Literacy Volunteers of America - Cayuga County, Inc., a non-profit agency consisting primarily of volunteers, was formed in 1963 to eradicate illiteracy in Cayuga County, thereby creating a more productive community. We believe that the 'gift of literacy' is the key that unlocks the doors to employment and personal satisfaction. LVA has provided service to the greater Cayuga County area for the past 39 years by training volunteer tutors. Tutors assist those who need to improve their reading, writing, or English as a Second Language skills in a one-to-one or small group format. Adult learners and tutors meet at our office or local libraries, community centers, churches, or work sites.

        Sixty percent of LVA adult learners are involved in upgrading their basic literacy skills citing that improved reading and writing were needed to find employment, secure a current job, or gain a promotion. Forty percent of our learners are enrolled in English as a Second Language and have similar goals. Both Basic Literacy and ESL learners are also parents who want to learn to read to their children and to support their children's school activities. One tutor wrote, "My student continues to gain confidence in using her English skills. She is no longer as isolated, since her improvement in speaking English she has become friendly with neighbors, asks questions while shopping and makes appointments by telephone. She and I have greatly enjoyed the children's books provided by LVA. (Family Literacy Component) We read them together and I listen as she reads to her daughter age 3. Her daughter is already bilingual!"

        In 2000/01 our tutors assisted 61 adult learners (over age 16) and provided over 2,700 hours of instruction. Improvements and achievements of LVA students are reported to the New York State Education Department, Literacy Volunteers National and State offices on an annual basis.

        Our services are free and confidential, performed by volunteers and one full-time paid Executive Director and a part-time paid receptionist. We provide all tutor training, as our approach to instruction is student-centered and based on learner need. If you know of anyone who would benefit by our services, or if you would like to volunteer please contact us at 17 Nelson Street, Auburn, NY 13021 or telephone 253-5241 for an application.
(E-mail: lvacayco@dreamscape.com)