Gordon-Booth Celebrates Peoria Receiving Nearly $150k in Adult Volunteer Literacy Grants

PEORIA, Ill. – State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, is congratulating the Neighborhood House Association and Peoria County Regional Office of Education #48 on receiving library grants to expand their adult literacy programs.

“Adult volunteer literacy programs are essentially for those in our community who do not have a high reading proficiency, but want to learn or need to learn for job purposes,” said Gordon-Booth. “Peoria is so lucky to have these organizations who provide an essential service, and I’m so grateful to the volunteer educators who keep this program in action.”

Adult volunteer literacy grants provide assistance to help adults improve their literacy, whether from a gap in education or they’re beginning to learn and speak English. The courses are taught by volunteer tutors and educators who are trained in literacy education.

The Neighborhood House Association received $82,000 in grant funding and Peoria County Regional Office of Education #48 received $66,580, totaling $148,580 in state literacy grants. These funds will allow each organization to expand their adult literacy programs by offering more courses, acquiring more resources and tools, and expanding the education provided for volunteer tutors.

“Our country has a history of forced illiteracy, especially in the Black community. Slaves and former enslaved people were not allowed to learn to read so they couldn’t find work,” said Gordon-Booth. “We sometimes take for granted what our ancestors were barred from, whether voting or reading. Learning to read or improving your reading skills as an adult or a non-native English speaker is hard work, and I commend those who are undertaking this challenge head on. I’m excited to see how this additional funding will impact the adults in Peoria who could benefit from this program.”