Statement from Gillian Helm, CEO of Literacy KC
Dear Literacy KC Supporters,
I am reaching out today regarding the urgent impact of the 2025 Executive Orders (EO) signed by President Trump, which could pose a significant threat to the progress we have made in providing adult education, literacy, and language services to our community. Earlier this week, an EO freezing federal funding along with a memo from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) was released and funding was temporarily frozen. While it is early in the process and the OMB memo has been rightfully rescinded, the President has stated that the EO will remain in effect as legal challenges continue. Thus, we are closely monitoring the legal challenges to the executive orders that have arisen and may arise in the coming days, weeks, and months. This particular order, along with others, stand to directly harm the lives of the 1,300 adult learners who are working tirelessly to earn their high school diplomas, secure better job opportunities, and build brighter futures for themselves and their families.
Alongside these learners, our dedicated staff of 70 individuals work every day to support these students, guiding them through one of the most challenging and rewarding journeys of their lives. These families depend on the opportunities provided through our programs, and these policies threaten to strip away the resources necessary for their success.
The benefits of completing these educational programs reach far beyond the individual. When students earn their diplomas and secure stable, well-paying jobs, they not only improve their own lives but also contribute significantly to the local economy. Studies consistently show that adults with a high school diploma earn more, are less reliant on public assistance, and are more likely to invest back into their communities through increased spending, homeownership, and local business growth. These students become self-sufficient, tax-paying citizens who strengthen the fabric of our neighborhoods. The potential economic impact of supporting their education cannot be overstated.
Additionally, workforce development programs play a critical role in bridging the gap between education and employment by equipping learners with the skills and training necessary to thrive in today’s job market. These programs provide industry-specific certifications, career readiness training, and direct job placement support, ensuring that students not only obtain credentials but also secure sustainable employment. By cutting funding and resources for these initiatives, these executive orders will hinder economic mobility and workforce growth, disproportionately affecting individuals who are striving for financial independence and stability. Investing in workforce development is an investment in the economic resilience of our entire community.
Equally concerning are threats to Medicaid, food assistance programs, and other vital social services that keep individuals and families healthy and stable. Many of our students depend on Medicaid for healthcare, SNAP benefits to put food on the table, and housing assistance to stay in safe and stable homes while working toward their education and career goals. Cutting these essential federal programs will create even greater barriers to success, making it harder for students to attend classes, care for their families, and stay healthy enough to pursue employment. No one can learn or work effectively if they are hungry, sick, or struggling to keep a roof over their head.
We are at a critical juncture. Without continued support, these learners risk being left behind, missing the chance to improve their lives and contribute even more meaningfully to our community. I ask you to stand with us in this fight. Please contact your Missouri State legislators and urge them to apply pressure on Missouri’s Congressional delegation to protect federal assistance programs that keep our students and their families housed and fed. Additionally, we must advocate for continued state-level support of adult education and workforce development programs.
Your voice is powerful, and with your support, we can push back against these harmful policies and ensure that education, healthcare, and basic needs remain a beacon of justice, for those who need them most.
At Literacy KC, we know that education is social justice and our mission remains steadfast: to empower adults to build the skills they need to not only become self-sufficient, but to thrive. And we can’t do this essential work alone. Every supporting hand helps. Find out how to volunteer here. And every dollar counts now more than ever. Provide a gift to Literacy KC here.
Thank you for your continued dedication to our mission.
With gratitude,
Gillian Helm
CEO, Literacy KC
Click here to view the full statement and suggested talking points to convey to your Legislators.
