Since its establishment by two Dominican Sisters in 1989, the Dominican Literacy Center in Detroit has been helping adults better themselves through education. The Dominican Literacy Center (DLC) offers free educational classes in reading, math, basic computer literacy, English as a Second Language (ESL), and GED preparation. Although the DLC is sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, interested adults looking to take advantage of classes and tutoring need not have any religious affiliation to do so. Executive Director Kimberly Williams says the center's dedication to remain grounded in the Dominican Sisters' mission and passion for education, social justice, and hospitality are behind nearly 35 years of adult student success. "We provide a tutoring service, that's our main thing, and we added small group classes as a way to reduce the waiting list as we don't want people waiting and waiting for just one tutor. We make sure when our students come in and they can feel it that there is low stress and high quality. We want to make people feel welcome because it is no small feat to go back to school at 40, or 50, or 60 to learn new things and challenge themselves. We want them to know that this is a safe place to take chances and make mistakes because that's how you learn," she says.

DLC offers individualized instruction catered to exactly what each student needs, as determined by a pre-test each student takes to determine academic ability. One-to-one tutoring and classes are offered both in-person and online. Online classes are ideal for anyone struggling with child care or transportation issues, says Williams. "I anticipate us always offering both in-person and online tutoring and classes but I believe that you really can't replace the benefit of being in-person, building that community; it really takes a lot of effort to build community on Zoom," she adds. "Our tutors and students sit side by side and they work very closely together and the same thing in our classrooms because we limit our classes to about five or six people per class so you get to build that community there."

New to DLC this year is a program called "Building Women Up" which is focused on self-care for women. Williams says the average age of their students is 40 and many women are caring for children, grandchildren, or aging parents. "As a woman, many times we take care of everybody else and we put ourselves last and our students are no different. I wanted to have something to allow them to take some time for themselves. We have meditation for those who want it and it's short. And we have a yoga instructor come in once a month,"she says.

Also this summer, nine students will receive induction into the National Adult Education Honor Society, which recognizes adult learners who demonstrate exceptional effort along with academic excellence. In addition, two students will be recognized for achieving completion of tutoring and attaining their GED with a graduation ceremony complete with cap and gown.

Tutors at the Dominican Literacy Center work one-to-one with adult students.

Williams says the GED or General Education Development, which is equal to a high school diploma, is the main reason most students come to the DLC. She says even adults who are reading at a grade school level are able to attain their GED with plenty of hard work with a one-to-one tutor and small classes. She adds that such an accomplishment always brings with it a renewed sense of self-confidence which enables the adults to feel prepared to write a resume, find a job, advocate for themselves and family, and even vote. Education changes lives, she says, adding that they have seen students return with news of having obtained employment or enrolled in a vocational training program. ESL (English as a Second Language) classes offered at DLC can have the same impact. Williams says ESL classes are smaller than adult basic education classes, accounting for about sixteen percent of enrolled students.

Tutors at DLC are volunteers and come from many walks of life. Most are retirees who enjoy giving back to their community. Williams says the center always needs tutors and a new Tutor Orientation is scheduled for September 15.

The DLC is a 50(c)3 non-profit and is supported through grants, community foundations, and generous supporters. A fundraising event is planned for this September, the 5th Annual Adult Spelling Bee Fundraiser, to be held at the Jam Handy on East Grand Blvd. To find out more about the Dominican Literacy Center and its programs, to volunteer, or find details about the upcoming spelling bee, go to http://www.dlcliteracy.org or call 313-267-1000. The Dominican Literacy Center is located at 5555 Conner. Suite 1414, in the Samaritan Center.