An estimated 225,000 adults in Kansas City function at the lowest literacy level, denied some of the simplest and most important moments in life because they cannot read. 

The nonprofit organization Literacy Kansas City targets that issue through tutoring and other direct services, advocacy, and collaboration. Its seventh annual event at the Library, The Power of Reading and Writing, emceed by KCPT-TV’s Nick Haines, commemorates the effort and the adult learners benefitting from it. A number of them share their stories. Kansas City Star columnist Jenee Osterheldt and playwright Frank Higgins also discuss what writing has brought to their lives.