About Us
LVGS Mission
We teach people how to read, write, and speak English. We do that by:
- Training lay people to tutor using one-on-one or small group instruction;
- Having a collaborative tutoring model which is student-centered;
- Providing literacy services in the workplace; and
- Serving primarily adults aged sixteen and older functioning at or below the 6th grade level.
Vision Statement
Our vision is a community where every adult who wants to learn to read, write, and speak English will have access to a fully integrated education system. Through partnership and collaboration with other organizations, LVGS will offer a broad range of instructional and volunteer opportunities that advance the basic literacy skills of adults in Central New York.
How We Work
LVGS serves adults that read at or below a 6th grade reading level, targeting adults that read at the lowest literacy levels (National Reporting System Levels 1 and 2).
LVGS manages a certified tutor training program for volunteers interested in becoming tutors. Workshops prepare tutors in adult basic education and English language instruction. LVGS matches adult learners with professionally trained, volunteer tutors who assist them to become literate and obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and self-sufficiency.
Tutors and students meet for a minimum of two instructional hours per week. Together they determine what goals to work on, always remembering that the intent of the organization is to provide instruction that is learner-centered. Participants meet in mutually convenient public places such as libraries, cafés, etc.
Through grant funding, LVGS also offers small group instruction in various locations in the community. These small group classes are led by certified instructors and supplemented by volunteer tutors in either a “push-in” or “pull out” model, depending on the needs of the individuals in the classes.
LVGS complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, religion or creed, genetic information, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state, or local laws.
In order to participate in instruction, an LVGS student must:
- Live in Onondaga County
- Be aged sixteen or older and no longer in school
- Be able to participate in the intake and assessment process, and able to set his or her own learning goals
- Demonstrate progress in reaching those goals during any year of instruction
- Sign and abide by the LVGS Student Agreement
In some cases, the LVGS program of instruction may not meet the needs of the individual. In such a situation, the LVGS Executive Director will advise the individual that instruction at LVGS is not recommended. Whenever possible, the individual will be referred to another appropriate agency better able to meet his or her needs.
Annual Reports
Making a Difference in Our Community for 45 Years
Background
Syracuse is the birthplace of Literacy Volunteers. Ruth J. Colvin founded Literacy Volunteers in 1962, when she discovered that 11,000 people in her hometown of Syracuse could not read. Ruth trained volunteers in simple, learner-centered methods to teach reading. Today, this model is used throughout the United States, in India, China and Africa.
Since its founding, LVGS has stressed learner-centered instruction and the use of real-world materials in promoting literacy. People come to LVGS because of our reputation as a leading literacy provider in the Greater Syracuse community and our proven track record of helping individuals reach their life goals.
Literacy Volunteers of Greater Syracuse (LVGS) is a nationally accredited affiliate of ProLiteracy. ProLiteracy’s Accreditation provides literacy programs with a comprehensive process for: 1) conducting an organizational self-assessment; 2) developing program improvement plans; and 3) demonstrating that the organization meets the highest standards for governance, program management, program operations, and volunteer development.
We invite you to join us in our continuing efforts to make a difference in someone’s life.
Board of Directors
President: Pamela Kirwin Heintz
Vice President: Richard Sargent, Esq.
Treasurer and Internal Affairs Committee Chair: Bonnie Silvernail
Secretary and External Affairs Committee Chair: Tracy L. Carman
Founder: Ruth J. Colvin
Connie Gregory, JD
Sandra Holihan, Esq.
Mindy Lorenz
Corinne Smith
Dee Tanner
Karen Tifft
