The Beginning

In October of 1982, Karen Goodyear developed Project Read, a non-profit dedicated to adult literacy.  Working out of a donated classroom in the old Phoenix Union High School, Karen organized a team of volunteers to teach reading to adults and provide tutor training programs; during our first year, we trained 26 tutors. 

Due to a growing need for our services, Karen sought and received full affiliate status from the Literacy Volunteers of America, Inc., and Literacy Volunteers of Maricopa County was incorporated.  In 1984, Denise Krugh became our first Program Coordinator, and by 1987, the number of tutors trained in one year increased to 512.

Our Main Funders

VNSA: The Key Partner

In 1989, the Volunteer Non-Profit Service Association (VNSA) became a partner to our mission.  Through their annual used book sale, they continue to provide funding for our educational programs; today, they are one of our biggest supporters.

In 1995, we received Federal funding to offer Family Literacy Programs.

Arizona Department of Education – Adult Education Services

In 1998, we applied for and received our first Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Title II funding from the Arizona Department of Education. 

This funding gave us the opportunity to expand our services in the learning center offering  all levels of Adult Basic Education and adding English Language Acquisition for Adults (formerly referred to as English as a Second Language).

The Computer Lab

In 1988, we expanded our learning programs and became the first IBM PALS (Principles of Alphabet Learning Systems), offering a computer lab in Arizona for probationers in the Maricopa County Adult Probation Department. 

We eventually expanded the program to high school juniors and seniors who were struggling with reading.

Learning Centers

• • • In 2002, we opened our Central Phoenix Learning Center, at 1500 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ.
    • In 2004, we started English classes for the Alhambra School District.
    • In 2006, we began our Distance Learning Programs.
    • In 2006, we moved our Thomas Learning Center to 1616 E, Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ.
    • In 2009, we opened a second Learning Center in Sunnyslope North Phoenix at 729 E. Hatcher Road.
    • In early 2020, we completed the remodeling of both Learning Centers with one cohesive layout and design.
    • From 2020 to 2021, in partnership with the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation, we offered our blended Adult Basic Education program in West Phoenix at the Bret Tarver Learning Center.
    • In 2024, we moved our Indian School Learning Center to Downtown Phoenix at 1150 E Jefferson Street.

Rebranding

In 2024, to enhance community recognition and broaden our outreach, Literacy Volunteers of Maricopa County rebranded as Literacy Phoenix.

Current Services

Today, we are offering two Adutl Education programs:

• • • English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL)
    • Adult Basic Education (ABE)

We are serving more than 1,000 students every year in two Learning Centers:

• • • Sunnyslope  at 729 E. Hatcher Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85020
    • Downtown at 1150 E. Jefferson St. Phoenix, AZ 85034