International Literacy Day was September 8. Few people realize the illiteracy problem that our country and state face. In New York, an estimated 2.7 million adults lack basic literacy, math and employment skills. Poverty and illiteracy are linked and Sullivan County is a poor county.

Literacy Volunteers of Sullivan County (LVSC) trains volunteer tutors to work with adult students one-to-one. The tutor can meet the individual needs of the student. Services are free and confidential. LVSC serves 150 adult learners each year. However, we estimate 100 more could be served but do not have access to services because of transportation problems, child-care difficulties or they are not aware of the services we offer.

Please think about becoming a literacy volunteer tutor. One in five adults is functioning at the lowest level of literacy. These adults have difficulty surviving. They cannot fill out an application for employment, read to their children, understand the directions on their prescription medicines, on and on.

If you know of an individual who can benefit from our services, please tell them about Literacy Volunteers of Sullivan County. Our organization is located at 63 North St. in Monticello, and our phone number is 845/794-0017. If you are thinking about becoming a volunteer tutor, please join our tutors who number 130. Our organization is offering services to adults who want to improve the quality of their lives.

We have a saying in New York: “Literacy Leads.” Literacy leads to employment. It leads to independence. It leads to opportunity.

Connie Keller, Executive Director

Literacy Volunteers of Sullivan County

Monticello, NY