About Us
Literacy Volunteers
Serving Adults
Since 1982, LVSA has served functionally illiterate adults in Northern Delaware. Originally called Literacy Volunteers of America, we became Literacy Volunteers Serving Adults/Northern Delaware, Inc. in 2003 and now operate as an independent nonprofit organization. We are a recognized accredited affiliate of ProLiteracy Worldwide (Syracuse, NY), which provides us with the resources and connections available through this national and international literacy program. In addition, we are monitored by the Delaware Department of Education, Adult and Prison Education Workgroup.
Our Programs
LVSA serves in several ways. We use trained volunteer tutors to offer free one-to-one and small group tutoring in basic literacy and English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) skills.
LVSA also has classes at the Wilmington, Woodlawn and Bear Libraries. Through our partnership with William "Hicks" Anderson Community Center, we are able to offer community residents basic literacy services at the Center. Another partnership with the Wilmington Head Start located at the West End Neighborhood House Childcare Center provides English language instruction to parents of children participating in the Head Start Program.
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 our budget is only partially funded by WIA Federal funds, 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.
Tutor Training is conducted at either the Woodlawn Public Library, Wilmington, Kirkwood Highway Library, Wilmington, or White Clay Creek Presbyterian Church, Newark, Delaware. See our Tutor Training page for information on upcoming tutor orientation 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 receive designated funds only from the United Way of Delaware. Our United Way number is 0707. We are grateful for the additional support we have received from:
- Bank of America employees
- Christ Church Christiana Hundred
- Crestlea Foundation, Inc.
- Delaware Community Foundation
- DuPont
- Fund for Women
- Laffey McHugh Foundation
- Longwood Foundation
- Marmot Foundation
- State of Delaware
- TD Bank Foundation
- Welfare Foundation
- WSFS Bank
- Learn how your organization can be an LVSA Sponsor
Meet Our Staff
Cynthia E. Shermeyer
Executive Director
302-658-5624
director@litvolunteers.org
Alyssa Almond
Student/Tutor Coordinator
302-658-5624
studentandtutor@verizon.net
Cathy Opdenaker
LVSA Administrative Assistant
302-658-5624
litvolunteers@verizon.net
Meet Our Board
Arthur W. Ritchie Patrick Francis Morris Bob Hurka DuPont Company (retired) Treasurer/Fund Development Chair Victoria M. Novak
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Michael F. Morgan The Tatnall School Member at Large Paul Penna Member at Large Kathy Nachbar Member at Large
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