Literacy Volunteers of Putnam County (LVPC) provides, at no cost to the students, instruction by volunteer tutors primarily to adults who need help in learning to read, write, and speak English so they can take part more fully in our society.

In Putnam County
Many adults do not have a high school diploma. There are many students on our waiting list for a tutor.

In the United States
1 in 5 American adults is functionally illiterate. That’s more than 40 million people. These adults can’t read maps or fill out basic forms.

Our Students
They may be young parents struggling to read to their toddlers at bedtime...grandparents who left school decades ago to take care of their families...displaced homemakers...professionals from other countries. Some have learning disabilities...some simply had troubled lives and limited opportunities.

A National Network
Literacy Volunteers of Putnam County (LVPC) is a member of Pro Literacy America, a national organization of 1,200 programs serving over 200,000 students in all fifty states.

What We Do…
LVPC helps people read, write and speak English. These services are provided at no cost to the student.

We assess students, recruit and train volunteers tutors, and match them with students. We develop support programs that range from ongoing tutor training to computer programs for students.

We have more than 150 volunteers - people from all backgrounds. No teaching background is required—what’s essential is an interest in helping.

Volunteers Make the Difference
All of our tutors volunteer their time. They make an initial commitment of two hours a week for one year. Many work with several students simultaneously. The LVPC staff develops training and support programs.

CORE PROGRAMS
Basic Literacy:
Adults who read below the sixth grade level are matched with tutors for one-to-one instruction.

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL):
Each day new immigrants call for help to learn English. Some hold advanced degrees from their native countries; others have basic literacy skills.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Family Literacy - Our multigenerational literacy programs range from reading in schools to support groups for parents. Parents learn techniques to encourage their children to read and what materials are appropriate for their child’s specific age group.

Citizenship - LVPC conducts classes to effectively prepare qualified immigrants to pass the US Citizenship test.

Computer Lab - All of our students take advantage of LVPC’s state of the art educational software to further enhance their reading, writing and speaking skills. They can also attain or improve their computer literacy proficiency which is important in today’s job market.

Book Discussion Group - We conduct a monthly book discussion group, in the library, for high functioning disabled adults so they can have the opportunity to enhance their social, interpersonal and communication skills in a community setting.

Writing Workshop - A bi-monthly writing workshop is offered for advanced students so they may further develop their critical thinking and writing skills.

Employability Skills Workshop - LVPC conducts multi-media workshops for counselors and job coaches of clients with special needs. We train them to teach work maturity, employability and life skills; they are encouraged to bring their clients into our office to use the computer software and view the companion videos.

My Family Can Read - Why Should We Get Involved?

Illiteracy and Health
Those with low literacy skills can’t understand health care information. This can affect their families...an the community. Our nation can’t tackle critical health issues if more than 20% of the population can’t read health warnings or the label on a medicine bottle.

Illiteracy and Business
American businesses are estimated to lose over $60 billion in productivity each year due to employees lack of basic skills. The number of companies reporting shortages more than doubled between 1995 and 2005.

Illiteracy and Poverty
43% of people with the lowest literacy skills live in poverty. 17% are on food stamps, and 70% have no job or a part-time job.

Illiteracy and Children
Think of the obstacles faced by a toddler whose parents can’t read.

Illiteracy and Change
There are nearly 32 million people in the United States whose native language is not English - a 38% increase over 1980.

How You Can Help:

Become a Tutor
Many adults are waiting for tutors. Helping students achieve literacy will change their lives, and yours. Find out about our Tutor Training Workshops today.

Tell Others About Us
Do you know someone who needs our help? Someone who could help us help others? Please spread the word.

Make a Donation
Personal donations keep our organization going. Whatever you can give would be greatly appreciated.

For many students, we are the last resort.
Please call for more information: (845) 628-8139
Literacy Volunteers of Putnam County
668 Route 6 Mahopac, NY 10541