The purpose of this adult basic education program is to provide a tutoring service and conducive learning environment which will help adults improve their skills in reading, writing, speaking, listening, mathematics, and basic computer. Respectful of the dignity of each person, it will offer the learners educational opportunities, which will prepare them to successfully live out their role as parent, worker, and/or citizen.

The Dominican Literacy Center began in 1989 to combat the illiteracy problems on the eastside of Detroit. Since then, the center has certified more than 4,000 volunteer tutors who annually work with over 4,000 adults ranging in age from 18-80, who are learning how to read, write, do basic math, and basic computer.

Through FREE one-to-one tutoring, more than 3,000 adults have benefited from these educational services. The need for its maintenance and continued growth is obvious since the 1998 National Literacy Statistics now indicate that 47% of Detroit's residents are in need of literacy assistance. That percentage translates into more than 400,000 people.

We continue to get calls daily from people wanting to improve the quality of their lives. The number of volunteers we recruit determines the number of learners we can assist. We are in need of additional volunteers to help meet the waiting list of adult learners. Participants at the center experience the care and concern of volunteer tutors who are empowering them to take charge of their lives in an atmosphere of respect and dignity.

http://www.dlcliteracy.org