about-side-1b-new

Pro-Literacy Detroit realizes the severity of this problem.

WHAT IS PRO-LITERACY DETROIT

proliteracy-detroit-icon-blue

Pro-Literacy Detroit is a non-profit organization that aims to solve adult illiteracy. We help adults 16 and over become independent readers, writers, and speakers of English.

We match each student with a volunteer tutor.

The pair meets at a time and space convenient for each other.

 

Through the use of online learning programs, the tutors empower students to achieve their goals.

How-It-Works-Side-web2

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Pro-Literacy Detroit works closely with the following community organizations below to empower adults through literacy.

  • Black Family Development
  • Children’s Aid Society
  • Detroit Eastern District Initiative
  • Detroit Housing Agreement
  • Detroit Parent Network
  • Detroit Public Libraries
  • DW Enterprise
  • Empowerment Plan
  • Goodwill
  • Matrix Human Services
  • My Place Center for Wellness
  • Michigan Rehabilitation Services
  • Southeastern High School
  • Southwest Solutions
  • Spectrum Family Services
  • Urban League of Southeast Michigan
  • University of Phoenix
  • Wayne County Department of Human Services
  • Wayne Metro Community Action Agency
  • Yorkshire Woods Community Organization
  • Zaiman International

RESULTS

0 +
adults empowered annually
0 %
of students received jobs
0 +
volunteers
0 +
hours of tutoring

HISTORY OF PRO-LITERACY DETROIT

  • 1984
    1984

    Pro­-Literacy Detroit was founded in 1984 originally as Literacy Volunteers of America-Detroit (LVA­-Detroit). Its first meetings were held in the home kitchen of a founding member. The organization later moved to a space of its own thanks to the generosity of a fellow Detroit literacy organization.

  • 2004
    2004

    On March 1, 2004, LVA­-Detroit was renamed to Pro­-Literacy Detroit with the motto, “Read, Empower, Succeed.”

  • 2014
    2014

    In January 2014, Pro-Literacy Detroit moved into its current building on Morang street thanks to the generosity of Comerica Bank. The organization empowers over 500 students annually while serving a total of over 12,000 students to-date.

Pro-Literacy Detroit Board and Advisory Committee Members 2020

Officers

  • Patricia Hays Forsythe  |  President
    Fundraising Administration
  • Catherine Wolford  |  Secretary
    Systems Librarian IV
    Wayne State University/DALNET
  • Mohammed  Kabir  |  Treasurer
    Auditor/Financial Manager

Members

  • Bruce Maters, Esquire
    Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church
  • Rev. Dr. Allen D. Timm
    Retired, Executive Presbyter
    Presbytery of Detroit
  • Alex Scharg
    Partner, Flow Video
  • Bobette Jackson
    Volunteer Tutor Training Workshop Leader
    Advisory Committee
  • Saundra Howard McGee
    CEO Giving Back Enterprises, LLC
  • Juliette Okotie-Eboh Ph.D.
    Wayne County Community College District
  • Monica D. Davie, M.Ed.
    Owner/ Operator
    Character Education Initiatives, LLC
  • Margaret Thorpe Williamson
    Executive Director, CEO
    Pro-Literacy Detroit

Want to get involved?