The Literacy Council of Washington County, Maryland
About the Literacy Council
We provide free, one-on-one help for adults in and around Washington County, Maryland who want support with reading, writing, or English.
Who We Are
A Nonprofit Providing Free Adult Literacy Support Since 1986
Who We Are
At the heart of our mission is the belief that everyone deserves the chance to thrive through literacy. The Literacy Council serves adult residents, aged 18 and older, in and around Washington County, Maryland, regardless of literacy-level or educational background. We are dedicated to fostering a love for reading and writing by providing free, personalized instruction to individuals eager to improve their skills. We provide support in conversation and language learning basics to non-native English speakers to cultivate effective communication. To offer these free services, the LCWC relies on a strong backbone of volunteer tutors. We are always seeking passionate tutors, over 18 years old, who are fluent in English. Volunteer tutors are first trained to succeed, then given resources and support to guide their tutoring sessions. Tutors dedicate between 1-2 hours a week meeting their students with patience, enthusiasm, and a desire to make a real impact.
Our Goals
Help adults across Washington County build real, lasting reading and writing skills – no matter where they’re starting from.
Give non-native English speakers the conversation skills and confidence to be understood, at work, at the doctor’s office, wherever it matters.
Find and train tutors who show up with patience and heart, because that’s what actually changes someone’s life.
Our Journey
A Legacy of Adult Literacy Since 1986
Our History
In November 1986, a gathering of passionate individuals came together, founding what was once called the Northwest Central Literacy Council. With a vision to uplift the community, the Council focused on equipping adults with essential skills, both in general education and English language learning. Though the office faced challenges and closed in the mid-90s, the Council's story didn't end there. In 1996, the spark reignited. After attending Frederick County's Tutor Training Workshop, a Hagerstown resident was inspired to address the urgent literacy needs within Washington County. She sought support and advice from relevant individuals to resurrect the Hagerstown office. By January 1998, she and nine other enthusiastic souls gathered at the Washington County Free Library, marking the beginning of the Literacy Council of Washington County.
Today, nearly 20% of adults in our nation grapple with functional illiteracy, with 10% lacking a high school diploma, and 34% of the internationally-born struggling to find their voice in English. These barriers can lead to unemployment, poverty, and health struggles. Yet, the Literacy Council of Washington County stands as a beacon of hope, working to mend these troubling statistics by offering our free services without judgement. Change happens when adult learners are engaged and treated with respect. With the dedication of our volunteer tutors, we strive to ensure a brighter future for these individuals, foster a skilled workforce, and uplift the prospects and promise of our beloved county.
Mission & Values
Our Commitment to Literacy and Education
Our Mission
We believe everyone deserves the chance to read, write, and be understood – no matter where they’re starting from. That means showing up with patience, not judgment, and treating every learner like someone worth investing in. It’s why we’ve kept doing this since 1986, one student and one tutor at a time.
Our Values
We show up with patience instead of judgment, and we meet people exactly where they are – whatever their reading level, whatever their story. Every learner deserves respect, not a lecture, and every volunteer deserves real support, not just a manual. That’s how we’ve built trust in this community for almost 40 years.
Meet Our Team
Dedicated Professionals and Volunteers
Celeste Ropp
President
Allan Bare
Secretary
Stan Chrzanowski III
Treasurer
Cheyenne M. Herson
Head of the LCWC Marketing Committee
Laura Shelton
LCWC Community Support
Megan Dayhoff
LCWC Community Support
Laura Gross
Executive Director
Becky Hein
One of the LCWC Founders
Barbara Creager, Emeritus
Former Cornerstone of our Council
READY WHEN YOU ARE
Take the Next Step — We Help for Free
If you’re an adult who wants help with reading, writing, or English, you’re in the right place. If you’d like to volunteer or support adult learners, we’d love to hear from you.