RichmondCC Uses Grant Funds to Support Family Literacy Community Events

April 13, 2026 – Richmond Community College has received a ProLiteracy Opportunity Fund Grant to support English language learning and family literacy initiatives for English Language Learners (ELLs) and their families in Richmond County.

ProLiteracy is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing adult and family literacy through education, professional development, advocacy, and grant funding. The organization supports local programs across the country that help adults gain essential literacy and English language skills while strengthening family and community engagement.

Through this grant, RichmondCC is partnering with the Richmond County Rescue Mission at Place of Grace in Rockingham to deliver a series of community-based ESL and Family Literacy Saturdays designed to support entire families in a welcoming, supportive environment.

The first Family Literacy Saturday event was held on April 11. Adults participated in ESL instruction led by RichmondCC instructors, while childcare was provided by volunteers from Place of Grace. Both adults and children engaged in interactive literacy activities, educational games, and enrichment experiences. Families enjoyed lunch together, participants had opportunities to win prizes, and each child received bilingual children’s books to encourage reading at home and support literacy development in both English and their native language.

The next Family Literacy Saturday for adult English language learners will be Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Place of Grace Campus. There will be a culminating community celebration on Saturday, May 30, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. also at Place of Grace Campus.

The culminating event will feature a children’s soccer tournament for ages 5 to 11, emphasizing family engagement, teamwork and fun. The event is free and open to the public. All community members are welcome. Food will be provided.

An ESL information session will be held May 31 at 9 a.m. for adults interested in enrolling in Richmond Community College’s ESL classes, which are offered at three locations throughout Richmond County.

“This grant allowed us to provide additional learning opportunities by combining adult English instruction with engaging, child-friendly activities,” said Nicole Worley, Dean of Adult Education at Richmond Community College. “We are deeply grateful to ProLiteracy and to our partners at Place of Grace for helping us create meaningful learning experiences that support both parents and children.”

For more information about RichmondCC’s ESL programs or upcoming Family Literacy events, contact ESL Program Coordinator Dagoberto Lopez at (910) 410-1784 or dlopez@richmondcc.edu.