Literacy Volunteers receives national accreditation

Literacy Volunteers of Rochester has received its accreditation, the national stamp of approval awarded by Literacy Volunteers of America’s National Board.

"We are thrilled with this award from our national organization," said Bob Mahar, executive director of LVA of Rochester. "This is the culmination of years of work by our staff and volunteers who work very hard to ensure that this organization meets the highest standards for training and service."

Approved for a three-year period, the Accreditation Award represents the Rochester affiliate’s successful completion of an intensive review of national standards of quality in a variety of areas, including organization, finance, personnel and program management.

Trained LVA surveyors conducted on-site reviews of all documentation and completed interviews of key leaders, staff, volunteers and students. Surveyor reports were presented to the LVA Accreditation Review Committee which recommended that LVA-Rochester receive the award.

"The Accreditation Award means that LVA of Rochester provides effective non-profit management, excellent volunteer tutor training and quality literacy instruction," said Marsha L. Tait, president of the LVA national organization.

The LVA Accreditation Initiative was established in 1995 in response to a survey of literacy, business and community leaders who expressed the need for the creation of standards which are synonymous with excellence in literacy services, identification and dissemination of exemplary practices and support and technical assistance to attain higher standards.

In the Rochester area, more than 400 literacy volunteers serve more than 24,000 hours delivering services to 677 adults in both Basic and English as a Second Language programs, according to officials.