Welcome to Indy Reads!
How Can You Help?
FIRST: Watch our info video on
YouTube!
SECOND: Come to a Volunteer Orientation!
THIRD: Make a Donation!
We participate in Making Indianapolis 100% Literate
Indy Reads provides FREE tutoring for functionally illiterate adults in Central Indiana.
Have you read our billboard?
BECOME A VOLUNTEER - CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Learn about our new "Reading Coach" volunteer opportunity!!!
The Problem: Adult Illiteracy is an educational, health, economic, and family issue. The National Assessment of Adult Literacy estimates that 100,000 adults in Marion County are functionally illiterate. They can’t fill out a job application, read a prescription, take a driver’s test, or check their child’s homework. Illiteracy impacts the individual, and the family: it is difficult to work, and near impossible to be self-sufficient. Illiteracy is linked to poverty, criminal activity, poor health and early death. A parent’s literacy level accurately predicts a child’s future academic and economic success. Reading for pleasure isn't even an option if you're illiterate. This is about reading for survival.
One time I got on a bus and thought I was getting on the right one and I went all the way to the fairgrounds. I didn't know how to get home so I walked. I didn't get home until about 8:00 p.m. and my wife was scared!
- Indy Reads' Student
The Solution: Indy Reads is the only organization in Central Indiana accredited by ProLiteracy Worldwide providing free basic adult literacy tutoring to adults who read at or below the sixth grade level. Utilizing trained volunteers we reach over 400 students annually, helping them to become self-sufficient. Volunteer training is the foundation of our organization. Volunteers complete 15-20 hours of instruction from our professional trainers before they are matched with a student from our waiting list.
Indy Reads is dedicated to eliminating illiteracy in Marion County. We believe that everyone should have an opportunity to learn to read. Since 1984, we have been helping to open doors for adults through literacy.
We welcome your involvement and support as a volunteer, donor, or by encouraging a low level reader to give us a call. To find out how you can make a difference in someone's life, call us at 317-275-4040. And now you can visit our MySpace, Facebook, and Indy.com pages to connect with other friends of Indy Reads.
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Congratulations to Indy Reads student Joe Cooper!
On March 17th, Joe won the Human Achievement Award at the Center for Leadership Development's 28th Annual Minority Business & Professional Achievers Recognition Awards Dinner. Joe was honored for turning his life around, and with the help of his tutor Sue Smith, to share his life story with others through his book, "Day Dreamer to Dream Catcher." Joe is pictured here with his wife, Melody.
Then, on March 24th, Joe was honored by the Indianapolis City County Council with an official proclamation sponsored by Councillor Jackie Nytes.
Joe was also honored this year at Indy Reads' Alphabet Affair on April 12th. Watch a video about student Joe Cooper
On August 16th, 2008, Joe's book was awared the "State Librarian's Award for Excellence in Nontraditional Literature."