September 25th, 2025
Washtenaw Literacy was honored to be featured on WEMU 89.1 FM’s Washtenaw United, a series produced in partnership with the United Way for Southeastern Michigan that highlights the people and organizations advancing equity and opportunity in our community.
In the interview, Executive Director David Martineau shared how Washtenaw Literacy helps adult learners set and achieve goals by developing the reading, writing, math, and digital skills they need to succeed. An estimated 40,000 adults in Washtenaw County experience low literacy — a challenge that touches every part of life, from employment and health to parenting and civic participation.
Washtenaw Literacy’s work is rooted in relationships. More than 400 trained volunteer tutors work alongside learners in one-to-one matches and small group sessions. Together, they build not only skills, but also confidence, belonging, and dignity. Last year, 100% of our learners reported making progress toward at least three personal goals, with two-thirds achieving a primary goal such as advancing at work, reading to a child, or becoming a U.S. citizen.
The interview highlighted the resilience learners demonstrate in overcoming barriers such as transportation, childcare, and stigma. Despite these challenges, learners succeed every day thanks to the dedication of volunteers, staff, donors, and community partners who make this work possible.
🎧 Listen to the full interview here: Washtenaw United: Building Equity and Opportunity Through Literacy
We invite you to join this movement. Become a tutor or site coordinator, attend an upcoming training, or support Washtenaw Literacy through a donation. Together, we can ensure that literacy — and the opportunities it brings — is within reach for everyone in our community.