The Delta Adult Literacy Council, Inc. (DALC) is a volunteer, nonprofit organization that seeks to recruit, assess, train, match, and support volunteer tutors and adult new readers. Its accomplishments, its history as a literacy organization, and its tutor training process are described. The process of student recruitment and support involves student referrals from other literacy-providing organizations, hotlines, other students, and various social service agencies, an intake interview, an initial assessment of the learner's literacy strengths, weaknesses, goals, and interests, and an initial tutoring session. After tutoring sessions begin, students, as well as tutors, are provided with continued support. DALC collaborates with other literacy service providers and agencies, is a member of the State Advisory Council on Literacy and Adult Education, and interacts with public libraries. Factors essential for effective programs are discussed: a coordinated delivery system; political advocacy and support; central recruitment; assessment and support; integration of literacy training and human services; and increased funding. Three appendices provide statistics on literacy needs in Washington DC, quality indicators for adult education programs, and national education goals. (Contains 10 references.) (MAS)