Literacy New York was founded on a vision and mission to serve adults and families most in need of literacy services.
Specifically, the Literacy New York mission is to increase the effectiveness of adult literacy practitioners and the capacity of programs so that adults, families, and communities reach their full potential.
The overarching vision that drives all of our work is that:
In New York State and beyond, innovative adult literacy programs collaborate to meet the literacy needs of adult students in their communities.
As we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, the realization of the importance of health literacy continues to grow. An article in the American Family Physician defines health literacy as "the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health care decisions".
Read MoreFrom our colleagues at COABE (Coalition on Adult Basic Education): "English language learners are important to the job market. Immigrants make up for the decline in the U.S.-born workforce as Baby Boomers retire. By 2030, it is estimated that nearly one in five U.S. workers will be an immigrant[i]. However, nearly 20 million adults have limited English proficiency.[ii] We must train and educate these adults by increasing their English language proficiency, improving their basic skills, and helping them achieve a high school diploma or equivalent, so that they are prepared to join and contribute to the future workforce."
Read MoreWe're excited to share some news! Literacy New York has been evaluated by Charity Navigator through their revolutionary Encompass Rating System and received a 100 out of 100 rating!
Read More40%of low-skilled Americans
have earnings in the bottom
On average, a
High School Graduate Lives 6 to 9yrs
In the last 30yrs
workers without a High School
Degree experienced an
The Migration Policy Institute has released a report rich with data and analysis related to Immigrant and US-Born parents of young children, further underscoring the important work of programs supported by Literacy New York.
Read MoreOur colleagues at ProLiteracy have published their 2019-20 Annual Statistical Report, based on member surveys conducted within their adult literacy cohort.
ProLiteracy uses this valuable data to advocate nationally on behalf of its member organizations, and encourages programs to use the data for local advocacy, awareness, and fundraising efforts. Great information for the field!
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Founded in September 2019, the Janice Cuddahee Fund honors the memory of a literacy advocate who enjoyed a long career with Literacy New York (LNY), culminating in her leading the organization as Executive Director. Janice Cuddahee's lifetime of service to LNY made our New York network the best in the nation. Janice was, as so many have said, a literacy warrior. She fought for literacy learners; she fought for the role of well-trained volunteers in adult education; she fought for NY State funding; and she fought for increased public awareness of low-level adult literacy in our state and across the nation. Sadly, we lost Janice to cancer in April, 2019.
Airport Commerce Park
303 Cayuga Rd., Suite 180
Cheektowaga, NY 14225
Phone: 716.651.0465
Fax: 716.651.0542
LNY has earned this seal for accountability and transparency as a non-profit organization by posting audited financial statements to the public.
