Serving the community since 1975.
Making a difference in someone’s life can make all of the difference in your own!

   HomeHome    VolunteersVolunteers    Board of DirectorsBoard of Directors    EventsEvents    FAQFAQ    ForumForum    LinksLinks    DirectionsDirections    ContactContact


Volunteer Quotes

"It’s been terrific for me. I’ve had three students and felt I learned something from each as they improved reading and work skills. Being able to nurture and share such a valuable skill with students who are so grateful for the help is just terribly gratifying."

"It has taught me how hard it is to survive in this city without being literate. The one-on-one has taught me how to be patient and see learning as a process."

"It’s a great program. The training was comprehensive and top notch. I enjoyed being able to help and share my skills with someone."

"It’s such a chance to connect with someone striving for a critical goal. It’s a great opportunity to learn about what’s most important in life."


Facts


What is the Literacy Volunteers of South Central Massachusetts?

The Literacy Volunteers of South Central Massachusetts is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1975 (previously the Literacy Volunteers of the Tri-Community) to provide free, private, confidential, and individualized tutoring for adults in basic reading and ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages). The Literacy Volunteers of South Central Massachusetts primarily serve Southbridge, Sturbridge, Charlton, Webster, Dudley and Oxford, although there is no residency requirement to receive tutoring services. The Literacy Volunteers of South Central Massachusetts is affiliated with the Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts (LVM), as statewide network of Literacy Volunteers affiliate programs. The Literacy Volunteers of South Central Massachusetts has an office on the first floor of the Jacob Edwards Library in Southbridge, MA.

Why is Literacy Volunteers Needed?

In Southbridge alone, 11.3% of the adults over the age of 25 have completed less than 9th grade and a total of 28.6% are without a high school credential. A culturally diverse town, 20.2% of the population in Southbridge is Hispanic. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, the unemployment rate was 5.4%, and 15.5% of the individuals and 1 3% of the families live below the poverty level.

Who are the Literacy Volunteers’ students?

LV students come from all walks of life and represent all ages, incomes, races, cultures and communities. LV specializes in teaching adults whose literacy skills are below a 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 schools, or difficulties with child care, transportation or scheduling. The Literacy Volunteers strive to teach adults to read, write, speak, and comprehend English well enough to meet individual goals and responsibilities in everyday living situations as a family member, community member, consumer and worker.

Who are the Literacy Volunteers’ tutors?

LV volunteers are dedicated and sensitive people who are recruited through television, newspaper, radio, word-of-mouth and special events. Presently, the majority of volunteers are retired, do not have prior teaching experience and have been tutoring with the Literacy Volunteers for 1 to 4 years. After successfully completing the 18 hour tutor training, a volunteer is matched to work with an adult student for a minimum of 2 hours per week for at least 9 to 12 months. Tutors and students schedule their own meetings a mutually convenient times and places in the community (e.g., libraries, churches, workplaces, and community centers).

How is the Literacy Volunteers of South Central Massachusetts funded?

LVSCM is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Education grant, administered by the Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts. Additional funding is received from the United Way of the Tri-Community as well as the United Way of Webster and Dudley, and the Wells foundation. Private donations and other small grants are also received throughout the year
How Do I Become A Volunteer?

To become a Literacy Volunteer contact the Literacy Volunteers of South Central Massachusetts office.

Call

(508) 765-3880

E-mail

trilitvol@verizon.net

Or Visit Our Office
236 Main Street
Southbridge, MA 01550
Located on the first floor of the Jacob Edwards Library (next to the children's library). All volunteers must have a high school diploma and be able to commit two hours a week to the program