The Adult Literacy Center at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) celebrated its 50th anniversary on Apr. 23, highlighting decades of work helping adults improve their reading and literacy skills.
The center’s milestone underscores the importance of addressing adult literacy as a hidden challenge that affects many people in the community. For half a century, the program has offered individualized support to adults who struggle with reading, often providing them with new opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Kay Runner, a former student who first visited the center in the late 1980s or early 1990s, described her initial fear of seeking help. “It took me three tries, because I was afraid,” Runner said. She explained that her struggles with dyslexia led her to hide her inability to read for years. After finding support at the Adult Literacy Center, she earned her GED and later became confident enough to tutor others herself. “You feel safe,” Runner said about the environment at the center. “You can talk about whatever. You’re recognized… You open up and try to learn more.” Today she describes herself as a “ferocious reader.”
Anne Murr, longtime coordinator and co-leader of the Adult Literacy Center since it moved to DMACC Urban Campus in 2018, said shame is common among adults with low literacy: “People begin to believe, ‘I’m stupid. And I’m going to keep it to myself.’” The center focuses on matching students with tutors based on individual needs in a nonjudgmental space: “We try to help our students find the right tutor — someone who will work with them,” Murr said.
Since relocating to DMACC in 2018 through collaboration between college president Rob Denson and Drake University leaders, more than 1,000 adults have participated in ALC programs supported by over 300 volunteer coaches and funding from United Way of Central Iowa. All services are free for students thanks largely to volunteers: “All of the services are volunteers,” Vickie Merrifield said.
The Adult Literacy Center began as a joint project between Drake University and DMACC in 1976 under federal grant funding before continuing through community effort after grants ended. The program has helped learners achieve goals such as earning driver’s licenses or degrees, becoming citizens or avid readers later in life.
For those interested in enrolling or volunteering as coaches—meeting weekly one-on-one—the center provides application forms online or by contacting staff directly by phone or email.
