NEWBURGH – Literacy Connections Inc., a non-profit organization in existence since 1975 opened a Newburgh branch this week to serve students with low literacy levels.
Located at 436 Robinson Avenue, Literacy Connections also serves immigrants lacking English language skills. Executive Director Marisol Rodriguez noted that they serve residents of Dutchess, Columbia, Greene, and Orange Counties. According to Rodriguez, illiteracy or low literacy is a family issue and it is addressed through their “Adult and Family Literacy Program” while the “Book Buddies Program” brings volunteers to read with children in schools that are struggling to read.
Literacy Connections of the Hudson Valley, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) non- profit organization founded in 1975. We serve adult students with the lowest literacy levels and immigrants lacking English language skills in Dutchess, Columbia, Greene, and Orange Counties. Recognizing that illiteracy or low literacy is a family issue, our Adult and Family Literacy program also offers reading enrichment to children through our Book Buddies program, which brings volunteers to read with children in schools struggling with reading.
Rodriguez has issued a call for help, saying “We are looking for volunteers in Newburgh and throughout Orange County to give the gift of literacy. No previous teaching experience is necessary, only a love of reading and a desire to share the gift of literacy. Call us for information on how to become a literacy tutor or a Book Buddies volunteer. You will change someone’s life forever!” Literacy Connections can be reached at 845-522-8986.
Rodriguez also noted that, according to the U.S. government, 1 out of 5 adults is functionally illiterate. This means they cannot function independently because of a lack of reading ability. This affects all aspects of daily life including health care and health-related decisions, employment, living arrangements, and children in the household. Lack of adequate literacy skills affects the quality of life of the individual who will have a lifelong struggle, the family, and the community.
