This year, perhaps more than ever, I’ve found myself thinking about the people who come through Literacy NJ’s doors and what it actually takes to keep showing up as an adult learner right now.

Our students balance exhausting, unpredictable work schedules, childcare, financial stress, language barriers, and an increasingly difficult and hostile climate toward immigrants and newcomers. And still, every week, they carve out time to study English, prepare for citizenship exams, learn to read, help their children navigate school systems, and build fuller lives for themselves.

The people who seek out Literacy NJ’s services are thoughtful, determined, community-minded people trying to create more stability and opportunity for themselves and their families. It’s been a privilege to work alongside them, and the volunteers who dedicate themselves to this work.

At Literacy NJ, we provide free adult literacy, ESL, GED, and citizenship education across the state. If you’re able to give, any amount helps support that work and keep these programs accessible.