My maternal grandmother was unable to read or write, and witnessing her struggles inspired me to help others gain the gift of literacy. Much of my volunteer work has centered on literacy programs, and professionally, I taught elementary and high school students at a private Christian school for six years. I later transitioned to working with preschool families, completing over 1,000 home visits as a parent educator with St. Louis Public Schools. I hold a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and I also completed a year and a half of law school at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
In 2012, I founded the Metro East Literacy Project (MELP) with a small filing fee, a founding board of four, and a powerful vision. From the beginning, MELP has focused on a simple but transformative idea: literacy starts at home. Early efforts included distributing books at community events, leading reading programs in shelters, churches, and daycare centers, and raising awareness about the importance of family literacy.
In 2019, MELP became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and received its first major grant from the Illinois Secretary of State, expanding its reach through a family literacy program in partnership with community organizations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, MELP adapted quickly—hosting drive-up book giveaways and continuing to serve families safely. By 2021, more than 10,000 books had been distributed to hundreds of families.
Today, MELP continues to grow through book distribution partnerships, tutoring, and senior reading programs—all rooted in the belief that access to books and supportive learning environments can change lives.
In 2007, I began writing a children’s book inspired by photographs my husband took of our two children as they were growing up. Encouraged by the late children’s author Patricia McKissack, I completed How Are You Today? A Celebration of Children’s Emotions. The book has opened doors for me to speak with audiences about the importance of literacy and the power of storytelling in children’s lives.
In 2012, I founded the Metro East Literacy Project (MELP) with a small filing fee, a founding board of four, and a powerful vision. From the beginning, MELP has focused on a simple but transformative idea: literacy starts at home. Early efforts included distributing books at community events, leading reading programs in shelters, churches, and daycare centers, and raising awareness about the importance of family literacy.
In 2019, MELP became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and received its first major grant from the Illinois Secretary of State, expanding its reach through a family literacy program in partnership with community organizations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, MELP adapted quickly—hosting drive-up book giveaways and continuing to serve families safely. By 2021, more than 10,000 books had been distributed to hundreds of families.
Today, MELP continues to grow through book distribution partnerships, tutoring, and senior reading programs—all rooted in the belief that access to books and supportive learning environments can change lives.
In 2007, I began writing a children’s book inspired by photographs my husband took of our two children as they were growing up. Encouraged by the late children’s author Patricia McKissack, I completed How Are You Today? A Celebration of Children’s Emotions. The book has opened doors for me to speak with audiences about the importance of literacy and the power of storytelling in children’s lives.
Many blessings,
Linda M. Mitchell
Executive Director
Promoting a Culture of Reading for Family Transformation
“The whole vision has become to you like the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one who is literate, saying, “Read this, please.” And he says, “I cannot, for it is sealed.” Then the book is delivered to one who is illiterate, saying, “Read this, please.” And he says, “I am not literate.”
Isaiah 29:11-12 NKJV
Linda M. Mitchell
Executive Director
Promoting a Culture of Reading for Family Transformation
“The whole vision has become to you like the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one who is literate, saying, “Read this, please.” And he says, “I cannot, for it is sealed.” Then the book is delivered to one who is illiterate, saying, “Read this, please.” And he says, “I am not literate.”
Isaiah 29:11-12 NKJV