Washtenaw Literacy has been changing lives, one word at a time, for 50 years. We empower our neighbors in Washtenaw County with improved reading, writing, math, digital literacy, or communicating in English. New confidence helps our learners access a family sustaining wage, participate in the community, understand health systems, and raise academically-ready children. Over 90% of adults in our one-on-one tutoring program reach one or more of their goals. We provide comprehensive training and on-going support to over 800 tutors who extend our reach to the 1 in 5 Washtenaw County adults who are low-literate. Volunteer tutors to plan lessons according to the learner's strengths, needs and goals. Adult learners in our program are motivated because they are setting, and meeting, their own standards for success. This focus on individual goals makes our program unique. Washtenaw Literacy is a foundational part of our community's educational continuum. Someday we hope to have no need for our services. Until then, we'll support our volunteer tutors as they help low-literate men and women improve their skills and their lives.