211 Maryland
Help is a call or text away.
For anyone facing difficulties, dialing 2-1-1 connects callers with trained health and human services personnel who provide guidance and help with a range of needs, from utility assistance to legal guidance to mental health help.
211 help is available in more than 100 languages. Please see 211md.org to know all that the service offers. Calls are confidential, and there is a texting option as well.
Community Resource Information on our Website
The Community Resources page on our website at icanread.org features an organized list of government and community resources available to residents of Anne Arundel County. It includes websites and phone numbers for government departments and services, library resources, education, employment, immigration, and food assistance.
The Community Resources page is available in Spanish.
En Español: Recursos comunitarios.
Anne Arundel County Food Pantry & Resource List
This resources page, published by the Anne Arundel County Food Bank and updated regularly, provides information on where to find free food and basic necessities throughout the county. Pantry locations, contact numbers, and hours are included. Visit the resources page to download a pantry map that lists food, baby, and senior pantries all over Anne Arundel County.
OIC of Anne Arundel County ESL Classes
Free virtual ESL classes at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Call OIC’s partner, the Center of Help (Centro de Ayuda), at 410-295-3434 to enroll.
Language Exchange at Busch Annapolis Library
Saturday, January 31, 3 – 4:30 pm
https://www.aacpl.net/event/hold-language-exchange-210591
Language Exchange at Linthicum Library
Monday, February 16, 6 – 7 pm
https://www.aacpl.net/event/language-exchangeintercambio-de-idiomas-210585
Monday, March 9, 6 – 7 pm
https://www.aacpl.net/event/language-exchangeintercambio-de-idiomas-221007
Language Exchange at Brooklyn Park Library
February 18, 6 – 7:30 pm
https://www.aacpl.net/event/language-exchangeintercambio-de-idiomas-211110
Monday, March 18, 6 – 7:30 pm
https://www.aacpl.net/event/language-exchangeintercambio-de-idiomas-218723
Language Exchange at Busch Annapolis Library
Saturday, February 28, 3 – 4:30 pm
https://www.aacpl.net/event/intercambio-de-idiomas
Saturday, March 28, 3 – 4:30 pm
https://www.aacpl.net/event/copy-intercambio-de-idiomaslanguage-exchange-219731
Refer a Friend to Train With Us
Our first 2026 tutor training session will be held on February 21 at Woods Church in Severna Park, and a few spots remain for trainees.
Interested trainees should contact Jane.
We’re always looking for new, dedicated tutors, especially in northern Anne Arundel County (Glen Burnie and Brooklyn Park). In addition, there are always students from Annapolis and the Severn area on our waiting list.
We’re training tutors in basic literacy, ESL, math, and high school diploma preparation.
There are still a few spots left in our February 21 new tutor training class. Help us improve adult literacy and opportunity in Anne Arundel County — Refer a friend to become a tutor!
Check out this post for local ways to learn and celebrate Black history. This year marks the 100th year since the first national observance of Black history.
Many thanks,
Jane
Learn & Celebrate Black History
At the Library
Anne Arundel County Public Library celebrates Black history with a series of events across multiple branches. Activities include music and dance performances, movie screenings, book talks, and history presentations. Visit the library’s website at www.aacpl.net/blackhistory for a schedule of in-person and online offerings.
By Borrowing Books from AACPL
Many books of African American authors, interest, history, and culture are available at the library. Visit https://www.aacpl.net/blackhistory to review AACPL’s Black History Month booklists for ideas.
In Annapolis
Attend the last two in a four-part public history and cultural series, “Rooted in Revolution: 250 Years of Black History in Annapolis,” hosted by the City of Annapolis at the Busch Annapolis Library. Each event is on Tuesday evenings from 5 pm to 7:30 pm.
February 17
Resistance & Reform: Civil Rights and Social Justice in Annapolis
Examining local civil rights organizing, desegregation efforts, and connections to national movements.
February 24
The Living Legacy: Black Annapolis Today & Tomorrow
Focusing on contemporary Black leadership, arts and culture, youth voices, and shaping the next 250 years.
At the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum
She Speaks: Black Women Artists and the Power of Historical Memory
Now through January 16, 2027
A visionary presentation that examines the 250-year history of the United States through a Black Feminist lens. The Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum is located at 84 Franklin Street in downtown Annapolis, just off Church Circle.
We are grateful to the Nora Roberts Foundation for supporting our adult tutoring programs with a 2025 grant. The Foundation’s contributions to our work over the years have helped hundreds of Anne Arundel County adults pursue their educational goals!
Refer a Friend to Train With Us
Our first 2026 tutor training session will happen on February 21 at Woods Church in Severna Park!
We’re always looking for new, dedicated tutors, especially in northern Anne Arundel County (Glen Burnie and Brooklyn Park). In addition, there are always students from Annapolis and the Severn area on our waiting list. Please consider referring neighbors or friends you think could be committed AACLC tutors.
We’re training tutors in basic literacy, ESL, math, and high school diploma preparation.
Interested trainees should contact Jane at director@aaclc.org. Space is limited.
AACLC Tutor & Volunteer Ron Scneider Joins Our Board of Directors
On January 21, The Literacy Council’s Board of Directors elected Ron Schneider to its board.
Ron and his wife Robin have resided in Annapolis for over 32 years. Ron retired from CACI in 2022 as an Executive Vice President with over 43 years of experience in both operations and business development.
After retiring, Ron joined the Literacy Council as a tutor, helping students who are seeking their high school equivalency. Additionally, in 2021, Ron served on the Mayor’s Charter Review Commission. The Kane-Schneider Foundation supports local, national, and international charities, including AACLC.
We are grateful to Ron for his volunteerism and support. To read his full bio, please visit this page.
Career Dream Come True: An Update From Our Student Rob
Dear Program Team, my name is Loamir Roberio, I’m from Brazil and I’m of your students since September 2023.
When I joined the “I Can Read” [Literacy Council] Program, I was not only trying to improve my English. I was trying to build a future in a new country. As an immigrant, speaking clearly and confidently was very difficult for me, and many times I felt frustrated.
Because of the patience, encouragement, and support from my tutor, JoAnne Dement, and the entire I Can Read team, my confidence slowly grew. Reading books in English stopped feeling impossible and became part of my daily life. Reading also helped shape who I am today. I learned how to share my thoughts, my ideas, and my passions in English.
Recently, I achieved a dream I once thought was impossible. I was hired as a flight attendant for the best and most competitive airlines in the United States. During my interview, I was able to speak clearly about myself, my journey, and my passions. Something very special also happened.
When I was asked about my hobbies, I talked about reading and being part of book clubs with my tutor. I mentioned a book I had recently read, and the recruiter had read the same book. We connected right away and shared our thoughts about it. In that moment, I saw how powerful reading is and how it helps people connect. I could feel the recruiter becoming more interested and engaged.
I was no longer afraid to speak. I felt confident, prepared, proud, and very grateful. I know that without starting my tutoring classes, I would not be who I am today, and I would not have achieved this job.
This program did not only teach me how to read, listen, speak, and write better. It changed my life and the way I see the world. The I Can Read Program gave me confidence, a voice, and the courage to dream bigger.
Thank you for changing lives through education, care, and reading. I will always be grateful for everything you all did for me.
With gratitude,
Rob
