.
New Interns: Welcome, Ally & Leanne!
We are excited to welcome two new members of our team, Ally Ramona and Leanne Linh! Ally will be working as a Case Manager and Leanne will be working in our citizenship program.
Ally Ramona: Case Management
Ally will be working with Literacy Source as a Case Manager as part of her Master of Social Work program at the University of Washington. She grew up in Tacoma but moved to San Diego, California to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Philosophy from the University of San Diego. She then moved to Tucson, Arizona where she worked at the Casa Alitas shelter for asylum seekers. There, she joyously fumbled through learning Spanish, enjoyed connecting with folks across language barriers, and practicing English with clients. She is excited to be back in her home state working with an organization that empowers individuals and strives for equity in the greater Seattle community.  
Leanne Linh: Citizenship
Leanne, an Master of Social Work student at UW, is an intern who joined Literacy Source in October 2022. She will be working under the citizenship program for the following year and is eager to work with Literacy Source students to assist them in becoming citizens and learn more about Literacy Source and the local neighborhood. Leanne is from Taiwan and just began her life in Seattle as the first year of her master's program started in 2022. In her free time, Leanne enjoys playing volleyball, drawing, or simply hanging out with her family and friends.”
19th Annual Stay at Home Tea
We are happy to announce that our Stay at Home Tea drive has raised over $30,000 to support our Adult Foundational skills programs, and are well on the way to our ultimate goal of $75,000!

Your support goes directly towards free classes in English language, employment services, citizenship, adult education, and GED.

Please consider supporting our drive today!
New Partnerships: Seattle Jobs Initiative
Literacy Source is completing a short term project with Seattle Jobs Initiative (SJI). As part of our work, we are helping with the redesign of their long running IHAP curriculum (Introduction to Healthcare Apprenticeships) to make it accessible to level 4-5 ESOL learners. As part of this partnership, instructor Allie Azersky has been working with instructors, and providing training to SJI to better serve those clients that may have lower language or literacy skills, and to better succeed on their next steps in job search or employment as they move forward.  

Literacy Source often works as a consultant with other programs and employers to help them better serve clients/employees needing language or literacy support to make materials and curriculum more accessible and provide tips for better communication.
Now Hiring
Literacy Source is seeking to fill two positions:

Correctional Education Program Manager and Instructional Lead (part-time)
The Correctional Program Manager will oversee supportive and culturally relevant instructional services to incarcerated individuals at KKCF and MRJC to help meet their educational needs.

Instructional Advisor (full-time)
This position is responsible for teaching ESOL classes (that may include ESOL Literacy, Citizenship ESOL, Workplace Adult Foundation Skills, and/or Ready to Work ESOL) at Literacy Source.

More information and job descriptions available on our website.
New Citizenship Program Funding Update
We are excited to report that our funding for the New Citizenship Program (NCP) through the City of Seattle has been restored to previous levels. Though we would like to see more to help us keep up with inflation, we are glad that we do not have a reduction in funding. We are now shifting our focus to the state level, where there are a few different sources of funding for citizenship services and it is where our NCP funding originates from. We will be collaborating with organizations across the state to advocate for increased funding. We will keep you informed of our efforts and ways you can help. 
Literacy Source is on the traditional lands of the Duwamish people, and we pay our respect to elders both past and present. To support the revival of Duwamish culture and the vitality of the Duwamish Tribe, please consider signing this petition to federally recognize them, or consider making a donation to Real Rent Duwamish.