Everyone Deserves a Literate Life: How READ RVA is Changing Futures Through Adult Literacy

(Sponsored Content)

Most of us take for granted the ease at which we accomplish everyday tasks like reading a prescription label, filling out a job application, or helping a child with homework. But across the Richmond metro area, more than 100,000 adults live with low literacy skills, and these tasks can feel overwhelming or impossible.

READ RVA is working to change that reality. Our mission is to give every adult in our community the skills needed to read, write, and thrive.

A National Challenge

Low literacy is not only a local issue. Across the United States, 59 million adults read below a third-grade level. That is nearly one in five adults. The result is limited opportunity, fewer career options, and barriers that impact  entire families.

The effects of low literacy often pass from one generation to the next. The strongest predictor of a child’s academic success is their mother’s literacy level. When parents struggle to read, children are more likely to face challenges in school. Breaking this cycle begins with supporting adults who want to strengthen their skills.

Why Literacy Matters

Literacy is about much more than words on a page. It shapes every part of life. Adults with limited reading skills often struggle to find stable jobs, earn lower wages, and have difficulty accessing health care. Literacy is even recognized as a social determinant of health. People with low literacy may struggle to follow medical instructions or navigate the health system, putting their well-being at risk.

This is why literacy is not just an educational issue. It is also a health issue, an economic issue, and a community issue. When adults gain stronger reading skills, the entire community benefits.

The People Behind the Numbers

At READ RVA, our students are mothers, fathers, and grandparents. They are workers who want better jobs, parents who dream of reading bedtime stories to their children, and neighbors who want to feel more confident in everyday life.

Every student who joins our program shows courage and determination. They are not defined by their current skill level but by their commitment to grow and learn.

How READ RVA Supports Learners

READ RVA provides free reading classes for adults. Each learner receives instruction that matches their needs and pace.

Volunteer tutors play a vital role. They work one-on-one and in small groups, building trust and encouragement along the way. Classes are flexible to fit the busy lives of our students, many of whom balance jobs, family responsibilities, and other challenges.

Our community partner organizations are essential to our work as an adult literacy nonprofit. They open doors by connecting us with learners, sharing resources, and helping us meet people where they are. Together, we create welcoming spaces for adults to strengthen their reading, writing, and digital skills. These partnerships extend our reach and deepen our impact by ensuring that more parents, workers, and neighbors gain the tools they need to succeed at home, at work, and in the community.

Why Richmond Needs READ RVA

The Richmond metro area is home to more than 100,000 adults with low literacy skills. These are not distant figures. They are our neighbors, co-workers, and friends.

When adults improve their reading, children are more likely to succeed in school. Families are able to find better jobs and provide greater financial stability. Health outcomes improve. Communities become stronger and more engaged.

By supporting adult literacy, we are investing in the future of the Richmond region.

How the Community Can Help

This work is too important for READ RVA to do alone. Everyone can play a part in creating a literate community.

• Volunteer. Become a tutor or mentor. A few hours of your time can open a lifetime of opportunity for someone else.

• Donate. Your financial support provides free classes, materials, and resources for adult learners.

• Spread the word. Many adults feel shame about struggling with reading. Sharing the information that free, welcoming classes are available helps more people take the first step.

Turning the Page Together

At READ RVA, we believe that everyone needs and deserves a literate life. Reading is not a privilege. It is a basic human right and the foundation of dignity, opportunity, and independence.

The adults in our classrooms are not statistics. They are mothers, fathers, and grandparents who want to build a better future. They are our neighbors, and when they succeed, Richmond succeeds.

By standing with READ RVA, you stand with the 100,000 adults in our community who are ready to turn the page on low literacy and write a new chapter for themselves and their families.
Together, we can create a Richmond where every adult has the skills, confidence, and opportunity to thrive.