Member News

Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County (LVORC) has received $1000 from the Stewart’s Holiday Match Program. The funding supports the Everybody WINS! Power Lunch program, increasing children’s chances for success in school and in life through positive reading experiences with caring adults. Children at School 2 and School 14 in Troy and at Van Rensselaer Elementary in Rensselaer are paired one-to-one with volunteer mentors from local businesses, colleges, and the greater community. Volunteers read aloud to their reading partner once a week during lunchtime. 47 reading mentors and 60 students have participated during the 2022-2023 school year.

According to the remedial reading teacher at Van Rensselaer Elementary, the program has improved the self-esteem of the children who participate in the program. Reading skills for all participants have improved, including comprehension, sight words and phonics. Most of the students do not have someone who reads to them at home, and it’s valuable for them to form positive relationships with adults. They are learning to listen and to wait their turn to speak.

“Children who develop a love of reading are on their way to becoming lifelong learners,” says Nancy Benz, Executive Director of LVORC. “Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County provides a wide range of programs and services to promote literacy in the Capital Region. The Power Lunch program is a great way to engage volunteers in building a more literate community.”

LVORC provides free, confidential tutoring to adults in Rensselaer County and Albany County. Since 1968, we have trained volunteers to help learners to improve their ability to read, write, speak and understand English; empowered our learners to be advocates for themselves; and educated the community about literacy issues. We also offer math, computer, and financial literacy; English Literacy Civics and citizenship prep. New volunteers are always welcome. Call 518 244-4650 or visit www.lvorc.org for more information.