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Donate to Whatcom Literacy Council to help us empower adults to achieve their goals and improve their lives through our free language, literacy, citizenship, GED, and computer classes and programs in Whatcom County. Donate to Literacy We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization Tax ID: 91-1220307 Planned Giving Help our community grow and thrive by supporting increased literacy. Give Now Also see... Give Now Drop off Cash Stop in during office hours... cash donations give you the highest tax deduction from your gross income. Mail a Check Make checks payable to Whatcom Literacy Council. If you’re donating in honor of someone, please write this information on the memo line of your check. Tax receipts will be mailed within 4 to 6 weeks after the donation has been processed. Mail to: Whatcom Literacy Council P.O. Box 1292 Bellingham, WA 98227 Donate Online Use your credit or debit card... and consider checking the "monthly" box to make it a regular recurring donation that will provide us with a sustainable revenue stream. By MightyCause By Paypal By Venmo $30 donation provides needed learning resources for learners and tutors. $50 donation supports a learner/tutor pair for 1 month. $300 donation supports a learner/tutor pair for 6 months. $600 donation supports a learner/tutor pair for 1 year. Shop Online at Village Books and Paper Dreams When you want to shop online at Village Books and Paper Dreams, click the button below first. Then, whenever you make a purchase on their website, they'll donate a portion of your sale to us. This is a great way to support a local merchant and literacy for all! Shop and Donate Also see... Planned Giving

Whatcom Literacy Council relies on people who can provide strong academic skills and a desire to help foster literacy in Whatcom County. Jobs The Whatcom Literacy Council relies on people who can provide strong academic skills and a desire to help foster literacy in our community. Work For Us EDUCATORS. TUTORS. MENTORS. We are not currently hiring for any staff positions. We are always interested talking to potential new volunteers for One-to-One Tutoring, Small Group Class Facilitation, and Classroom Assistants. Learn more here >

Whatcom Literacy Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering free English Language Learner programs to help adults learn English, improve literacy, practice English conversation, prepare for a GED, prepare for citizenship, and learn basic computer skills in Whatcom County. About Us The Whatcom Literacy Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization helping adults improve their literacy skills and learn English throughout Whatcom County. LITERACY PROMOTES OPPORTUNITY, EMPOWERMENT, AND EQUALITY FOR A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY Free Literacy Programs for All Since 1983, The Whatcom Literacy Council has been helping adults improve their lives through literacy—offering free small group classes, one-to-one tutoring, and learning resources for adults living in Washington state's Whatcom County. Our customized programs help adults improve their basic reading, writing, math and computer skills, learn English, study for the GED, or prepare to become citizens. From teaching sessions provided at schools, businesses, churches, farms, and libraries, to classes at Bellingham Technical College, Whatcom Community College, and the Goodwill Job Training and Education Center, all of our programs are provided at no cost to the learner. Thanks to the combined dedication of trained volunteers, professional staff, and the generous support of local businesses, organizations and individuals, we provide adult learners with the critical skills they need to become more self-sufficient, more employable, and more involved members of our community. Our Mission: to empower adults to achieve their goals and improve their lives through literacy. Making a Difference in Whatcom County Our Vision: Whatcom County is a community where all adults have the literacy skills they need to thrive. Education and future success are deeply connected. Full time workers with a high school diploma earn almost $10,000 more per year than those without. Whatcom Literacy Council programs enable adults to obtain their General Education Diploma (GED). Over 75% of the jobs in our region require training beyond a high school diploma. Whatcom Literacy Council programs enhance our community's academic skills and help them obtain better jobs with better wages. People who speak English proficiently earn up to 24% more income than those who do not. Roughly 2/3 of Whatcom Literacy Council learners are enrolled in programs to strengthen their English. Stronger literacy skills allow people to be more self-sufficient, which in turn promotes higher employment, added tax revenue, reduced welfare costs, and less crime throughout our community. Our Staff Ashley Meyer Adult Literacy Program (ALP) Coordinator and Classroom Assistant Coordinator (360) 306-1612 Email Brandi Adams English Language Learner (ELL) Coordinator (360) 685-6756 Email Mara Louter Small Group Class (SGC) Coordinator Hablo español (360) 255 1131 Email Katherine Freimund Executive Director (360) 752-8678 Email Tami Johnson Development Director (360) 739-8332 Email Daisey James Media Coordinator Spricht ein wenig Deutsch (360) 752-8678 Email

Whatcom Literacy Council offers free English Language Learner programs to help adults learn to speak, read, write, and understand English in Whatcom County. Programs & Classes Learn English Free tutoring for adults who speak other languages. FREE ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNER (ELL) PROGRAM Our English Language Learner Program offers free tutoring services for adults who speak another language and want to learn or improve their English language skills. How it Works English tutoring is free for adults who live in Whatcom County. Learners are carefully assigned to a volunteer tutor. that best matches their needs. The coordinator and tutor will help the learner identify their goals. Learners will meet with this tutor two times per week to work on these goals together. Each tutoring session is coordinated at a time that fits the learner's schedule. Each tutoring session is held in a public location within the learner's community. All tutoring is customized and confidential. Contact Brandi Adams English Language Learner (ELL) Coordinator she/her/hers ell@whatcomliteracy.org (360) 685-6756 Languages Spoken English What You Can Achieve Learn or improve English speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills. Prepare for U.S. citizenship. Get a U.S. driver's license. Prepare for a GED (General Educational Development) test. Learn or improve basic computer skills. Increase employment opportunities. Gain the skills necessary to continue your education.

Planned giving programs will help Whatcom Literacy Council remain sustainable into the future so we can continue to help English Language Learner adults achieve their goals and improve their lives in Whatcom County. Donate to Literacy We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization Tax ID: 91-1220307 Give Now Help Whatcom Literacy Council remain sustainable into the future. Planned Giving Also see options to... Planned Giving Employer Matching Gifts Starbucks, Boeing, Microsoft, Alaska Airlines... these and many other companies will match your donation resulting in doubled and sometimes tripled contributions. All it takes is for you to request the match... usually by filling out a form from your employer. Individual Retirement Accounts or 401(k) Name Whatcom Literacy Council as a beneficiary of your retirement account or direct the Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) us. Charitable IRA Rollover If you are age 70-1/2 or older and taking minimum distributions, you can donate from your IRA without a tax penalty. Life Insurance This option allows you to make a significant gift to charity, with tax benefits that you can enjoy during your lifetime. Appreciated Stock Your gift of stock gets reinvested in Whatcom County, and qualifies you for an immediate tax deduction based on the full market value. Estate Gifts Include a charitable bequest in your will for a lasting gift to our community. Charitable Remainder Trust This option allows you to receive income for the rest of your life, knowing that the remainder will benefit Whatcom Literacy Council and our community. Private/Family Foundation Managing family foundations can present many challenges. Converting to a donor advised fund can provide administrative ease while continuing to carry out the family foundation’s impact. Real Estate The value of your real estate may exceed any other asset you own. Using property gains can fulfill your charitable interests while providing financial and tax benefits. Closely Held Corporations Donors can give shares of closely held corporations, and once sold, the proceeds can support Whatcom Literacy Council. Tangible Personal Property Real property such as artwork with a certified appraisal can fund your charitable goals. Also see options to... Give Now

Whatcom Literacy Council has a long history of success teaching English Language Learners, improve their literacy, practice English conversation, prepare for a GED, prepare for citizenship, and learn basic computer skills in Whatcom County. Success Stories With help from the Whatcom Literacy Council, our students are improving their skills, careers, families, and quality of life. Changing Lives OPENING DOORS. CHANGING LIVES. "Helping your learner achieve something as valuable as literacy, while at the same time watching them build their self-confidence, is quite gratifying." — Volunteer Tutor “I have learned how to use verbs, tenses, adjectives, and nouns. Before I have problems for speaking, I’m always shy. But I didn’t speak English, but now I’m doing well. At work, everyone says, “Veerpal, now you’re doing good.” My teacher, she is teaching is good.” — Veerpal, Learner “The experience of working with a variety of different adults with different skill levels and backgrounds has been eye-opening for me. It is an experience that I really value and I look forward to seeing Veerpal flourish, and to working with other adults who want to learn, or improve, their English skills.” – Kate, Tutor “Everyone deserves the knowledge, confidence and opportunities that come with literacy.”

Whatcom Literacy Council offers free small group classes to help adults improve their English skills, computer skills, and to prepare for the GED or US citizenship in Whatcom County. Programs & Classes Small Group Classes Practice English, study for the GED, prepare for the citizenship exam, learn basic computer skills and more with our free small group classes. FREE SMALL GROUP CLASSES (SGC) IN WHATCOM COUNTY How it Works Learners gather together in small class groups. Small classes make interacting with instructors easy, and promote social skills. Classes are held in a public location that is easily accessible and familiar. Learners can attend as many classes as they need. All levels of education are welcome. Contact Mara Louter Small Group Class Coordinator she/her/hers sgc@whatcomliteracy.org 360-255-1131 Languages Spoken: English Español What You Can Learn Talk Time: practice English conversation. GED (General Education Diploma): get prepared for the test. U.S. Citizenship: get prepared for the test. Computer Skills: learn how to use a computer and improve your skills. Open Computer Lab: learn how to use online educational resources. FREE CLASSES FOR ADULT LEARNERS Talk Time 2026 FREE ENGLISH CONVERSATION CLASSES EVERYONE IS WELCOME! NO SIGN-UP NECESSARY. WHATCOM COMMUNITY COLLEGE Mondays 11:30 am - 1:o0 pm January 26 - March 16 ---- Lunes 11:30 - 13:00 26 de Enero - 16 de Marzo NO CLASS ON FEBRUARY 16 / NO HAY CLASES EL 16 DE FEBRERO Location Whatcom Community College Kelly Hall 105 310 W Kellogg Rd, Bellingham, WA For more information, contact Mara Louter 360-255-1131 | sgc@whatcomliteracy.org

Whatcom Literacy Council offers free English Language Learner programs to help adults learn English, improve literacy, practice English conversation, prepare for a GED, prepare for citizenship, and learn basic computer skills in Whatcom County. Programs & Classes The Whatcom Literacy Council offers a variety of free programs and classes to those living in Whatcom County. OUR FREE PROGRAMS PROMOTE SELF-SUFFICIENT ADULTS ADULT LITERACY PROGRAM Free tutoring for English-speaking adults to improve reading and writing skills, prepare for a GED test, or learn basic computer skills. Improve Literacy ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNER Free tutoring for adults who speak another language and want to learn or improve their English language skills. Learn English SMALL GROUP CLASSES Free small classes for adults to practice English, learn computers, prepare for citizenship or the GED. Take a Class

Whatcom Literacy Council is governed by a group of dedicated Board Members who keep our organization focused on its mission teaching free English Language Learner programs and more to adults in Whatcom County. About Us The Whatcom Literacy Council is governed by a group of dedicated volunteers who keep the organization focused on its mission, and are responsible for fiduciary oversight. Board Members INTERESTED IN JOINING OUR BOARD? Learn More President Paqui Paredes Méndez Professor of Spanish Modern & Classical Languages Department Western Washington University Vice President Michael Cox Deputy Director Whatcom County Library System Treasurer Kaitlyn Gilmore Staff Accountant and CPA Archer Halliday PS, CPAs Secretary Carol Choulochas English Teacher, National Sales Rep, Hiring and Training Manager, retired Members Dr. Bill Gerritz International School S uperintendent & Graduate School Faculty, retired Bangkok/The Netherlands/Venezuela Trang Nguyen Tax Associate Larson Gross CPA (a former client, originally from Vietn am) Andres Parra Community Health Worker Catholic Community Services (former client, originally from Colombia) Brian Aguilar Ferndale Branch Manager, US Bank Stu Andrade Resource Navigator, Immigrant Resources & Immediate Support (IRIS) Brent Carbajal, PHD Professor Emeritus of Spanish, Western Washington University Catalina Hope Senior Instructor, Whatcom Community College Become a Board Member Do you have a passion for helping your community? We welcome new Board Members who are willing to dedicate their knowledge, experience, and perspective to help us remain focused on our mission and financially responsible. Board Members typically commit to a minimum of three to eight hours of service per month, and are required to serve a minimum three year term. Board members meet monthly, on the third Monday of each month, from 5:30 pm until 7:00 pm, except during July. If you are interested in joining this important group of individuals, please click on the two buttons below to learn more, complete an application, and email it to director@whatcomliteracy.org . We will respond with more information and an overview of upcoming openings. Roles & Responsibilities Board Application

Find a wealth of information and resources collected by Whatcom Literacy Council to help adults learn English, improve literacy, practice English conversation, prepare for a GED, prepare for citizenship, and learn basic computer skills in Whatcom County. Resources The Whatcom Literacy Council offers a wealth of helpful resources for everyone involved in learning. PROVIDING THE TOOLS TO HELP OUR COMMUNITY LEARN FOR LEARNERS These websites offer all sorts of free classes, exercises, and activities to help you learn. Learner Toolbox FOR VOLUNTEERS Comprehensive resources to help you learn, grow, and excel at teaching and tutoring. Volunteer Toolbox FOR EVERYONE From local community organizations and resources, to recommended books... More Resources RESOURCES FOR LEARNERS English Language Learning (ELL) USA Learns is a free website for adults to learn English and improve their basic reading, writing, speaking, and life skills. Reading and Literacy TV411 is a collection of entertaining videos and engaging web activities, all designed to help you reach your learning goals. Options include reading for success, fine-tuning your writing, expanding your vocabulary, getting a grip on math, and exploring science. General Education Diploma (GED) The PBS Literacy Link - GED Connection offers a variety of activities that you can do on your own or with a tutor. Anyone can set up a user name and log in... even tutors can register as a new teacher to review student’s work. Computers GFC Learn Free offers f ree computer courses for beginners – including typing, using the internet, doing e-mail, and learning Microsoft Office software. RESOURCES FOR VOLUNTEERS Monthly Report Forms ELL Tutor/Learner Progress Report ALP Tutor/Learner Progress Report List of Useful Websites for Tutors Bellingham Public Library Adult Basic Education Collection ProLiteracy Education Network Hopelink Adult Education/Eastside Literacy GED Educator Handbook Useful textbooks for ELL learners Learner Study Skills and Homework Ideas RESOURCES FOR EVERYONE Community Resources Bellingham Technical College (BTC) Whatcom Community College (WCC) Whatcom County Library System Bellingham Public Library Goodwill Job Training & Education Center Book Recommendations The following books were recommended by Nancy Pearl , an American librarian, best-selling author, literary critic, well known speaker and the former Executive Director of the Washington Center for the Book at the Seattle Public Library.. Please consider purchasing them from our supporting partner Village Books , or borrowing them from the Whatcom County Library ! Nancy Pearl, by Susan Doupé Loved and Missed by Susie Boyt What Looks Like Crazy On An Ordinary Day by Pearl Cleage The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann Colored Television by Danzy Senna Dayswork by Chris Bachelder and Jennifer Habel The Alternatives by Caoilinn Hughes The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary The Wedding People by Alison Espach Eligible: A Modern Retelling of Pride and Prejudice by Curtis Sittenfeld Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason The Bodyguard by Katherine Center The Unsettled by Ayana Mathis The Swans of Harlem: Five Black Ballerinas, Fifty Years of Sisterhood, and Their Reclamation of a Groundbreaking History by Karen Valby The Black Angels: The Untold Story of the Nurses Who Helped Cure Tuberculosis by Maria Smilios Book and Dagger: How Scholars and Librarians Became the Unlikely Spies of World War II by Elyse Graham The Daughters Of Yalta: The Churchills, Roosevelts, and Harrimans: A Story of Love and War by Catherine Grace Katz

Whatcom Literacy Council offers free Adult Literacy tutoring services for English-speaking adults looking for help with basic reading and writing, GED test preparation, and basic computer skills. Programs & Classes Improve Basic Literacy Skills Free tutoring for English-speaking adults who want to improve their skills. FREE ADULT LITERACY PROGRAM (ALP) IN WHATCOM COUNTY Our Adult Literacy Program offers free tutoring services for English-speaking adults looking for help with basic reading and writing skills, GED test preparation, and/or basic computer skills. How it Works Learners are carefully assigned to a volunteer tutor. that best matches their needs. The tutor will help the learner identify their goals. Learners will meet with this tutor two times per week to work on these goals together. Each tutoring session is coordinated at a time that fits the learner's schedule. Each tutoring session is held in a public location within the learner's community. All tutoring is customized and confidential. Contact Ashley Meyer Adult Literacy Program (ALP) Coordinator she/her/hers alp@whatcomliteracy.org (360) 752-8681 Languages Spoken: English What You Can Achieve Learn or improve basic reading and writing skills. Prepare for a GED (General Educational Development) test. Learn or improve basic computer skills. Increase employment opportunities. Gain the skills necessary to continue your education. Enjoy reading for daily life. Improve your parenting skills.

Register to attend our event at Whatcom Literacy Council in support of English Language Learner programs in Whatcom County. Registration Name of Event goes here; change out the photo as needed. Saturday March 14 Starting at 6:00 pm TAG LINE ABOUT EVENT GOES HERE Upcoming Event Title Click on "Edit Text" to edit this content with relevant event details or information that you want to share with people. On this page, you can go into more detail about the event, list speakers, show sponsors (set up as a gallery or simply add a collage of their logos), list auction items, etc. To swap out the photo at left, click the image until you see the white button "change column background" (not change strip background) and then choose the "image" option. Register Today! Paste your jotform code into the grey box below to make your registration form appear. Adjust the box size as needed.