Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven

Introduction

Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven is a nonprofit organization based in the United States, focusing on improving literacy among adults in the region. The organization envisions a future where every adult can thrive through literacy, enabling them to pursue educational, career, and personal goals effectively.

History

Established in 1975 by founder Elizabeth Gumbart and other concerned civic leaders, Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven has been providing free tutoring services to adults in the region for over 45 years. Initially focused on New Haven, the organization expanded its services through mergers and strategic partnerships, notably merging with Meriden Literacy Volunteers in 1998 and expanding into the Valley area. This expansion allowed for more comprehensive coverage across communities such as Ansonia, Bethany, Branford, Derby, East Haven, Hamden, Meriden, New Haven, North Haven, Orange, Seymour, Shelton, Wallingford, West Haven, and Woodbridge.

Mission and Activities

The mission of Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven is to foster partnerships with adult learners, tutors, and communities to enhance literacy skills and facilitate the achievement of educational, career, and quality of life goals. To accomplish this, the organization recruits, trains, and supports volunteer tutors to provide free classes in reading, writing, and English conversation.

Over the years, Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven has trained over 5,000 volunteers who have assisted more than 20,000 adult learners across the region. The organization is accredited by ProLiteracy, a national literacy association, and receives funding from the Connecticut Department of Education, private foundations, community grants, and individual donations.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven is part of a collaborative effort at the Literacy Resource Center, alongside New Haven Reads and Concepts for Adaptive Learning (Cfal). New Haven Reads focuses on youth literacy, while Cfal provides digital literacy training for adults.

Leadership and Governance

The organization is led by a diverse board of directors comprising experts from various sectors, including education, community services, and finance. The leadership team is committed to promoting equality, social justice, and inclusivity in all literacy programs.

Impact and Recognition

Through its extensive work in literacy education, Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven has contributed significantly to the socio-economic development of the communities it serves. The organization's commitment to making literacy accessible helps build a more inclusive and equitable society by enabling individuals to participate fully in their communities.

Recent Celebrations

The organization celebrated its 50th anniversary in recent years, marking a milestone in providing free literacy services across the Greater New Haven area.