"Building Literate Communities Across New York State"

Literacy Volunteers of America - New York State (LVA-NYS), a nonprofit educational agency, provides technical assistance and training to 50 local, community-based literacy programs in New York. Since 1974, LVA-NYS' leadership training, management services, and technology support have been instrumental in enabling local groups to build quality programs that provide Basic Literacy and English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) tutoring. Each year, more than 10,000 volunteers tutor over 11,000 adult learners and provide more than 450,000 hours of literacy instruction.

During the 1999 - 2000 program year, LVA-NYS offered workshops and technical assistance in Community Needs Assessment and Outcome-based Evaluation, Resource Development, LiteracyPro Database, Principles of Effective Training, Student Involvement, as well as Leadership Training in Management, Basic Literacy, and ESOL.

LVA-NYS Vision

Literacy Volunteers of America - New York State, Inc. (LVA-NYS), recognizing literacy as an integral element in the broader goals of economic opportunity and security, social justice and dignity, is an essential community partner in providing effective literacy services.

LVA-NYS Mission

LVA-NYS supports community-based efforts to enable adults to gain the literacy skills needed to reach their full potential as individuals, parents, workers, and citizens.

STRATEGIC Plan and Directions:

In our mission to support adults to be "Equipped for the Future" in their roles as workers, parents, and family members and as citizens and community members, the Strategic Plan of LVA-NYS reaffirms our commitment to support community-based efforts to provide assistance in Basic Literacy and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

To meet its organizational responsibilities, LVA-NYS will:

• Partner with agencies that are integral to the Workforce Investment System. Seek opportunities for LVA demonstration projects and trainings with those agencies and promote local LVA Workforce Investment Board involvement.
• Promote a strong family literacy component through collaborations.
• Explore community development initiatives.
• Collaborate with the New York State Education Department to incorporate their directions and systems through demonstration projects and trainings.
• Collaborate with other public agencies to seek opportunities for LVA demonstration projects and involvement.
• Partner with Literacy Volunteers of America to coordinate the New York State Literacy Volunteers of America Accreditation process. Incorporate LVA priorities and systems through demonstration projects and training.
• Promote the use of technology tools to support programs and services.
• Provide technical assistance and staff development.
• Promote student involvement in various roles with affiliate programs.
• Advocate for adult literacy as a public policy issue.

Literacy Volunteers of America - New York State
777 Maryvale Dr.
Buffalo, NY 14225
716.631.5282    Fax 716.631.0657
e-mail: ksmith1@aol.com

Literacy and Community Development Project
Literacy Volunteers of America - New York State
120 W. State St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
607.273.0634    Fax 607.273.0840
e-mail: info@litcommunity.org