Meet Kyle and his incredible family

The Durham Literacy Center has considered my family as its family, and I will continue to give them my support in honor of what they have done for us. -Kyle Salinas

Hi, I’m Kyle,

Two years ago, I was a different person than who I am now. I remember waking up every day really depressed, and hoping it was my last day. During my childhood I had health issues that caused me to miss a lot of classes resulting in bad grades. I was bullied and did stupid things for others to like me. I eventually dropped out.

But last year I decided to do something with my life, so I looked for GED® classes and found the Durham Literacy Center. At first I was nervous. But then I met the program staff, Amy and Robert. They made me feel comfortable about trying their program. During my time, I have worked with wonderful tutors, and once I finish my GED®, I plan to go to college for a four-year degree.Once I start going to college, I will come back to tutor to repay Durham Literacy Center for the kindness they have shown.

-Kyle, High School Equivalency Student

Kyle and his sister, Kimberly, are studying for their high school equivalency diplomas. Their mother, Martha, is an advanced ESOL student; she’s also our volunteer receptionist.

Since 1985, the Durham Literacy Center has provided free instruction and tutoring to over 17,000 adults and out-of-school youth in Durham. In July 2018, the Durham Literacy Center merged with the Achievement Academy of Durham, bringing the strength and expertise of AA’s classroom approach to help students pass high school equivalency exams like the GED® and HiSET. As a newly merged organization, over 220 volunteers and 12 staff are helping their neighbors gain the reading, writing, math, computer skills, English language and educational credentials that are necessary to thrive in Durham's prosperous economy.

You can help students like Kyle prepare for college and Martha improve her English by making a tax-deductible contribution. Donate by clicking here, mail us a check or contact us for alternative ways to give. Each dollar goes a long way:

• $40 buys instructional materials for one adult ESOL student.

• $100 provides instructional technology for a young adult High School Equivalency student.

• $250 provides training for 5 volunteer tutors.

• $700 funds instruction to one Adult Literacy student for one year.

Through your contribution, you help empower lives through literacy. We can’t thank you enough.

Lizzie Ellis-Furlong

Executive Director

P.S. You can help even more by making a five-year pledge and joining the John Hope Franklin Society! Click here to learn more!

​I’m thankful to the Durham Literacy Center for giving my children another chance to finish their high school education and help them get into college. As a thank you, my husband and I try to help as much as we can. -Martha Salinas, right, pictured with Kyle