(Indianapolis, IN – Sept. 19, 2023) Indy Reads announced today that Eskenazi Health awarded the adult literacy nonprofit a $5,000 sponsorship to support Literacy Foundations and English Language Learning (ELL) Foundations classes. Launched last year as an instructor-led class, Indy Reads’ innovative Literacy Foundations class provides personalized support to the most beginning-level native English-speaking literacy learner. Indy Reads’ ELL Foundations class, developed initially a few years ago as “Pathway to Literacy” in partnership with the Immigrant Welcome Center, serves adult immigrants who strive to learn English and are at the most beginning literacy level in their native languages.

“Literacy Foundations is Indy Reads’ oldest program,” Ruba Marshood, Indy Reads’ chief executive officer said. “In 1984, we began with a one-on-one, volunteer-based tutoring model that served the most beginning-level literacy learner. With the generous support of Eskenazi Health and others, we can now serve both our Literacy Foundations and our ELL Literacy Foundations students in even more meaningful ways through classroom instruction that fosters community. We are so grateful to Eskenazi Health for their commitment to this essential program.”

Eskenazi Health’s sponsorship program reflects its systematic and strategic emphasis on improving health and opportunities for people of color. As part of that commitment, Eskenazi Health focuses their sponsorship investments on organizations that demonstrate a commitment to improving racial equity, diversity and inclusion in their work.

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About Indy Reads

Indy Reads builds literacy, English language, and job readiness skills to empower adults and families to reach their full potential. For nearly 40 years, the nonprofit organization has worked toward a vision of 100% literacy for all. High literacy levels grant access to greater developmental, educational, and career opportunities. Current statistics show that 1 in 6 adults in Indiana read at or below a fifth-grade level. Through its Community Classrooms, Indy Reads helps adult learners increase their literacy and English language proficiency, prepare for their High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma, and build workforce skills to improve their employability and advancement potential. Indy Reads proudly serves adults of all literacy skills levels, including the most beginning-level.