Literacy, volunteers of Upshur county has provided tutoring services in UpshurCounty for many years.
The tutors all volunteers, assist students with reading, writing, mathematics and English as a second language.
Many students at the literacy center have learned basic skills necessary for living. Students have learned how to balance their checkbooks, cross the street, purchase groceries and skills many of us take for granted.
Many of the students have. volunteered with other nonprofits in our community learning the necessity of working together and giving back.
Through grants received for Literacy Volunteers of Upshur county the students have received teaching materials, books for a library, computer equipment, and participated in community events.
It has only been thru fundraising, community donations, and grants that Literacy volunteers has been able to provide services to the students of Literacy Volunteers of Upshur County.
I have been involved with Literacy Volunteers of Upshur County, first as a tutor for several years, then as a volunteer, and now as a board member. As a non-profit service agency, I feel that much is done with the funding we receive. We survived during the COVID pandemic and bounced back to resume our mission of serving adults (16+ years) to improve their literacy skills. Trained tutors provide confidential 1:1 services based on the student's needs and goals. We also, through community events, provide free books to children, and hold semi-annual used book sales, attracting readers of all ages; our prices are very reasonable. Our Director consistently goes above and beyond her responsibilities, and she has the support of our Board of Directors. I have no hesitation in recommending LVUC for donations.
For approximately fifteen years I was the president of the board of directors of Opportunity House inc. (a nonprofit, Buckhannon WV). I resigned shortly after COVID-19 years.
During my time as president I witnessed the connection between Literacy Volunteers of Upshur County and the residents of Opportunity House (OppHse). OppHse is a rehab residence program for people in recovery of addiction. Monthly the residents moved their books from storage to the place where the books were sold. This connection with Literacy Volunteers made a great impact for the residents. I observed that this connection introduced reading as a great benefit for most of those in residency at OppHse. A deep gratitude for this nonprofit.
Note. My wife is a member of Upshur Literacy Volunteers these days, but not until after I resigned from the board of OppHse.
Thomas Keely, of Buckhannon WV
This organization provides help with the people.who want to learn to read. We also like to provide books for children to get them interested in reading and learn new things by reading.
Literacy Volunteers of Upshur County (LVUC) offers an invaluable service to the community, providing free and confidential one-on-one tutoring that significantly enhances literacy and life skills for adults. Their programming is comprehensive, addressing reading, writing, and other essential skills.
The organization’s goal-oriented approach ensures that each student can work towards specific objectives, whether it's preparing for the West Virginia driver’s test or improving conversational English as a Second Language (ESL). LVUC stands out as a beacon of hope and empowerment for individuals seeking to improve their literacy skills and transform their lives.
I am proud to be a LVUC volunteer.
I am a former board member for the Literacy Volunteers of Upshur County. I had to step down because things got too busy at my "day job" at the local college. I was impressed and inspired by my fellow board members. They had a ton of energy and enthusiasm, and they're working so hard for such a noble cause. The organization did so much good in terms of promoting literacy in the county through outreach (especially through donations of children's books and the annual book sale). If an adult cannot read, they'll have difficulty in every other aspect of their lives--or their children have to take time from their own jobs and schoolwork in order to work as a translator. I'm glad that this organization is helping people who can't read, as many of those people have other learning disabilities or issues caused by poverty or circumstances. Frankly, I shudder to think of what would happen without that tutoring service.
Jennifer:
I have been involved with promoting literacy for forty years. Since I have retired from the pastoral ministry it has become a sense of vocation.
I have come to believe that the ability to read and write is vitally important for the development and maintenance of personal freedom and republican democracy.
A couple of examples of how my passion for literacy has been fueled over the years:
A gentleman wanted to improve his ability to work as a mechanic. We began with a Chilton's Catalogue. We ended up when he read the Bible from the pulpit one Sunday morning. He got a standing ovation from the congregation.
Another man wanted to gain his master plumber certification. We began with the state code book. We ended when he was good enough to gain his journeyman's license. He was able to put in writing what he already knew with his hands.
A third example is working with a couple of third graders who were high risk of falling behind. They went from 'F" to "B' by the end of the school year.
Since I have begun to work with the office in Upshur County I have worked as a trainer for tutors primarily using online programs from Proliteracy, but also using other materials for whatever works.
We have been successful in giving away hundreds of used children's books at local fairs and festivals, and at improving our visibility in the community with large used book sales.
The work is challenging because it is hard to overcome the stigma of illiteracy among adults, but when students improve their ability to read and write the joy is self-evident.
Bob Anderson
Both tutors and students have related positive interactions with Literacy staff and volunteers. They have been so pleased with their progress towards individual goals that they have willingly given back to the organization by volunteering to help with fundraising events to insure others can receive similar benefits in achieving personal literacy goals.
Volunteering with Literacy Volunteers of Upshur County was one of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve ever had. It is an organization that deeply cares about the mission and the people it supports. If I hadn’t moved away from Upshur County, I would still be volunteering to this day but consider myself lucky to continue supporting their great work from afar.