About Us
Our Mission & Values
Every person deserves the chance to learn, grow, and share their gifts with the community around them.
Our mission is to provide free literacy services to adults in Artesia and nearby areas, helping them build skills, confidence, and opportunity for a better life.
We value respect, integrity, and compassion. Each learner is met with patience and encouragement as they take steps toward their goals. When one person learns, families thrive and our whole community becomes stronger.
The Artesia Literacy Council is dedicated to improving adult literacy throughout Artesia and the surrounding areas. We provide one-on-one and small group instruction in basic literacy, English as a Second Language (ESL), Pre-GED preparation, U.S. citizenship test preparation, and computer literacy. By combining in-person and online instruction, we make education accessible for every adult who wants to grow, no matter their schedule or starting point.
The Butterfly
A Symbol of Transformation
Our butterfly logo is based on a traditional Navajo design, often seen as a symbol of change, beauty, and new beginnings.
We chose this image in celebration of New Mexico’s cultural heritage and as a reflection of the transformation that happens through learning. Like the butterfly emerging into new life, our students discover confidence, opportunity, and hope as they grow through education.
Each transformation adds color and strength to our community, creating a brighter Artesia for everyone.
The Artesia Literacy Council began with a simple act of kindness.
In the early 1990s, founder Phillis Moffatt was approached by a neighbor who wanted help learning to read. From that single request, a community effort was born. The council was officially recognized as a nonprofit in 1998 and has since supported more than 500 students in achieving their literacy goals.
Over the years, many learners have earned their GEDs, secured employment, or become U.S. citizens. One student said it best: “ALC gave me the confidence to read to my grandchildren and apply for a job I never thought I could get.”
What began as a neighbor helping a neighbor soon became a community-wide effort powered by local generosity. As the Artesia Literacy Council grew, the organization gained strong community support from partners such as the PY Foundation, Chase Foundation, United Way of Eddy County, the Literacy Coalition of the Permian Basin, and the New Mexico Department of Education, along with many local businesses and individuals who believe in the power of education.
That same spirit of compassion and community continues to guide our work today. Every lesson and every goal achieved remind us that when adults learn, our whole community grows stronger.
A Stronger Artesia Starts Here
Literacy touches every part of life in Artesia. It shapes our schools, our workforce, our families, and our future.
When adults learn, children succeed. When volunteers give their time, lives change. When our community invests in education, Artesia becomes stronger for everyone.
You can be part of that story. Whether you want to volunteer as a tutor, support students behind the scenes, or help spread the word, your time and care make a lasting difference.
Together, we can build a brighter Artesia through literacy.
Faculty & Staff
Our tutors and staff bring compassion, patience, and dedication to every lesson.
They come from all walks of life, including retired teachers, local professionals, and community members who believe in second chances and lifelong learning. Each one is committed to helping students build confidence, reach their goals, and create a brighter future for themselves and their families.
Under the leadership of Executive Director June-Marie Avery, the council continues to expand its programs, recruit volunteer tutors, and strengthen community partnerships. Her guidance reflects the heart of Artesia Literacy Council, a belief that when adults learn, our whole community grows stronger.
Their work reminds us that learning is a shared effort, and when we support one another, we build a brighter Artesia together.
Contact Us Today!
Have questions about classes, tutoring, or ways to get involved? We would love to hear from you.
Use the form below to send us a message, and someone from our team will get back to you soon. Every new beginning starts with one small step.
