The benefits of practicing gratitude are unmistakable, enriching our lives personally and positively influencing those around us. Recognizing the good around us and taking time to acknowledge the people, moments, and achievements that bring us hope, joy, and inspiration is a true gift.
In the field of adult literacy, there are plenty.
It’s humbling to see how many people care so deeply about the cause and about helping others reach a higher potential by empowering them through literacy.
I am grateful for those extraordinary people, the instructors and adult literacy program leaders, who are making a world of difference.
At ProLiteracy, we have a dedicated team working tirelessly to serve the students, instructors, and programs in everything we do. The commitment, professionalism, and heart shown by every one of my colleagues here inspires me. This team won’t rest until every adult in need has access to quality educational services.
I am grateful for the hope I feel every day when I think about our work.
It’s humbling to see how many people care so deeply about the cause and about helping others reach a higher potential by empowering them through literacy.
But we couldn’t do what we do without our many supporters. Our partner programs across adult education who purchase our New Readers Press resources enable us to serve programs everywhere. Their belief in our products allows us to direct proceeds from every sale back into our work to serve the broader field.
We also have amazing funders who understand that an investment in us is an investment in adult literacy programs everywhere.
Because of our community partners and funders, we can consistently provide programs not just with needed professional development and resources, but with grants to alleviate financial burdens to keep students learning.
I am grateful for our supporters who enabled us to award over $1.2 million in grants to programs nationwide last year, giving adult learners access to stronger programs, digital learning platforms, and instructional materials that will help them become stronger individuals.
And partnerships with like-minded organizations like Guild and its employer partners have given more adults access to education. I am grateful for the growing momentum for the investment in educating frontline workers that I see coming from top companies like Chipotle, Pepsi, Tesla, Target, Tyson Foods, and Hilton. They are leading by example and building a stronger more sustainable workforce.
Year over year, the adult literacy and education field is making undeniable gains—none of which would be possible without everything mentioned above, but also so much more. There’s so much to be grateful for when we are helping to build a better world.
The impact of our work continues to spread, and 2024 was a testament to that. Our recently released Annual Impact Report describes our work and highlights some of our biggest accomplishments. I hope you take time to read and share it with others.
Lastly, I am grateful for you. The fact that you’re reading this means you care about, believe in, or want to know more about adult literacy. If, today, one new person decides to help improve a life through literacy by advocating, volunteering, or donating, it’s a good day.