1982
Our Roots: A Vision from One Woman’s Dining Room
In 1982, Jean Profitt had a vision—to help adults in Richmond gain the reading and writing skills they never had the chance to build. With support from Altrusa International of Richmond, a community service organization, she founded what was then called The Literacy Council of Metropolitan Richmond.
For four years, it operated from her dining room table and the trunk of her car. With just 12 volunteer tutors and $4,000, Jean sparked a grassroots movement that would grow into a vital community resource for adult learners.
"It started at my dining room table and in the trunk of my car. We just knew the need was there—and we did something about it."
—Jean Profitt, Founder
Jean Profitt pictured in a Richmond Times Dispatch Article from 1982.
1984
Becoming The READ Center
By 1984, the organization became a registered nonprofit. In the mid-1990s, it adopted a new name: The READ Center, short for Reading and Education for Adult Development. The new name reflected a growing identity as a trusted place for adults to build foundational literacy skills and reclaim their confidence.
Over the years, hundreds of volunteer tutors have been trained and thousands of students welcomed into classrooms and tutoring sessions across the region.
2016
Partnerships that Deepened Our Reach
In 2016, READ launched a partnership with the Richmond City Justice Center to serve incarcerated men, expanding to include women in 2017. That same year, we began working with Henrico County Adult Education, extending literacy support to more learners in need.
Another tradition evolved that year as well: our long-standing Spelling Bee transformed into the community-favorite Trivia Bee, creating a fun, inclusive way to support adult literacy efforts.
2020
Rising to Meet the Pandemic
In 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the world paused—but READ didn’t. Students, tutors, and staff worked together to transition to distance learning, despite barriers like limited internet access and low digital literacy.
"We built the airplane as we flew it—committed, creative, and flexible every step of the way."
The results were powerful: not only did classes continue uninterrupted, but digital learning also became a permanent and essential part of our programming going forward.
2021
A Home of Our Own
In 2021, we reached a milestone nearly four decades in the making. For the first time in our history, READ moved into a dedicated center of our own.
This new space—custom built to reflect who we are—allowed us to hold most classes on site, bring our staff and programs under one roof, and create a true home for our mission.
"We didn’t just move into a building—we built a center where literacy lives."
2025
A New Name for a Renewed Mission
In 2025, The READ Center became READ RVA. This change marks more than a new name—it reflects our commitment to meet today’s needs while honoring our history.
READ RVA signals a regional movement for adult literacy. It aligns with our goals to increase visibility, deepen community connections, and strengthen support for our students.
"Everyone needs and deserves a literate life—and we’re here to make that a reality."
Today
Where We Stand Today
Today, READ RVA continues to meet adult learners where they are—offering judgment-free support, skilled instruction, and a path forward for anyone ready to take the next step.
Whether in classrooms, tutoring sessions, or community partnerships, one truth drives everything we do: literacy changes lives.