The Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) recently awarded YWCA of Pekin a grant to support adult literacy. This local grant is a part of the Foundation’s more than $10.6 million donated to support adult, family, and summer literacy programs in the 48 states in which Dollar General operates. With today’s grants, the DGLF also surpasses helping more than 20 million individuals achieve their educational dreams since its inception in 1993. 

“Dollar General Literacy Foundation has been vital to the success of the Adult Literacy Program at YWCA of Pekin for many years,” says Anna Green, Director of Adult Literacy. “Funding from the foundation has enabled us to update our classroom and materials, bring in new digital resources, and help over a dozen local adults complete their Illinois High School Diploma, with more than 50 people enrolled, in the two years that I have been a part of this program. Helping adults improve their language skills, learn English, and gain their high school diploma gives them the foundation they need to be successful in our community.” 

“We believe individuals of all ages deserve access to a quality education, and the Dollar General Literacy Foundation is thrilled to support thousands of learners across the country as they enrich their lives with literacy and education,” shared Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “This year’s spring grant cycle is equally exciting as we surpass impacting more than 20 million individuals. We hope these funds provide resources needed to positively change students’ lives, helping them to build a brighter future for themselves and generations to come.” 

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports organizations that increase access to educational programming, stimulate and enable innovation in the delivery of educational instruction, and inspire a love of reading. Each year, DGLF awards funds to nonprofit organizations, schools, and libraries within a 15-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center to support adult, family, summer, and youth literacy programs. The Foundation also offers a student referral program for individuals interested in learning how to read, speak English, or prepare for the high school equivalency exam. Referrals to a local organization that provides free literacy services are available online or through referral cards found in the Learn to Read brochures that are available at the cash register of every Dollar General store. 

About YWCA of Pekin 
The YWCA of Pekin has a long history of serving members of our community regardless of age, gender, creed, age, or social standing. Adult Literacy has branched out to reach adults of all backgrounds, including the underserved and seniors, to provide literacy services at no cost to help them make equitable gains in their lives. Aquatics and fitness has many classes available that appeal to and encourage members of all ages to seek healthy lifestyles. We partner with the Special Olympics and look forward to growing our team. Our Community Outreach Program, Coalition for Equality, celebrates diversity as well as coordinates events for children in our community to celebrate differences in culture and religions, and promotes peace. Our Early Learning Center reaches the youngest and most precious members of our community, helping them understand love and develop open minds as they grow. We look forward to future initiatives to further enhance our community. For the latest updates, visit: www.ywcapekin.org. 

About the Dollar General Literacy Foundation 
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation is proud to support initiatives that help others improve their lives through literacy and education. Since 1993, the Foundation has awarded more than $250 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 21.5 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy, a general education diploma, or English proficiency. Each year, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation provides financial support to schools, nonprofit organizations, and libraries within a 15-mile radius of Dollar General stores and distribution centers.