Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County (LVORC) is expanding its presence and literacy services in the community by taking over the literacy work of the Albany office of Literacy New York Greater Capital Region.

Over the past year, Literacy New York Greater Capital Region (LNYGCR) has faced significant fiscal challenges. LNYGCR has been serving Albany, Schenectady and Warren Counties for decades. Unfortunately, LNYGCR is not able to sustain itself going forward and is in the process of dissolving.According to LNYCCR’s Program Coordinator, Christina Darling, “Our program has worked with Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County in the past and I have been working closely with their director, Judy Smith, for the past several months to create a seamless transition.  I have had nothing but positive experiences with them.  Personally, I feel very good about this move and believe it will be a benefit to everyone!  LVORC is very involved in the community and has a number of big events throughout the year.  They also offer more frequent training programs for volunteers.  Additionally, they have a great website with lots of resources for tutors.”

Because of family commitments, Christina Darling has chosen not to continue serving as Program Coordinator after the transition is completed. Christine Katchmar, who has been the Program Coordinator in LNYGCR’s Schenectady office, will assume the Program Coordinator position upon Christina’s departure.

Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County has provided free literacy services and programs since 1968, and has partnered with LNYGCR for many years on various grants. LVORC has had a small presence in Albany County with workplace literacy programs and a Sewing and English Workplace Skills program. LVORC’s Executive Director, Judy Smith, has stated that she looks forward to meeting and working with LNYGCR’s volunteers. “Although this is a sad time for LNYGCR, LVORC is grateful to be in a position to continue LNYGCR’s legacy of service and most importantly to be able to maintain literacy services to those who have relied on LNYGCR as a provider. With 3.4 million individuals in NYS lacking their high school diploma, English proficiency, or both, it is vital that free services are available to all those seeking to improve their lives through improved literacy.”

 

The physical space used for administration and classroom instruction at Albany Public Library’s Main Branch Library remains closed because of the pandemic, but remote learning is an option. Anyone who might like to be a literacy tutor or volunteer in some way is welcome to join a Volunteer Opportunities Information Session on Saturday Dec. 12th, 9:30-10:30 a.m. via Zoom. To register, contact mhellerlvorc@aol.comor call 518 244-4650. For more information, visit www.lvorc.org