Literacy Volunteers of Chicago and Literacy Council of Chicago, formed separately in 1968 to address the needs of adults in the areas of language and literacy, merged in 1992 to establish a larger and stronger single organization called Literacy Chicago. Today we continue to empower individuals (ages 18-80+) to achieve greater self-sufficiency through language and literacy instruction. We remain committed to learners at all levels, not just those who are the most likely to attain high levels of achievement. Our individualized, learner-focused approach to education allows us to serve students who have limited reading skills and provide them with the tools and knowledge required to fulfill daily literacy needs concerning healthcare, legal rights/information, social support/assistance and personal finance.Each year 600 adults receive tuition-free individual tutoring in Adult Basic Education (ABE), GED preparation, English as a Second Language, (ESL), Citizenship/ESL. Literacy Chicago provides an outcome-focused curriculum by establishing and improving pathways toward workforce development and post-secondary education. Learners are primarily from economically challenged neighborhoods throughout the city and currently attend class in the Chicago Loop and surrounding communities.