LITERACY CONNECTIONS - DUTCHESS COUNTY NY

is an accredited independent affiliate of ProLiteracy America and ProLiteracy Worldwide. Literacy Connections - Dutchess County is located in The Family Partnership Center, 29 N. Hamilton Street, Poughkeepsie, NY. (see map below).

Using an approved tutor training method, the organization recruits and trains volunteers to provide one to one and small conversation group tutoring for people who are functionally illiterate. There is no cost for tutoring services.

The program is student centered, which means that the student helps to set individual goals. The student/tutor team is supported by professional staff. All incoming students are assessed by staff using NYS Education Dept. approved methods.

Functional illiteracy in the family is a multi-generational problem. If the parents are not reading, or are struggling with reading, the children too often struggle with the same issues and are at high risk for dropping out of school. Studies show that the first and most important teachers are the parents. This means there is a wonderful opportunity for parents to help their children succeed, if they know how to do it.

Understanding that illiteracy can be an intergenerational problem, Literacy Connections offers a variety of programs that encourage children and families to read. Project READ is a volunteer-based program that invites readers to visit classrooms to read to children. When children have a happy, positive experience with books it encourages them to become readers.

Literacy Connections is supported by private and public funding. It gratefully accepts donations, and has a "book in honor of" program for its adult learner library, as well as gift cards available with an original drawing of a student/tutor team. All donations to LIteracy Connections are tax deductible as allowed by law.

The agency is administered by a small staff and a large volunteer base. It welcomes volunteers to become tutors, to read to children, to help in the office, to assist with its Annual Adult Spelling Bee or gift wrapping projects at local bookstores, and a variety of other projects to help people to read, write, and reach their potential.

For more information, please Send E-Mail to LC-DC us or call (845) 452-8670.





Literacy Drop In Centers

There are always more students than there are tutors. In order to address the growing needs of our community when it comes to learning, we have created several Drop In Learning Centers. Managed by our staff but run by volunteers, the Drop In Learning Centers serve those folks who are struggling with reading, writing, and speaking English.
No matter where they are from, or what level they had achieved in their native land, our adult students are welcome to join our Drop In Centers. They will meet in small groups with others who are at the same level. Learning in a friendly setting, conversation groups are a great way to practice English -- and, to make new friends.
There is no waiting list, and of course there is no charge. Some of our centers offer child care while the parents are learning. We celebrate holidays, and often bring in community speakers so that people can learn more about the community.

Item Family Partnership Center, Room 218, Poughkeepsie:.Tuesday Evenings 6:00-8:00pm

Item Columbia & Greene County Branch, Hudson Area Association Library, Hudson, N.Y.
(518) 697-8227 (CELL: 845-546-0890).

Item 1st Presbyterian Church (corner of S. Hamilton & Church Streets), Poughkeepsie
Wednesday 6:15-8:15pm (childcare provided).

Item St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Red Hook:...Mondays 7:30-9:30pm/Thursdays 6:00-8:00pm.

Item Grace Episcopal Church, Franklin Avenue, Millbrook...Thursdays - ESL 6:15-9:15pm.

To learn more, please call Carol or Marian at 452-8670.