LITERACY NEW YORK
HISTORY AND CURRENT SITUATION
Strategic Posture
Mission
Literacy New York, a statewide network of community-based volunteer services, exists because there is a need to foster and strengthen literate communities throughout New York State.
Vision
We envision a day when Literacy New York and our affiliate-based services will be the gold standard in bringing literacy services to communities and people in need.
Objectives
Develop a stronger and more cohesive network among affiliate programs by strengthening the communication between and among our affiliate programs, the central office and board, and by increasing the use of available technologies and innovative communications strategies.
Develop benchmarks of success for affiliate and statewide efforts that will utilize data and appropriate research to document the lasting benefits of our programs and local affiliate programs. Appropriate measures will be developed that assist in and inform program design, assessment and corrective action.
Diversify funding sources for program stability and expansion including expanded outreach to foundations, corporate philanthropies, state agency program opportunities, large gift and bequest programs, non-traditional sources and individual giving programs.
Promote the value and benefits of literacy services in socio-economic terms through branding and direct marketing that will increase public awareness of the benefits of literacy services, programs offered by Literacy New York, the work of our affiliates, and the successes attained by our programs.
Collaborate to develop policies and procedures to ensure proper management and performance assessments as well as a practical and manageable governance system for the entire LNY enterprise.
Build capacity through facilitated sharing and continuous improvement in ways that utilize all appropriate data, affiliate input, best practices and scientifically based research. These efforts will be strengthened by network-directed training and on-going technical assistance.
LNY History and Strategic Milestones
The history of LNY reflects a passionate commitment to achieving its mission. Over a span of nearly 40 years, the enterprise has evolved to better serve the needs of its student population and capitalize on emerging needs and trends in the field of literacy.
In response to a report that 11,000 people in Onondaga County New York could not read or write well, Ruth J. Colvin formed Literacy Volunteers of America in 1962 as a means to train volunteers to tutor adults. By the early 1970s, Literacy Volunteers of America had expanded to include dozens of local affiliates and several state offices serving learners throughout the U.S. In 1974, Literacy Volunteers of America of New York State was incorporated as a 501(c)(3). The entity was renamed Literacy New York in 2004.
Since 1974, Literacy New York (LNY) has provided workshops and technical assistance to help volunteer organizations develop program and organizational capacity. Currently, LNY and its nationally accredited network of 36 local, community-based affiliates throughout New York State (excluding New York City) provide high quality, one-to-one, and small group tutoring to low level reading, math and English as second language students. LNY is distinguished statewide as a premier training, technical assistance, program, and curriculum development organization.
Collaborative partnerships with corporations, foundations, higher education and the New York State Education Department have resulted in innovative programs such as LNY/Apple Computer - American Online Adult Literacy Network that links over 100 providers statewide and nationally in the first adult education online network, and LNY/Cornell University’s Literacy and Community Development Project that enhances literacy servicers to rural communities across New York state.
In 2002, New York State embraced the National Reporting System (NRS). In 2007, LNY initiated an integration of the NRS philosophy and standards into its fundamental approach and delivery of programs to the affiliate network. This initiative raised the bar on delivery of services for the enterprise, and established LNY and its network as innovative leaders in literacy volunteer management and quality instruction.
During 2010, the LNY network served 6,200 adult learners with basic literacy services through more than 6,500 volunteers in 55 counties of New York State.
In 2010, the New York State Board of Regents appointed LNY’s Executive Director of 28 years, Kevin G. Smith, as Deputy Commissioner for Adult, Career and Continuing Education, and the LNY Board of Directors appointed it’s Associate Executive Director for Program of 24 years as it’s Interim Executive Director.
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Literacy New York
149 Central Ave.
Lancaster, NY 14086
716.651.0465
Fax 716.651.0542
e-mail: buffalo@literacynewyork.org
