Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts (LVM) promotes literacy skills that empower adults to achieve their educational, employment and personal goals.

Our tutor/student relationships each reflect the core values of LVM: confidential, student-centered instruction provided at no cost to the student.

We are committed to reach more adults in need of literacy by growing our program network, encouraging more students and tutors to participate, and investing our public and private funding efficiently in our operations.

Description:
Established in 1972, LVM trains volunteer tutors to provide free, confidential and individualized tutoring to adults in basic reading and writing, and English as a Second Language (ESOL). LVM's award winning program specializes in teaching adults whose literacy skills are below the 6th grade level or who have limited conversational English skills, 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.

Adults specifically choose LVM because LVM's services are accessible, individualized, private, confidential, flexibly scheduled and free. They have described LVM as their "best chance" and often the only program that would take them. Without LVM, many adults would not have access to instruction, the opportunity to reach their goals or the chance to improve their lives.

Each adult enrolled in LVM receives 2 hours per week of one-to-one tutoring in either basic reading and writing or ESOL from a professionally trained and supported volunteer tutor. Tutoring sessions are flexibly scheduled between the volunteer tutor and adult student at a time and public place that are mutually convenient. Lessons are individualized so the tutor and adult student work on skills and goals that are important to the student, using materials that are of interest to the student, and at a pace that provides the adult with a positive learning experience.

Prior to become an LVM-certified tutor and working with an adult, a volunteer must attend a 2 hour orientation and successfully complete an intensive, 18 hour training in either basic literacy or ESOL. The training includes lecture, discussion, one-to-one practice sessions, group work and homework. After the tutor and adult student are matched, LVM's professional staff provides ongoing support and supervision via monthly contact, specialized in-service trainings, newsletters, open houses and social events, an annual recognition event, a resource library and personal consultation.

LVM is the leading volunteer literacy organization in the state with a network of 12 local affiliate programs in the following communities: Boston, Fitchburg, Framingham, Lowell, Methuen, Norwood, Orange/Athol, Pittsfield, Quincy, Southbridge, Stoughton and Worcester.

As an LVM student wrote: " . . . . 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 . . . ." LVM offers not only hope, but the opportunity to improve literacy skills and reach one's personal potential, which can be one of life's triumphs.

For more information on LVM, its affiliates and special events, please contact litvolma@aol.com.

History:
Established in 1972, LVM provides high quality services to adults students in Massachusetts and is widely recognized for its expertise in training volunteers to tutor basic literacy and ESOL. LVM has been chosen by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, the Boston Adult Literacy Initiative, Boston University and the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Center to help design programs and train tutors. Boston University, Western New England College and Worcester State College have all granted college credit to individuals completing LVM's tutor training and subsequently tutoring.

In 1998, LVM was competitively selected as one of 100 charities included in the first issue of the distinguished "Catalogue of Philanthropy". In 1999, LVM was selected as the recipient of the Ad Club of Greater Boston's Public Service Campaign Award. The campaign was honored for creative excellence with two prestigious Hatch Awards. LVM staff has received awards for exemplary service from the Massachusetts Literacy Foundation, the New England Branch of the Orton Dyslexia Society, the Boston Jaycees, the Women's National book Association, Rotary International and the Massachusetts Reading Association. LVM students and volunteers have been honored by multiple times by the Massachusetts Coalition for Adult Education. LVM's Executive Director received an honorary doctorate from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in recognition of her achievements in adult literacy.

All LVM affiliates have received accreditation from ProLiteracy under the first and only accreditation system of its kind. Endorsed at its inception by the National Institute for Literacy, accreditation demands adherence to rigorous standards and monitors compliance in administration, management, program services, instructional services and tutor training.

In August 2008, LVM received one of the first grants awarded by the Commonwealth Corps to expand volunteer recruitment and support in Boston, Framingham and Southbridge. Part-time paid internships/stipended volunteer opportunities are currently available.

LVM is funded by a grant from the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, various corporations and foundations, individuals and special events.

Contact person: Catherine Ward, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (617) 367-8894

Address:

15 Court Square, Suite 540 Boston, MA 02108 (See a map)

Directions:

Take the MBTA (Green or Blue Lines) to the Government Center stop. Exit the T stop and look for the Starbucks on the corner of Court Street. The Starbucks has a steaming, gold tea kettle above the door. Walk up Court Street. Take the second right onto Court Square. LVM is at 15 Court Square, Suite 540 on the 5th floor. Take the MBTA (Orange Line) to State Street. Exit the T stop and walk to the traffic light at the corner where Washington Street, State Street and Court Street meet. Walk up Court Street toward Government Center. Take the first left onto Court Square. LVM is at 15 Court Square - Suite 540 on the 5th floor.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Government Center,   Walk distance (in minutes): 2 For maps or information, please see http://www.mbta.com