Literacy Volunteers of the Eastern Panhandle

It is the mission of the Literacy Volunteers of the Eastern Panhandle (LVEP) to train and support community volunteers in the delivery of free, confidential literacy services to individuals who want to improve low-level reading skills and/or learn English as a Second Language, applying philosophies and techniques that are student-centered and geared to the proficiency level, interests, needs and goals of the learner.

For the past 25 y ears, the Literacy Volunteers of the Eastern Panhandle (LVEP) has provided Basic Literacy and English as a Second Language tutoring on a one-to-one or small group basis. These services have been provided free of charge by volunteer tutors who have been trained in accordance to the standards set by Literacy West Virginia and Pro-Literacy America.

Twenty-percent (20%) of the population of in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia (Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan counties) cannot read above the fourth-grade level. Individuals that function at this level are unable to understand written directions for medications for themselves or their families and do not possess the skills to manage a checking account or maintain a budget. Low-level readers cannot read to their children or provide homework assistance. Lack of basic literacy skills places the entire family at risk and perpetuates the cycle of dependence.