Ulster Literacy Association

08/21/2026

Welcome to Tutor Stories, where we highlight the volunteers who give their time and energy to further our mission in the community.
Meet Marie Barnes, who has been tutoring adult learners with us since 2014. If her story speaks to you, DM us or visit ulsterliteracy.org to find out how you can join our amazing team of tutors.


Offering excellence since 2014.

This is community.

Volunteering and being part of Ulster Literacy Association has given my retirement meaningful purpose… a true ‘win-win’ for everyone in the community.
-Marie

08/14/2026

"Take a good look around, and if you're looking down,
Put a little love in your heart
I hope when you decide, kindness will be your guide
Put a little love in your heart"

As this song filled a packed room at The Falcon in Marlboro, NY in celebration of Big Joe Fitz, we were all reminded of the power that we have to make the world a better place.

Big Joe Fitz believed in the power of literacy. And we were honored to receive over $2,000 in his name at this remarkable event.

It's NEVER TOO LATE to remind ourselves to put a little love in our hearts!

08/04/2026

The Man, the Myth, the Legend...Big Joe Fitz...he lived a life in service of others and we loved him dearly. Sunday, August 9th at 1pm, his friends will celebrate HIM the best way they know, with music. Join us at the Falcon in Marlboro where his bandmates the Lo-Fi's will play and provide support to many special guests sharing their songs in honor of the man who moved so many.

07/31/2026

Receiving a GED can be the first step of an enlightenment for individuals that never get recognized - Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa

Many participants in our Ulster County Jail GED program enter the classroom with a history of unsuccessful educational experiences that shape their initial demeanor. One of our GED teachers had this to say about how our program impacted one of the participants:

When we first met him, he was flippant and not always kind, seeming to believe himself better than those around him. During the course of instruction, his attitude changed completely. He was totally enthusiastic about learning, read every book we could find for him, became supportive and helpful to those around him. He even found someone in his pod who wanted a GED, located a book, and began tutoring him. Even after he got his GED, he wanted to keep learning. This young man left jail as a mature adult who became his better self while incarcerated.

Celebrating the 15 adults at the Ulster County Jail who passed the GED and received their high school equivalency diplomas through Ulster Literacy this year!

It’s NEVER TOO LATE to achieve your goals!

07/28/2026

07/15/2026

Its Never Too Late to Say Welcome Home!
Congratulations to all of our new US citizens who were naturalized on July 10th. We are especially proud of Ulster Literacy learner Ya Fang, pictured here with Lisa, her first teacher.

07/11/2026

We are at the Kingston Farmer's Market today from 9 to 1. Stop by and say Hello!

07/09/2026

It’s almost Friday — which means we are kicking off our Community Curation Day on Radio Kingston! 🎙️ Turn the dial to Jami Smith from 2-6 PM this Friday, July 10, as the staff of Ulster Literacy hand-pick songs of gratitude, resilience, and community. Tune in, turn it up, and join us! 🎶

04/25/2026

NONE of us can do it alone, but with a little help, we can do great things! We celebrate 45 years in Ulster County this year, so join us in our mission to empower our community through literacy!