Our History
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 1987, 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.
Family Literacy
In 1995, we received Federal funding to offer Family Literacy Programs.
Literacy Phoenix ceased receiving this funding and center in providing Adult Education through the grant and guidance of the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) / Adult Education Services (AES).
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 for Speakers of Other Languages (formerly referred to as English as a Second Language).
We are grateful to continue receiving support through this grant.
Private Funders
We continue receiving support from individual donors like you who are committed to making a difference in our community and shaping the future of our nation.
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.
The program expanded to high school juniors and seniors who were struggling with reading.
Today, we have a computer lab on each Learning Center available for Adult Education students as follows:
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- Monday to Thursday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Fridays from 8:00 AM TO 5:00 PM.
Learning Centers
In 1997, 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 2009, we opened a second Learning Center in Sunnyslope at 729 E. Hatcher Road Phoenix, AZ.
In 2012, we moved our Central Learning Center to 1616 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ.
In early 2020, we remodeled 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 Maryvale at the Bret Tarver Learning Center.
In 2024, we moved our Central Learning Center to 1150 E Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ and renamed it Downtown Learning Center.
Rebranding
In 2024, to enhance community recognition and broaden our outreach, Literacy Volunteers of Maricopa County rebranded as Literacy Phoenix.
We adopted a ” doing business as (DBA) Literacy Phoenix”.
The organization legal name reminds as Literacy Volunteers of Maricopa County.
Current Services
Today, we are offering two Adutl Education programs:
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- English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL)
- Adult Basic and Secondary Education (ABE/ASE)
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We are serving more than 1,000 students every year in two Learning Centers:
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- Sunnyslope at 729 E. Hatcher Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85020
- Downtown at 1150 E. Jefferson St. Phoenix, AZ 85034
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