First Literacy, Inc.

First Literacy is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $10,000 grant from Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. Spectrum’s Community Impact Committee (CIC) aims to give back to other community-based organizations that provide services to the same people that are treated in Spectrum’s inpatient and outpatient programs.

“Limited literacy skills can create barriers to employment, healthcare, financial stability, and educational advancement,” said Terry Witherell, Executive Director of First Literacy. “This generous grant from Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. will help us expand opportunities for adult learners and support the educators who work every day to ensure literacy is not a barrier to success.”

First Literacy Awarded $10,000 Grant | First Literacy Blog First Literacy awarded $10K from Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. The grant will support First Literacy’s work to make education accessible.

Invest in Educators.
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Change Lives.

Adult educators across Massachusetts provide essential learning opportunities, yet many Adult Basic Education programs lack funding for professional development. With your help, our goal is to raise $30,000 by June 30, 2026. Your gift makes it possible for First Literacy to continue to support educators like Doris who are making an impact in the lives of adult learners across Massachusetts. Every dollar you give provides essential resources, encouragement, and opportunity. Give Now! https://nb.firstliteracy.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=1

Congratulations to Pa Modou who graduated earlier this month with his associate's degree from Bunker Hill Community College! Pa Modou is a First Literacy Scholar from a small town in West Africa where educational opportunities are limited and often undervalued. He made the decision to move the U.S. determined to pursue higher education while building a better future for himself.

When he arrived in the U.S., he worked full-time as a security officer to cover living expenses and school costs. Balancing work responsibilities with academics often left him with little time and energy to focus on his studies.

Support from the Bridge to College program at the Cambridge Community Learning Center and a scholarship from First Literacy helped him continue his education and stay on track toward graduation. He plans to pursue a career in the technology field while continuing his studies toward a bachelor’s degree.

Mujeres Unidas Avanzando received a First Literacy grant to pilot their new program called ¡Sí, Se Puede! (Yes, You Can!). Funds from the grant were used to create a program to support adult students who required one more exam to attain their high school equivalency diploma. Your gift makes it possible for First Literacy to fund innovative programs that are often not fundable through other sources. With your help, our goal is to raise $30,000 by June 30, 2026. Every dollar you give provides essential resources, encouragement, and opportunity. Give today: https://firstliteracy.org/donate/