Illinois Literacy

              “Night of 1,000 Stars” is an annual celebration in
May held simultaneously on the south, west and
north sides of Chicago to recognize adult education
achievements. These three exciting “galas” allow
hardworking adult learners to shine as the “Stars of
the Evening” through poetry, personal stories and
music.
The events were hosted by the Southside Literacy
Coalition at the DeLaSalle Institute, the Westside
Literacy Coalition at Allison United Foundation, and
the Northside Literacy Coalition at Anixter Center.
Enthusiastic and proud program coordinators, tutors,
family and friends came out in great numbers at each
site to show support at the event of the year.
“Our students were outstanding as usual. It was an
emotional and fun evening with heartwarming stories
delivered by adult learners. Secretary of State Jesse
White, seated in the midst of coordinators, tutors and
family members, was visibly moved by the presenta-tions
of the evening’s stars. It was our best one yet.”
— Joanne Jones, chairperson of the Southside
Literacy Coalition
“This annual event is very important to the Northside
Coalition. It gives us a chance to recognize our stu-dents
and gives them the opportunity to share their
talents with others. This year’s event was special. It
was incredibly lively and inspirational. I was truly
amazed by the courage and talents of all the students
who performed.” — Michelle Fleming, chairperson of
the Northside Literacy Coalition
“What a heartfelt night the Westside Literacy
Coalition experienced as they sat and watched the
numerous accomplishments of their students at the
annual gala Night of 1000 Stars!” — Kathy Allison,
chairperson of the Westside Literacy Coalition
This issue of Illinois Literacy highlights a unique literacy program — World Relief Refugee
Services, which provides literacy services to refugees and immigrants in the Chicago area.
To be a refugee means to leave your homeland under dire circumstances, not by choice.
Many are fleeing war, genocide and famine. When Illinois welcomes refugees we are fulfill-ing
what it says on the Statue of Liberty: “Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I
lift my lamp beside the golden door.” New immigrants also come to World Relief to learn
English and other skills to acclimate to life in America.
In order to better serve all literacy students in Illinois, fliers have been designed for various audiences to
help recruit more volunteer tutors. The fliers will be available at libraries, chambers of commerce events,
senior citizen centers, and colleges and universities throughout the state, with information about how to
become a volunteer tutor. Our goal is to be able to match volunteer tutors with every person requesting lit-eracy
services in the state. By reaching out to different populations, such as seniors, students and the busi-ness
community, we hope to achieve that goal and continue to help adult learners and their families realize
their full potential through literacy.
Jesse White
Secretary of State & State Librarian
The Illinois Literacy newsletter is available at www.cyberdriveillinois.com.
Jesse White
Secretary of State
& State Librarian
ILLINOLIS ITERACY
Adult learners shine at “Night of a 1,000 Stars”
SUMMER
2007
Volunteer tutors, adult learners and a coordinator from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.’s literacy program join Secretary of State Jesse
White at the Southside “Night of 1,000 Stars” gala at DeLaSalle Institute.