Literacy Volunteers of Greater Syracuse is changing its name to LiteracyCNY to better reflect its mission as a provider of adult education and to raise awareness of adult illiteracy in Central New York.
The organization was founded in 1962 by Syracuse resident Ruth Colvin. Colvin pioneered many of the instructional methods used to teach adults how to read. Colvin, now 97, supports the new name as a symbol of an organization adapting to change. "We're on our way onward and upward,'' she said Thursday at a meeting of the editorial board of Syracuse Media Group.
Part of the new name is the tagline, "transforming lives, strengthening communities.'' Adults who learn to be proficient at reading are better able to compete for jobs, help their children succeed at school, navigate the legal and health care systems and participate in civic life, said Marsha Tait, executive director.
LiteracyCNY has a staff of three and 150 to 175 active volunteers, Tait said. It shares space with the Syracuse Educational Opportunity Center, 100 New St. LiteracyCNY conducts reading classes and one-on-one tutoring for a 50-50 mix of native English speakers and non-English language learners who come mainly from the refugee community. The agency serves about 500 students and has a waiting list.
Many more people are in need of its services, Tait said. LiteracyCNY and its partners in adult education estimate there are 60,000 adults in Onondaga County who are in need of literacy skills.
The name change and repositioning of the agency was funded by a grant from the Central New York Community Foundation and facilitated by Eric Mower + Associates marketing agency. For more information and to volunteer, go towww.LiteracyCNY.org.
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