Literacy Volunteers of MA/Quincy

Description

In pursuit of this mission, LVM provides free, flexibly scheduled, confidential and individualized tutoring to adults in basic literacy through the use of professionally trained and supported volunteer tutors. LVM specializes in reaching adults whose skills are below the 6th grade level, especially those who cannot or will not attend classes due to fear, embarrassment, past failure in school or difficulties with child care, transportation or scheduling.

Without LVM, many adults would not have access to instruction, the opportunity to reach their goals or the chance to improve their lives. They have described LVM as their "best chance" and often the only program that could help them. As one of LVM's basic literacy students said, ". . I would go home and look in the mirror and say to myself I wish I would just disappear. It can stay with you for the rest of your life, disappointment that you are never going to learn to read. Then one day I picked up the phone and called Literacy Volunteers, it was the hardest thing that I ever did. For the first time in my life someone said to me, I can help you . . ."

With improved literacy skills and the confidence that comes with them, adults can help themselves, and pursue a better life and a better future for themselves and their families.