Literacy is one of the foundations of society, and the DePorres Adult Literary Center is providing the building blocks with one-on-one tutoring and small group instruction. The West Palm Beach-based program, staffed with retired professionals and former teachers, is free for adults 18 and older who want to learn basic reading skills or master spoken English. Participants pay a minimal cost for textbooks. DePorres started in 1997 with nine students and three volunteer tutors. Three hundred students were tutored this year with 90 volunteers. Students attend class two times a week and can use computers to study or work on a resume. DePorres has one full-time staff member and three part-timers. Programs address the needs of those who speak English as a first language, but who read below a fifth-grade level. Some students advance to read literary classics. A spring luncheon is an important source of funding, but many needs remain. Space is a major problem for DePorres, located in West Palm Beach’s Northwood neighborhood.

Phone: (561) 863-5778
Email: judyireland@deporresplace.org
Website: deporresplace.org