Literacy Volunteers of Kennebec (LVK)

The mission of Literacy Volunteers of Kennebec is to improve reading, writing and other literacy skills so each individual may reach their potential, and to promote and advocate for literacy for families and the community. Since 1973 LVK has provided literacy services to adults seeking to improve general literacy or develop English language fluency. LVK is the result of two organizations working collaboratively in Kennebec County (Literacy Volunteers of Greater Augusta and Literacy Volunteers-Waterville Area) that merged in 2021. LVK as a volunteer organization has only 3 PT staff with over 50 volunteers working hard to help learners meet their goals.

LVK is a non-profit organization serving Kennebec County with direct, learner centered literacy services across a range of needs. LVK understands that there are residents of Kennebec County that face illiteracy or have not yet received a high school diploma or HiSET and may have difficulty reading and writing effectively enough to handle basic demands of everyday life. LVK believes that it is critical to provide no cost equitable education opportunities so that no one has to face barriers in important aspects of daily life, including employment, education, healthcare, and communication. Functional illiteracy is often the result of a lack of access to quality education or poor educational experiences, as well as cultural or social factors that may discourage reading or prioritize other skills over basic education. LVK works to address these issues and reduce the number of those who face barriers due to low literacy. LVK works to support new immigrants to Maine with tutoring for English Language Learning. LVK is a Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Affiliate working to register children 0-5 so they have the benefit of receiving a book each month. This program leverages the early developmental capacity for learning among little ones. LVK is also has a strong commitment to invest in digital literacy, which is critical to the individuals we serve, supporting them to be successful in the current competitive and changing virtual workforce.