About Us
Literacy Volunteers
Serving Adults
Since 1982, Literacy Volunteers has served functionally illiterate adults in Northern Delaware. Originally called Literacy Volunteers of America, we became Literacy Volunteers Serving Adults/Northern Delaware in 2003 and now operate as an independent nonprofit organization. We are a recognized affiliate of ProLiteracy Worldwide (Syracuse, NY), which provides us with the resources and connections available through this national literacy program. In addition, we are accredited by the Delaware Department of Education.
Our Programs
LVSA serves in several ways. We use trained volunteer tutors to offer free programs in:
- One-to-one tutoring in basic reading and English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) conversational English
- English Literacy/Civics classes offer an opportunity to learn about American culture while practicing English literacy skills.
We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a small professional staff. Volunteers provide the lion’s share of our services as tutors and committee members. Since only one-third of our budget is funded by grants from the Delaware Department of Education, we rely heavily on individuals, foundations, and corporations for support.
Our Locations
LVSA Headquarters and Administrative Offices are located in the Wilmington Public Library at 10th and Market Streets in Wilmington, Delaware. The entrance is off King Street.
The Adult Literacy Learning Center is located in the Woodlawn Library, in (Room 111) at the corner of Bancroft Parkway and West 9th Street in Wilmington, Delaware. On temporary vacation this summer, check back in the fall or call the main office for more information.
Tutor Training is conducted at various community locations throughout New Castle County, Delaware. See our Tutor Training page for information on upcoming training sessions.
Our Vision
That all adults in Northern New Castle County, Delaware, will have the skills necessary to more fully participate in the lives of their families and their communities.
Our Mission
The purpose of Literacy Volunteers Serving Adults is to help adults improve literacy skills and thereby realize their potential to be confident, self-sufficient, and productive employees and community members. We deliver services and programs in reading, writing, English language, math, workplace, and computer skills. LVSA works to create public understanding of the impact of illiteracy and advocates for literacy solutions.
Our Values
The core values of LVSA drive all we say and do.
- Literacy is pathway to improving relationships and becoming self sufficient and productive.
- Literacy makes our communities more functional and vibrant.
- Our work is an investment in our learners who are assets to their communities.
- Volunteers make a difference and they deserve a rewarding experience.
- Learners share responsibility with tutors for the success of the learning experience.
- We strive to use our resources wisely and to continuously improve our services.
- We are responsive to changing literacy needs.
- We treat all individuals with respect and dignity
- Cultural diversity can enhance learning and promote understanding and tolerance.
- Collaboration with others who share our mission builds a more literate Delaware.
Our Sponsors
We are an affiliate of ProLiteracy America and the United Way of Delaware. In addition, we are partially funded by the Delaware Department of Education. We are grateful for the additional support we have received from individual donors and the following organizations:
- ACE INA
- Bank of America employees
- Christ Church Christiana Hundred
- Christmas Shop
- Crestlea Foundation, Inc.
- Delaware Community Foundation
- DuPont & Pioneer Hi-Bred
- Fund for Women
- Laffey McHugh Foundation
- Longwood Foundation
- Marmot Foundation
- State of Delaware
- TD Bank Foundation
- United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania
- United Way of Lehigh Valley
- Welfare Foundation
- Wilmington Flower Market
- WSFS Bank
- Learn how your organization can be an LVSA Sponsor
Our Supporters
- Harvest Market
- Reading Assist
- Janssen's Market
- Eichholz Services, Inc.
- Dr. Hope Glavin, DDS and Dr. Saqib Usmani, DMD
- Delaware Money School
- La Bagel Delight
- Delaware Colaition for Literacy
- Rodrick Moore Photography
Meet Our Staff
Cynthia E. Shermeyer
Executive Director
302-658-5624
c.shermeyer@verizon.net
Alyssa Almond
Student/Tutor Coordinator
302-658-5624
studentandtutor@verizon.net
Gretchen Elhassani
LVSA Administrative Assistant
302-658-5624
litvolunteers@aol.com
Meet Our Board
Arthur W. Ritchie Deborah Pyle Vice Chair Patrick Francis Morris Bob Hurka Retired Dupont Treasurer/Fund Development Chair
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Victoria M. Novak Cary Brandenberger Riches Lisa Wagner Member at Large Carolyn A. Thoroughgood University of Delaware Member at Large Michael F. Morgan The Tatnall School Member at Large |