Literacy Volunteers

Serving Adults

1983-2013

Opening Minds… Changing Lives

2012-2013 Annual Report

Our journey began 30 years ago when Dr. Page Bristow and

Judith Marshall founded the Delaware chapter of Literacy

Volunteers of America, with a vision that all adults in

Northern New Castle County, Delaware, will have the

skills necessary to participate more fully in the lives of

their families and their communities. Thirty years later, our

vision remains clear. More than 2,700 people have learned to

read or have improved their English language skills thanks to

many dedicated volunteers and donors. This great Delaware

organization has since become Literacy Volunteers Serving

Adults.

This is the story of LVSA, told by the students and

volunteers - the heart of LVSA.

Building Stronger

Communities

through Literacy

for 30 Years

From the Chairman of the Board Bob Hurka

and

Executive Director Cindy Shermeyer

LVSA was established 30 years ago to serve the community of adult learners with literacy levels below that of a fifth grader. That objective remains intact, but over time it has been expanded in several important ways. Please consider the following:

Our Approach – LVSA has a history of providing life-changing guidance in basic reading. In addition, we have added writing, math, computer skills, and English to the curriculum. We began by training volunteer tutors to work one-on-one with adult learners. Where appropriate, we have incorporated group instruction. The use of volunteers is critical in helping us leverage our financial and professional resources to serve our learners effectively and efficiently.

Who we serve – We are in the business of helping people help themselves. These adults may have grown up here in the United States or they may have come to the United States later in life. They face considerable challenges finding the assistance they need and integrating English into their challenging lives. They often feel discouraged and disappointed. LVSA helps our highly - motivated learners overcome these obstacles.

Our Partnerships – We have developed a set of core strengths that help ensure that all contributions are used in the most effective manner. These include extensive professional experience in adult literacy, superior training and support of volunteer tutors, and proven systems for measuring and reporting learner progress. Developing partnerships with other organizations that support our mission has also become a key strategy. These collaborations permit us to leverage our core strengths to help us reach even more individuals and communities of learners and volunteers.

Now is an appropriate time to consider the benefits that result from the program. Foremost, adult learners are better able to function more effectively in their daily lives, with their families, and at work and in their communities. Tutors and other volunteers, professional staff and generous donors achieve a profound sense of personal satisfaction, from the knowledge that they have fostered positive change in the lives of other people. 30 years is a beginning. Let’s all continue to work together to ensure that this important community-building effort continues!

~ Bob and Cindy

LVSA Continues to Grow & Serve

Since its beginning, LVSA has developed a curriculum and

programing reflective of the needs of Delaware’s residents.

Fewer than 10 years since holding its first tutor training class,

LVSA expanded its program to include English-as-a-second

language. Three years later, a family literacy component,

Families Learning Together, was added. In 2010, LVSA

partnered with Wilmington Head Start implementing Parents

Leaning English at School (PLEAS) at the West End Center.

Our geographic reach continues to grow as well. Since our

early days in the Wilmington Public Library, LVSA has

incorporated program sites in West Wilmington at the

Woodlawn Library, the Bear Library, and soon at the Dover

Public Library.

“I have only been in

class for one month

and I am beginning to

feel like a new

person. Before I

started taking

classes, I felt like I

was in prison. I really

didn’t think much of

myself, but now my

attitude has changed.

I know that I have a

long way to go, but

with the help of my

family and my tutor, I

will succeed.”

~1998 Student

Meet Janet

Former tutor, volunteer, donor, and advisory board

member, Janet Neville Loper has been involved with

LVSA since its beginning in 1983. Janet knew that she

wanted to do something meaningful after retiring. Upon

hearing about LVSA, she attended the very first tutor

training class and has been involved ever since. Whether

working as a tutor, volunteer or an advisory board

member, Janet has made a huge difference. She and her

late husband, renowned artist, Edward Loper Sr.,

provided these prints of his art work as LVSA posters. In

addition, Mr. Loper signed prints to give as prizes for

LVSA’s “Race for Literacy.” In recognition of the 30 years

of support LVSA has received from the Lopers, the Janet

and Edward L. Loper, Sr. Meritorious Service Award for

Adult Literacy is given at the annual celebration dinner to

an individual who represents the Lopers’ exceptional

qualities.

LVSA Timeline

1983

Founded by Dr. Page Bristow & Judith Marshall

1990

English as a Second Language tutoring added to program

1993 Added “Families Learning Together” to program offering

2003 Officially changes name to LVSA, Northern Delaware, Inc.

2006 Beings partnership with Woodlawn Library

2009 Partners with Bear Library offering tutor & student classes

2010 Added PLEAS program with Wilmington Head Start

2012 Began offering pre-GED reading & math classes as part of PLEAS

2014 Expands services to Dover at Dover Library

LVSA Offers a Variety of Learning Opportunities

Basic Reading and Writing LVSA offers basic reading and writing tutoring for any adult in northern Delaware and Dover who wants to learn. Students receive one-on-one tutoring or training in small group gatherings led by a trained volunteer tutor. The tutor and student(s) work together to determine a schedule for learning.

English Language Learning

LVSA offers small group classes to help people learn or improve their English language skills.

Other Learning Opportunities

English Language Classes Civics Classes Citizenship Classes Beginning Computer Classes

Meet Chelly

Hi, my name is Chelly. I came to America not being able to

speak, read or write English. I couldn’t even really understand

it well. I was divorced with two young children. My brother

helped me a lot but he wasn’t with me all of the time. When

people said hello to me at work, I knew how to say hi, but if

they asked me questions I didn’t understand what they were

talking about or how to answer them. If something went

wrong in my apartment, with my car or if I needed to make a

doctor’s appointment for my kids, I had to look for help. I

tried to learn English on my own and it helped a little. Then I

came to LVSA and met an angel, my tutor, Mary. My life has

completely changed. Now I can speak, write and read

English. I’m also a member of the LVSA board now so I can

help other people the way LVSA helped me.

Literacy Facts

One in every seven adults in Delaware reads at or below a 5th grade reading level.

Low literacy costs the U.S. $225 billion or more

each year in lost productivity in the workforce, crime, and loss of tax revenue due to unemployment.

Nearly 25% of adults 25 years of age and older living in poverty in New Castle County have less

than a high school education.

Children who grow up with parents of limited literacy skills are more likely to have limited literacy skills themselves.

(Data from Proliteracy website) http://proliteracy.org/page.aspx?pid+345 and http://www.proliteracy.org/page.aspx?pid+370

Meet Rosendo

LVSA learner Rosendo is now very secure and confident in

his ability to deal with people and situations. Rosendo

says LVSA is the best program that he has participated in,

and he tries to convince his friends to enroll. He even

convinced his sister to enroll in the program! LVSA’s

method of instruction using real life material and its

flexible scheduling works the best for Rosendo. He says

everyone he works with is friendly and helpful. Judy,

Rosendo’s tutor, has helped him in many ways. She often

brings extra materials to enrich her class. Judy helped

Rosendo study for his GED. He achieved this milestone in

December 2013.

“Learning to read

has been the most

exciting experience

of my life. My life is

so much faster now.

When you can’t read

you’re in the dark.

One-on-one tutoring

opened up my

world. It makes me

feel like shouting in

my very soul.”

— Student

Former LVSA Executive Director/ Tutor Carmen Knox has

many wonderful memories of her experiences at LVSA, but

one student in particular sticks out in her mind. Early in the

program, LVSA had a female learner who was diagnosed with

learning disabilities, never learned to read, and was

unemployed. Once the learner had a child of her own, she

was determined to learn to read so that she could share books

with him. She had a wonderful tutor and eventually learned

to read and even obtained a job. Her success served as a

strong model for her son as he grew and attended school.

This learner could have not have accomplished her goal

without LVSA’s help. Carmen recognizes the importance of

literacy, and teaching people how to read and speak English

so they can become more productive citizens and improve

their lives.

Volunteer Gloria started as a tutor with LVSA in 1997. She

decided to become a tutor because she had teaching

experience, and lived abroad and knew how frustrating it is

not to be able to understand a foreign language. It was

important to Gloria to give back to the community, and LVSA

was a perfect match for her. Gloria continues to be an LVSA

volunteer, and now serves as an evaluator for the program.

Our Mission

Literacy Volunteers

Serving Adults offers

targeted instruction to

adults with limited literacy

and English language

skills. LVSA assists adult

learners to realize their

potential as confident,

self-sufficient, and

productive employees,

family members and

contributors to their

communities.

Our Vision

That all adults in Northern

New Castle County,

Delaware, will have the

skills necessary to more

fully participate in the lives

of their families and their

communities.

Meet Sue

In 1985, Sue took a brave step and joined LVSA, then

called Literacy Volunteers of America Wilmington Library

Affiliate. Before she enrolled in the program, the gaps in

her literacy skills made her feel hesitant and unsure of

herself. She relied on her spouse. Sue stated “My

husband was my rock. I was the water.” Sue spent three

years in the program diligently working with her tutor.

She says the program was “unbelievable,” and greatly

changed her life. Sue highly recommends the program to

anyone in need of literacy support. With the help of LVSA

staff and tutors Sue reached her goals!

LVSA Values

The core values of LVSA drive all we say and do. Literacy is the pathway to improving relationships and becoming self-sufficient and productive.

Literacy makes our communities more functional and vibrant.

Our work is an investment in our learners who are assets to their communities.

Volunteers make a difference and they deserve a rewarding experience.

Learners share responsibility with tutors for the success of the learning experience.

We strive to use our resources wisely and to continuously improve our services.

We are responsive to changing literacy needs.

We treat all individuals with respect and dignity.

Cultural diversity can enhance learning and promote understanding and tolerance.

Collaboration with others who share our mission builds a more literate Delaware.

Since its inception, LVSA has been fortunate to have financial

support from individuals, foundations and the business

community. This support enables us to provide supplies for

tutor training and instruction. Our contributors are a very

important part of our story.

Why do donors give to LVSA?

“I give because

I love to read and cannot imagine what it must be like

to not be able to read.”

I want to make an impact on my community.”

I want to give back.”

I can help make a person’s life better.”

I remember how my parents struggled learning

English.”

I can help parents who can then help their children.”

It is worthwhile.”

It is important and affects people’s lives.”

I believe in the power of education to change people’s

lives.”

Spellebration

Since 2006 Spellebration, a

unique twist on the

traditional game of

Scrabble® has provided a

fun-filled day of food, drinks

and games to benefit LVSA.

The annual event and the

premiere fundraising event

for LVSA is a memorable day

that helps finance training

and teaching materials.

LVSA FACTS

We currently serve 130 adults students; 70% are English language learners The majority of students (64%) are working adults, ages 25 to 44 We average 50 people on our waiting list Volunteer tutors give nearly 70,000 hours of service, equal to approximately $150,000 We follow state standards, curriculum guidelines, and are responsible for state targets Currently funded through federal grant money, United Way designations, grants and individual contributions

Meet Tommie

Tommie tutored with LVSA from 2006-2012 and

describes her experience working with the organization as

“powerful.” She became aware of the need for English

tutors and because she had experience teaching ESL,

LVSA was a great match for her. Tommie remembers a

special bond she formed with one of her students, Irina,

from the Ukraine. Irina became a member of Tommie’s

extended family, joining in holiday dinners and numerous

family functions. Tommie feels she has learned more

from the students then they have from her. “Determined”

and “courageous” are two words she uses to describe

LVSA students.

Literacy Facts

The McGraw Hill Research Foundation, in a May 2011 study, identified Returns on Investment from Adult Education and Training in all these areas:

Increased tax revenues, greater business productivity, increased consumption, increased workforce flexibility, decreased reliance on government financial support

Higher salaries and benefits, enhanced employment opportunities and stability, higher savings levels, improved working conditions, personal and professional mobility

Reduced crime rate, increased charitable giving and community service, increased quality of civic life, social cohesion/appreciation of diversity, improved ability to adapt to and use technology

Improved health and life expectancy, improved quality of life for children and dependents, better and more informed consumer decision making, higher personal status, more time for hobbies and leisure activities

Meet Bill

Since 2006, tutor and former board chair Bill Ritchie has

been an active member of LVSA. To Bill, the idea of

helping an adult learn to read is appealing and satisfying.

A memorable moment Bill recalls from tutoring is helping

Amer. Bill remembers explaining “air brakes” while

helping Amer study for his commercial driver’s license.

Under his leadership, LVSA’s strategic planning, financial

management, use of technology, and program

accountability improved significantly.

Contributions includes gifts from individuals, the United Way Contributor Choice program, grants from

corporations and foundations, and special fundraising events.

Financial data taken from LVSA’s 2012-2013 independent audit. Literacy Volunteers Serving

Adults/Northern Delaware, Inc., is a tax exempt, 501[c][3] organization.

8%

44%

48%

LVSA Revenue Fiscal Year 2013

Other Contributions Government Grants

$101,660

$16,826

81%

9%

10%

LVSA Expenses Fiscal Year 2013

Program Services Management & General Fundraising

$17,694

$21,231

$92,295

$164,067

Many thanks to all the wonderful helpers and contributors to this booklet. Special thanks to Donna Marie King (Development/Marketing Chair),

Bill Ritchie (photographs), Alexandra Clap (interviews/writing), Kelli Shermeyer (formatting) Karen Bohn (proofing) and staff (Alyssa Almond and Cathy Opdenaker).

LVSA Cindy Shermeyer, Executive Director P.O. Box 2083 Alyssa Almond, Program Coordinator Wilmington, Delaware 19899-2083 Cathy Opdenaker, Administrative Assistant 302-658-5624 admin@litvolunteers.org www.litvolunteers.org