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Our Mission

All Saints Literacy Center enables adult learners to meet the challenges of today by improving their reading, writing, math and English speaking skills. Qualified tutors provide an individualized learning plan tailored to the goals and objectives of the learner in a welcoming environment.

Our Sisters

Recognizing the need for adult literacy services in Southwest Detroit, Sister Mary Hemmen, OP established All Saints Literacy Center as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and opened its doors, with Roger Frank, in July of 2015. Since then, ASLC has welcomed over 500 learners and over 200 volunteer tutors.

Sr. Mary remained a champion for adult literacy until her death in 2018.  She is remembered as remarkable, a gem, pragmatic, and a faithful servant.  We are honored to continue her vision.

Board of Directors

Steve Ragan, Board President and Chairperson
Roger Frank, Vice President
Emma Herdean, Secretary
Allyssa Palazzolo, Treasurer
Ines De Jesus
DiAnne Patterson Schultz
Sister Nancy Jurecki, OP
Hojun Lee
James Mallare

 

Executive Director

Grace Irwin is the Executive Director of All Saints Literacy Center. In her role, Grace is focused on growing the center’s network of volunteer literacy educators and tutors, increasing access to adult education services, and advancing fundraising initiatives through private philanthropy, public support, and competitive grant opportunities. 

Grace is also helping position All Saints for continued growth and deeper community impact. She works closely with the nonprofit’s board of directors to grow its mission of empowering adult learners through improved reading, writing, math, digital, and English language skills.

A mission-driven nonprofit professional, Grace has worked in adult education since 2014. She has a strong track record of securing major grant funding, managing adult education programming, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality services for diverse learners and communities. Grace creates sustainable educational programs that expand access and opportunity for underserved populations.

Grace is comfortable translating complex funding requirements into compelling grant proposals and mission-aligned programming strategies. Her leadership approach combines strategic development, relationship building, and a deep commitment to educational equity and community advancement.

Grace holds a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics and a B.A. in Spanish from Grand Valley State University.  She is a fluent Spanish speaker with extensive experience serving multilingual immigrant communities. Email her at girwin@allsaintsliteracy.org