Literacy Learners

By
April 2021 View more

Following the appointment of new executive director Bobbi Burgstone, Literacy DuPage—one of the state’s largest literacy organizations—has been recognized with three Spotlight awards. Illinois secretary of state and state librarian Jesse White lauded the nonprofit for its free, customized, and one-on-one English tutoring program for adults.

After emigrating from Poland with her family, Maria Wisniewski enlisted tutors at Literacy DuPage to improve her language skills. She has since helped translate English instructions for coworkers and participates in a conversation group at her local library, and received a Spotlight on Achievement award from White.

Sue Jones initiated three conversation groups at the Wheaton and West Chicago public libraries after retiring from practicing law in 2012. And Barbara Langfeld—who has tutored 15 learners from Mexico, Venezuela, South Korea, India, China, Serbia, and Belarus—devotes at least nine hours per week for one-on-one tutoring. Both women were recognized by White with Spotlight on Service awards.

By coordinating over 400 volunteers, Literacy DuPage (literacydupage.org)
serves more than 500 learners in 30 cities throughout the county.

Photos courtesy Literacy DuPage