When Vivian immigrated to the United States, she could not read and speak English confidently. This language barrier affected nearly every aspect of her day-to-day life, from struggling to navigate doctor appointments to facing challenges when helping her daughter with homework. Three years ago, Vivian enrolled in Indy Reads’ English Language Learning (ELL) program. Since then, she has progressed to the intermediate class. With newfound confidence, Vivian now explores Indiana more independently, builds new friendships, and works toward her goal of becoming fully proficient in English. Her dream is to help her daughter attend college, something Vivian wanted to do in her home country but was unable to pursue herself.  

Vivian’s story is a testament to the transformative power of literacy to reveal the agency of individuals and communities to expand their skillsets, break the cycle of poverty, and increase their participation in society. Indy Reads, an Indiana-based nonprofit organization, recognizes this power and envisions a world with 100% literacy for all. The nonprofit advances its vision through dynamic programming that includes adult education classes and a community-building space and bookstore that, together, make literacy, literature, and connection accessible to all. Indy Reads was recently named MJ’s 2025-2027 Indiana Charity of Choice, embarking on a two-year partnership through which it will receive financial support, Days of Service with MJ associates, and communication spotlights.  

From completing a job application to understanding the instructions of a new medication, reading is a critical skill for navigating our world. Even so, a staggering one in six adults in Indiana read below a 5th-grade level. Indy Reads works to address this issue with personalized instruction facilitated by a professional lead teacher and a team of trained volunteer class aides. Ensuring no greater than a 5:1 student-instructor ratio in every classroom, Indy Reads fosters a supportive environment for students to practice their skills. 

Through its Literacy Foundations program—the only program in Indiana that formally serves native English-speaking adults who read below a 5^th-grade level, Indy Reads helps participants reach their individual goals. These may be reading everyday materials like street signs and newspapers, passing the test for a driver’s license, filling out a job application, or writing their autobiographies.  

Education often comes with a lot of barriers, but believing literacy is a human right, Indy Reads is committed to providing free instruction to any adult who wants to learn. It serves a diverse student body, 98% of whom are immigrants, people of color, or individuals living below 200% of the federal poverty line. These students represent 47 different countries and speak 41 primary languages.  

Indy Reads’ English Language Learners (ELL) classes help non-native English learners improve their speaking, listening, reading, writing, and comprehension skills. Additionally, Indy Reads offers weekly, free, drop-in conversation circles. These sessions are open to everyone and offer a welcoming space for practicing English and building community.

English language literacy is an important step in developing independence and stability. Earning a high school diploma is another: workers who haven’t met this milestone earn $8,000 less than graduates or those who’ve passed the equivalency exam. 

Indy Reads helps students progress toward educational attainment and career advancement. Its High School Equivalency (HSE) program prepares adult learners for the Indiana HiSET exam—in person or online. Last year, 92% of Indy Reads students who attempted the HiSET exam passed and earned their diplomas. 

The organization also offers workforce literacy and certification programs.  Students participate in person and online to earn one of two certifications:  

In addition, employers partner with Indy Reads to bring customized literacy and language instruction tailored to their industries to upskill their underemployed workers. 

These programs help set students apart from their peers and find satisfying work. For Lay C., a graduate of the customer service program, certification meant she could get up every morning thinking, “Hey, I’m going to my job and actually do what I like.” She’s looking ahead to becoming a school guidance counselor so she can help empower others.  

An important element of Indy Reads’ work is building community. One of the most visible ways the organization accomplishes this is through Indy Reads’ community bookstore located in Fountain Square. Recently named a 2025 Library of Congress Literacy Awards Program Successful Practice Honoree, the store sells new and used books for all ages, which always have free or pay-what-you-can options to make books accessible. Highlighting underrepresented voices and stories, the bookstore acts as a stage and amplifier for diverse authors.  

Every sale is directly invested into the nonprofit’s programming and furthers the mission of literacy for all. But it’s also a safe, fun space to hang out. On any given day, you may find a UNO game night, an open-mic session, or a conversation circle. One thing remains consistent: you will always encounter a passionate team working to make Indiana a better place. 

Last year, Indy Reads served 479 adult learners throughout its adult education programs who dedicated 25,532 hours to their education. You can support the organization’s efforts and impact in several ways: 

The MJ Foundation is proud to support Indy Reads’ mission to achieve 100% literacy for all. We are proud to highlight an organization that values advancing education as much as we do. Follow us on social media to embark on this journey with us.